Balancer Gear

[JimT]

Hi there, I have another question for the pros out there.

I was draining the oil on the 147 today and heard some loud oil hit the drain pan (metal pieces). Upon pulling the oil pan I found that the bottom balancer gear had broken parts off of it. I removed the rest of the gear from the engine. The engine was running good with no noise or smoke that I could hear or see. At a very low idle it did rock back and forth a little bit.

I have heard that you can take these gears out and leave them out. Is this correct? If so, since the engine was running with no noises, can I leave the top gear in with out doing any harm? This engine will not be used much other than in tractor parades and a little driving around the yard. No mowing.

If the top gear has to be removed can it be removed without pulling the crankshaft?

Here are a couple of photos.

Any help will be appreciated.

[Paul B]

Take it out, and be sure to take the spacers and any shims off the two stub shafts. You will probably have to take the crank out to get the top one, or you can try to split it with a cold chisel. That can be done, but you also run the risk of cracking the block.

[BigBill]

Which kolhers have these balance gears'???? just the 14hp/16hp? Or do the 12hp's have them too?

[Paul B]

Some do. If there is an oil dip stick in the cam cover under the carb, it probably has balance gears unless someone has already removed them.