Kohler K Series

jhlittle · May 6, 2015

I know this isn't tractor related but I know this is the site that I'll get the best answers on. I have an old Kohler K series engine that needs to be rebuilt soon. It's still running but if it loses any more compression i won't have to wind the rope up to start it, I'll be able to spin it fast enough by hand.

I checked with the parts house and he couldn't find anything for an engine that old but he said if he could find them it would be at least $75 for rings and over $200 for rings/piston.

Does anyone know of a good site that has parts at a reasonable price?

Thanks

DJ54 · May 6, 2015

Why not check with the machine shop that will be doing the block boring..?? Or, do a Google search by using the K series number of your engine, like K91, etc. Do a search for like "Kohler K91 rebuild kit". Bet you'll get more than a few hits.

travlitt · May 6, 2015

Go to this site and enter your model #

Kohler K141-29161 Parts List and Diagram : eReplacementParts.com

RandyT · May 6, 2015

From a Kohler dealer, If you have the cylinder bored you better find out the specs for the cylinder and how to properly measure the skirt clearance for the cylinder. and take it with you, otherwise they will screw it up.

Like for instance Most K series require .007-.010 skirt clearance, and the piston is measured like 5/8 in up from the bottom of the skirt, but can vary depending if you are using the old style piston versus the newer mauly piston.

heviduty · May 7, 2015

Try here.

Kohler Pistons & Piston Rings

JRobyn · May 7, 2015

Many of the old Gravelys used Kohler engines. Richards Lawn & Garden still carries a lot of parts for them.

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- Jay

sd455dan · May 7, 2015

jhlittle said:
I know this isn't tractor related but I know this is the site that I'll get the best answers on. I have an old Kohler K series engine that needs to be rebuilt soon. It's still running but if it loses any more compression i won't have to wind the rope up to start it, I'll be able to spin it fast enough by hand.

I checked with the parts house and he couldn't find anything for an engine that old but he said if he could find them it would be at least $75 for rings and over $200 for rings/piston.

Does anyone know of a good site that has parts at a reasonable price?

Thanks

if you are looking for inexpensive
Ebay has the rebuild kits for about $80 and that includes a new rod and tune up kit.

Kohler K301 12hp Engine Rebuild Kit w Free Tune Up | eBay

I am in the same boat with my K301 kohler (12 hp) used in our vintage Golfster golf cart, except it has ok compression but burns oil like it is free.

Jacks has always had the parts i have needed , but many times the price has been considerably higher than from some other sources.

It is best to pull the engine down and mic the cylinder wall and crankshaft rod journal that way you can order the correct piston / ring oversize-
and rod size
standard or undersize .010 or.020 and supply that to the shop that does the cylinder boring and crank turning if necessary.

good luck,
those old kohlers are good engines- but after 40 + years of use they sometimes need a little freshening up.