[Complete] Mightyraze's Kal-El [2018 Build-Off Entry]

Looks nice

Here is that offending spark plug.




Also, found a set of older ribbed plugs that looked new. Kal fired up without hesitation, I have not gotten a chance to rev or ride at this point.

That's thinking out the box, good job on the exhaust.

Thanks... I ended back where I started in a way with the exhaust. Duals out the back, but this time the pipe is bent around things like the axle, footpads, and such. I don't have pix at this time. I'll take some monday as I have all day events tomorrow to take them.

Sounds really good. The pipes crossing looks really professional, and racecar-y

Doing some compression tests because of some power loss.

Kal - 18hp Oppy 63 psi and Leak down passed (lack of power).
Red- 17hp Oppy 78 psi no leak down tested (Lots of power).
Squatch - 16hp oppy 59 psi no leak down (Lots of power).

Doing some research, Briggs does not give compression values but recommends leak down tests.  I've read people getting anywhere between 50-100psi compression running good.

I'm thinking now that I may need to look into the carb.  Maybe a good cleaning.  Runs good, but has a bog down on mashing of the gas.  Before I take it apart, I will try some other things like new gas, and re-adjust low end jet.  I think I can do that on this carb.  Also a new set of plugs.  I had one busted that was arching, so I do have an older set in right now.

Other things to check or have checked.

Gas cap is venting well.
Maybe replace the fuel filter?

That's a pretty vague compression range, that's surprising.

muckmudd wrote:

That's a pretty vague compression range, that's surprising.

That was my thought.  If I had a good bench belt sander I thought about shaving the head a bit, but I do not have that.  Maybe a piece stuck to the work bench but that might take a while.  LOL

Yeah maybe just glue a peice of sandpaper to a flat surface and apply even pressure on the head.

OK...

What a cluster....

1st, that busted spark plug from little over a week ago.
2nd, I was actually running out of gas (pulling another @alliskidd21) it was sucking in a lot of air bubbles.
3rd, checked the spark.  One side was weak and the other side was non existent.  I swapped the plugs and those conditions followed those plugs. (They were the old plugs from the engine that I did not toss).  Pulled the plugs from my spare engine.  I was shocked they were not black, but clean with a little white.  They have been in that engine for 3 years and running regular up till last year.  Checked spark and it was bright blue.  Phew! Not the coil!  I  fired it up and it was back to being perky again.  It will lean me back in the seat again on accelleration.  I just need to adjust that idle jet a little.  It is 2 turns out.  I'd like to take it back down to 1.25-1.5 turns and see what happens.

So in short my engine is back in order in the power dept.  Now I can work on some things like maybe some steering slop.

Nice work. Looks like it was the simple stuff this time.

Now to build that pesky battery cover.  I have a new template that is MUCH better than last time.  Now to figure out what to make it from.  This time I need to take my time building it..

What was wrong with the other one?

You could make it out of aluminum or stainless so you can polish it and make it really shiny.

The other one turned out wonky and did not work out.

Good progress tonight... This one does not look twisted and isn't wonky.  Definitely good to work with!








Couple minor tweaks primer and paint. I also have a rubber stick-on to mount under it so the battery does not ground out should something fall on it and bend it.

"I also have a rubber stick-on to mount under it so the battery does not ground out should something fall on it and bend it."

Now that's thinking ahead, good job looks good

The original ones are plastic, but that never made it to my possession.

Now I have a battery cover. Came out nicely! I also found me some nice finger nuts to hold it down for easy removal. I may or may not need lock washers. I will monitor.

Battery cover came out great!

Is that a wireless remote for your winch?

Thanks!

Yeah that is my remote to the winch.


I need to look into finishing this thing up. Per rules, I can call it complete, but there are a few things that I really want to get done. May need to sink a little $$ into it to wrap it up.

Looks like it could be there since the mower was manufactured. Good work!!

Looks amazing, did you rivet it or spot weld it?

I riveted it together.

So, the wife and I are thinking about making some changes with our vacationing in the future.  Hopefully starting next year.  With these changes, the likelihood of taking Kal or Red with us is pretty good.  With that in mind, I will probably change the exhaust "AGAIN" at some time to be sure that I can meet Sound and USFS approved Spark Arresting ordinances in most states.

Another thing I may need to look into is registering it as a UTV/ATV vehicle.  Unlike some of our NE friends here in ATLTF, to my knowledge Oklahoma and many central and midwest states it would not be required.

Funny, I started this build to just be a fun mud mower, has started evolving into a full on Rec vehicle.

Taking one of your favorite tractors on vacation with you sounds like a great time.

Yikes.... 3 months left.  I need to wrap this tractor up!  I think I just pulled the trigger on the last parts for the rig....

Crosses fingers!