Bolens HT20 Kohler k532 No compression on one cylinder

[TheYard]

So, I took chance a year or two back and bought a used HT20 tractor - supposedly with a complete engine rebuild yada yada yada. It's worked on and off for about a year, and about 3 weeks ago I went to the shed, started it up, and drove it into the garage for an oil change (even though the oil looked new). Figured it couldn't hurt.

Didn't get to the oil change before I needed to use it to spread some gravel, and it wouldn't start - it would crank but not fire. Checked the plugs - well carbonized - replaced those. Replaced the spark plug wires. Replaced the coil.

Got a compression tester - one cylinder is AOK. The other cylinder - nothing.

Repower kits look to be about $3k. That's ouch for a tractor that might just have something else break on it next week.

I'm stuck. I don't what my move is here. Do I just junk it? (It has a FEL and three point hitch, new tires all around, and when it works, it works well). Do I pull the engine apart?

Any advice much appreciated!

 

[Rich B1]

Sounds like a valve stuck Or a piece of carbon on the valve seat. I would pull the head and check it.

 

[TheYard]

Thanks Rich! Will I need to replace the head gaskets if I do that?

 

[CalG]

A head gasket failed on my HT-23 a few years back.

I pulled the engine and went through it . Rings, valve guides, (had a loose one IIRC)
Rusted exhaust studs were a pia.

It's been working well since. Mostly push off light snow falls and hauling the garden wagon. ;-)

So, YES, New head gaskets ;-)