Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): position of connector rod on crank, piston ring, permanent marker

Question
QUESTION: John,

I'm doing a ring job on a 10-yr-old 22 hp Kohler Command Twin (on a Great Dane surfer).  It had been burning oil recently, and I've been told these engines have a history of piston ring issues.  Anyway, I was quite tired the other night when I finally got the oil pan off & started to unbolt the connector rods.  I forgot to wipe things off & mark the positions with the permanent marker so I'd know exactly where to position them for re-assembly.  Now I'm kicking myself for not marking things before I unbolted the connector rods.  The cam and the crank both have timing marks so I know where to position them, but I'm at a loss for positioning the connector rods for re-assembly.  Please advise.

Regards,
Brian

ANSWER: Hello Brian:

If you have the Crankshaft and Cam Lined Up, then Install the Connecting Rods so the Writing on the Rods are Towards the Cam. The Timing Marks for the Crankshaft and Cam will Position the Pistons Correctly in the Cylinders. Once the Pistons and Connecting Rods are Installed, Turn the Engine by Hand and Watch the Connecting Rods. If you have One Wrong it will Bind while Turning the Engine. You can View a Breakdown of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.kohlerplus.com/login.asp and Select Enter as Guest. Now Select the Thumbnail of the Catalog you Wish to View. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the prompt answer John.  I did mark which way the connector rods faced as I removed them.  What I was referring to was the exact position on the crank that the connector rod clamps are tightened to the crank. I was concerned that I needed to have one of the pistons at the top of the cylinder with the cam & crank lined up just right so that the lifters would function in coordination properly with the compression stroke...

So all I have to do snug them and turn the crank until nothing binds? Almost sounds too easy.  I tend to overthink some things.

Thank you also for the kind thoughts.  I have been blessed - I'm a 2 year stage 4 head & neck cancer survivor...

Answer
Hello Again Brian:

I am Glad to Hear the Good News. Stay Safe and Cancer Free. If you have the Timing Correct (the Crankshaft and Cam Marks Matched), then Snug the Connector Rod Caps and Turn the Engine. Then Torque the Rod Caps to the Specifications on the Chart at the Site Addy that Follows. http://outdoorpowerinfo.com/engine_specs/kohler_rod_torques.asp . The Torque is Between 100 Inch Pounds and 200 Foot Pounds Depending on the Model of the Engine. Do Not Forget to Use STP Oil Treatment (or White Lith Grease or Wheel Bearing Grease) on the Rod Caps to Help Prevent Metal Burn During Start Up. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John