Go BottomRocker arm oiling on Kawasaki fd 620d Gator 6x4
 | Cheapsnake
Join Date: Feb 2017 Posts: 14 WI 
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2018-02-04 197471
I just completed a rebuild on a Kawasaki fd620d engine from a Gator 6x4. Everything was up to spec, but when I spun the engine over I couldn't see any oil to the rocker arms, nor could I find an oil galley that would feed them. Unless I'm missing something, the only way I could see the rockers getting lubed was via oil mist coming up through the heads from the crankcase. Is that all there is or am I missing something?
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| gatoraider
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 544 Maryland 
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2018-02-04 197472
That's all there is.............................. ....
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| Trainpilot
Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 69 Ukiah, CA
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2018-02-05 197475
I seem to remember an oil passage through the cylinder head gasket to rockers. I have a couple of engines partially disassembled, though I'm not sure if any have a head removed. I'll check today and let you know. That oil pump can take a while to prime from dry. Did you fill crankcase and crank right away? Or did it sit awhile? I'd be tempted to remove spark plugs, slightly overfill crankcase (to allow for filling oil filter) squirt some oil on rocker assemblies, and crank for a bit to see if there is positive flow up to rockers. Can I ask what it cost for parts for a rebuild? I installed a Harbor Freight 25hp v-twin in the mule I usually drive, and wish I'd rebuilt the Kwacker engine as it is a good one--plus I'd already replaced the cam. I may rebuild one of my spares for a future replacement on another of our machines. ....
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| Cheapsnake
Join Date: Feb 2017 Posts: 14 WI
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2018-02-05 197476
I scoured the case and heads for any passage that might provide a path for pressurized oil, but the only possible path I could find was openings in the heads alongside the tappets that would allow incidental oiling, but nothing pressurized. If that's the way these engines were designed I really can't argue, since they are very reliable and when they do break it's something other than the valve train. It just seems to be an iffy proposition. I know I've got good oil pressure. I packed the pump with vaseline and spun it over with a test light hooked up to the oil pressure sensor. It pressurized almost immediately and in fact, held pressure for several seconds after stopping.
I did a complete rebuild on the engine (rings, bearings, seals, gaskets, valve lapping, cylinder hone, milled heads, etc.) and I think the parts cost less than $200. Beyond that I had a pro do the machining and basic assembly, so I'm probably into it for around $475 plus the cost of the core.
I do think the Harbor Freight option is very valid. However, the reality with anything John Deere is that anything non-stock tends to bring the value down...even if it's an improvement over stock. I recently dropped a V8 into a Porsche 914. Made the car much more fun to drive, but dropped the value by at least 50%. Go figure.
BTW, I'm building this engine on spec and it's currently for sale on local Craigslist until Wednesday, then it goes to ebay if anybody is interested. ....
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