Tapping noise on Kohler 38hp (Predator 38x Stump grinder)

[Clutchy]

Hi, 

 

Was using the machine on an incline today, with no problems, an hour later when on a pretty flat surface I was getting a very loud tapping noise. Shut the machine down and upon reading, turned it back on a let it idle, the noise went away after 5 mins of idle (checked oil and was on the lower, but not below, so topped it up). 

 

Went to use it again and after 5 minutes it returns, did the same process and it went away. This happened maybe 5 times as needed to finish the stump. 

 

 

 

Could this be low oil pressure getting to the lifters? Would an oil and filter change help with this? Video attached for sound. 

TIA

[Stubby]

Top it up or change it with a new filter .

[Clutchy]

3 minutes ago, Stubby said:

Top it up or change it with a new filter .

Yeah was hoping that would do it. 

Apparently the Kohler brand oil has an additive to make the lifters less tappy, but struggling to find any online. I know there is added zinc. 

Would you be anal about getting the correct oil, or just good quality at the correct viscosity? 

[Stubby]

1 minute ago, Clutchy said:

Yeah was hoping that would do it. 

Apparently the Kohler brand oil has an additive to make the lifters less tappy, but struggling to find any online. I know there is added zinc. 

Would you be anal about getting the correct oil, or just good quality at the correct viscosity? 

Good quality oil is better than no/not enough oil .

[Dan Maynard]

Was it spot on correct grade oil that you topped it up with though? Could be too thin at high temp but ok at low temp.

 

Oil and filter change sounds like a good place to start in any case.

[Clutchy]

9 minutes ago, Dan Maynard said:

Was it spot on correct grade oil that you topped it up with though?

Nope 10w40 is all I had, thought better than nothing. Hopefully that has contributed. 

Will get the oil and filter sorted, cheers 

[doobin]

Give me a diesel engine for this kind of application any day! The petrol ones won't last half as long.

[lux]

4 minutes ago, doobin said:

Give me a diesel engine for this kind of application any day! The petrol ones won't last half as long.

Im sure it’ll be just fine. Had this one 4 years with no engine trouble.  

 

[lux]

1 minute ago, lux said:

Im sure it’ll be just fine. Had this one 4 years with no engine trouble.  

 

My 38 Rx that is 

[salmonhooker]

Greetings, 

 I just acquired a grinder with the same engine , it is making the exact sound as your engine in the video.  Just wondering if the oil and filter change helped with your situation?  Or if you were able to fix the problem

 

Thanks