L654 Engine restoration for Kohler Genset

[LPeters]

This is my first post and Hello to all forum members. This message may need to be moved to a different forum. I am restoring a 4 cylinder flat head L654 Continental engine to full service for our Kohler Standby Generator = 7.5R62, spec. 106.

I am trying to get opinions on the benefit of installing an inline radiator water filter in the top radiator hose. I had the radiator torn down and cleaned today = bottom 1/3 gellied antifreeze, corrosion, & rust balls.

The run time meter showws 1010 hours but has been idle since 1997.

Lynn Peters

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Welcome to the forum.

I'd suggest rather than installing a filter you have a scheduled maintenance plan to change out the fluid. Judging from the condition you describe the radiator to be in, you may want to change the fluid a few times within the first few hours after your re-build and then on some set schedule after that. I'd think that once you get the crud out and put in good, clean fluid you won't have issues. A coolant system is supposed to be a closed loop. There shouldn't be a lot of debris introduced into the system.

I'm looking forward to watching this thread. How bad is the engine? How much work do you think it will take to return it to full service?

Pictures are a must.

 

[LPeters]

Just an update, I installed a Gano clear radiator filter in the top hose before I filled the system with Prestone 50/50 antifreeze. I ran the engine 30 minutes and you can see fluid flow (turbulence) as soon as the thermostat opens + by the end of the run the filter screen (end) was already dark with small rust particles. Forgot to mention I did not use an acid soak on the block because nobody can tell me for sure if the water pump is steel or aluminum. So I gave it a weeks soak in commercial detergent then a 30 minute clean water flush thru my modified lower radiator hose adaptor. I will post more after I finish the Propane power-valve adjust + rpm. adjusted to 61.5 Hz, "no load" + max. load test to hold 58.5 Hz. Then I have to run the tests on the Auto Transfer Switch and controller.