Cub Cadet 86 with 14hp bored .030

I don't know if this would be the right spot, but I'll post it here.

Just started building an 86 back up with a 14hp bored .030. I have it in the frame and running and driving, but it smokes some. I'm going to try and get by with a re-ring, but I also want to shave the head a little to get some compression out of it. How much can I shave off? Anybody ever dealt with this?

Also, does anyone see any issues with running the stock clutch???

Sorry, no pics yet...

This ought to be a fun machine!

It's a fun machine so far...It really likes to smoke though! Hoping for a sweet custom plow tractor. And since NOBODY wanted the stupid tractor for $50, I'll make them wish they would have bought it!!!

IACubCadet,

I understand, through reading different performance and pulling articles on building up these Kohlers, that you never take more than .050" off. I think a good resource to read is Bryan Millers website. He has some tables and some 'How To' s to guide you. Easiest way is to take some glass and a piece of fine sandpaper and start sanding the head. Whenever I take the head off one of these older small engines, I do this procedure just to plane the head out and give a nice surface to seat a new head gasket. You should not "polish" the head for you want some friction to hold against the compression. If it were me building it up, I'd take .020 off the deck from factory spec just to be safe. Should make it a bit snappier and give it a meaner growl. Good luck with it, hoping to see some finished pictures of it!

joefarmall- Thanks for the info! I was thinking about taking around .020 off the head. I think that would be plenty for me. You are also right about polishing...wouldn't do a lot of good with sealing the headgasket ad such...

Also, welcome to CubTalk! Hope to see some more posts!