New Hustler

[bugeyed_99]

Finally got the new hustler home from Oregon, pretty rusty like the guy said but Im mainly after the lower body. Played with the diamond shifters and they move so that's good, gotta check out the engine and start a tear down of the whole thing tomorrow. Question for you hustler wizzes, I was told its a kohler 16hp 4 stroke model # K341QS spec # 71222a, seriel # 9183521, its yellow. what gonna be better in the long run, the kohler, or a 486cc snowmobile engine?

[amphibious drew]

what gonna be better in the long run, the kohler, or a 486cc snowmobile engine?

In my opinion, one who replaces a four stroke with a 2-stroke is generally a fool. There are many 2-strokers out there that came that way from the factory, and not enough factory 4-strokes built of some of the older machines. Why would you change motors to a 2-stroke? Why not start that way if you are building a racer? If you are not building a racer, the 4-stroke is the way to go. It has more low end torque for the trails and climbing obstacles. I'm not saying a 2-stroke doesn't have torque or can't could obstacles, I am just saying they don't do it slowly.

[jpswift1]

Drew is absolutely right. Don't replace the Kohler K341. That's what came with the Hustler, and that's a great, torquey engine that will run forever and give tons of low end power.....perfect for trail riding.

[Don]

In my opinion, one who replaces a four stroke with a 2-stroke is generally a fool.

???!!

[jpswift1]

Haha, I figured Don wouldn't like that one. Don't worry Don, Drew picked up a nice pair of those squishy 21" Chevrons for you VERY cheap to help cool you down. Plus I have that other pair for you that I still need to get to you as well.

[amphibious drew]

???!!

I said generally Don!!! That means there are exceptions.

[hydromike]

I'm not saying a 2-stroke doesn't have torque or can't could obstacles, I am just saying they don't do it slowly.

Drew's never driven a RIM.....

[bugeyed_99]

Anyone ever rebuilt one? Found a kit on ebay for about 100 bucks includes seals and piston, and a starter for 30.

[jpswift1]

I never have, but they seem pretty simple. You might want to search on some garden tractor, or garden tractor pulling forums because these engines are VERY popular with those guys and they might have some tips for you.

[bugeyed_99]

Hit a sticking point on the tear down, all lug nuts are off but 5 rims wont seperate from the hubs i think due to all the rust, any ideas?

[swamp donkey]

big hammer!!!!!!!!!

[Dan67]

Hit a sticking point on the tear down, all lug nuts are off but 5 rims wont seperate from the hubs i think due to all the rust, any ideas?

Jack up the hustler and hose down the rust with pb blaster.. wait some time and wack with a bfh.. (big fracking hammer)

[bugeyed_99]

Well finally got the wheels off the hustler, now have hit another snag. searched and couldn't find specific info to help but the pins or bolts that go thru the sprocket tube and thru the axles are not budging at all, I got the bolt on the bottom off, but using the allen wrench on the bolts they wont budge, just keep breaking my wrenches any ideas? Im trying to keep from cutting the axels in order to save a few for extras. I hit them a couple times with PB blaster as well

[hydromike]

but using the allen wrench on the bolts they wont budge, just keep breaking my wrenches any ideas?

Here's a silly question: Are you trying to turn the axle bolt using the allen head, or are you just holding the bolt with the allen head and loosening the nut? The allen-head is really just there to hold the bolt while you tighten the nut. If you get the nut off, you might be best to just drive the bolt out with a long punch and the same BFH you used on the wheels. You might have to get a little heat on it to help out. These bolts are hardened and are proper equipment to use when you put it back together, so if you break or frag one during dissassembly it's best to try and replace it with the same equipment. It's easy to just put a normal grade 8 bolt in there, but resist temptation and get a good shoulder bolt to replace it. McMaster Carr sells them pretty cheaply.... Here's the link to the 3/8" diameter shoulder bolt page.



Don't cut the axles just yet...

[bugeyed_99]

The nut came off without having to hold the bolt head at all due to all the rust this machine has accumulated over the years, looking at the bolt I was under the impression that the screwed out but if they don't then ill attack it with my hammer and give it a try.