Kohler k161

[Dlittle1]

Hi guys, I just got a Cub Cadet 72 for free! The engine hasn't ran in at least ten years. I want to know where I can get a rebuild kit for it. I tried looking on Amazon but could only find rebuild kits for large bore engines that have a letter after the number eg. k161a, my engine is just plain k161. I was hoping you guys might know where I can get one, Thanks!

[ironman]

Originally Posted by Dlittle1

Hi guys, I just got a Cub Cadet 72 for free! The engine hasn't ran in at least ten years. I want to know where I can get a rebuild kit for it. I tried looking on Amazon but could only find rebuild kits for large bore engines that have a letter after the number eg. k161a, my engine is just plain k161. I was hoping you guys might know where I can get one, Thanks!

Look at this guy on eBay. He has various kits for K161 depending on what you want to do.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Kohler-K161...7jhNrLtSaZWTWQ

Unless you are planing to have the cylinder bored, you should be aware that there were two standard size bores in the K161. On your engine cover there is a plate that has your spec number. If your spec number is 28161 or earlier the standard bore is 2 7/8. If the spec is 28162 or later the standard bore is 2 15/16. I understand that the 2 7/8 pistons are hard to find. If you are going to bore it, moot point.

[olds45512]

As Ironman said, if you have the smaller bore you will need to have it bored to accept the larger piston.

Have you tried to get the engine running? What leads you to believe it needs rebuilt? I recommend getting the engine running so you can test drive the tractor a bit, this will help you determine if there is anything else that needs repaired while it's apart, this will save you from having to take it back apart.

[ol'George]

And when you get it running and if you decide to rebuild it, you still have to take it apart so you know what you have, and what you need.
it could be as virgin as Mary, or already oversize.
Oh,
And welcome to the madness here @ OCC!

[Dlittle1]

I was going to try and get it running but there was a mouse nest in the fly wheel cover and there is literally zero compression so I decided to rebuild it. There is no scoring in the cylinder so I need the standard bore rebuild kit, Thanks.

[Merk]

Originally Posted by Dlittle1

there is literally zero compression so I decided to rebuild it. There is no scoring in the cylinder so I need the standard bore rebuild kit, Thanks.

Do yourself a favor if you are going to rebuild it.... Buy or download a Kohler service manual. Go to the section rebuilding a Kohler engine. Read and follow the instructions about measuring the block and crank journal. Odds are you are going to need the block bored to fit an .010, .020, or .030 piston oversize piston. The connecting rod-crank journal may need some work.

Mouse nest and zero compression are good signs that the engine needs rebuilt and you won't get by with a standard bore rebuild kit.

[mortten]

If it sat that long it may just have a stuck valve. Pull the head.

[Lanceskene]

Yep, stuck valves are quite common, I'd rule out the simple fixes first before going head on into a rebuild.

Welcome to OCC

[sawdustdad]

zero compression does not sound like a worn out piston/rings/cylinder situation. It sounds like a stuck valve. Pull the breather cover and watch the valves move up and down as you crank it.

If they work, put a bit (a couple tablespoons) of oil in through the spark plug hole and crank the engine. If you start to get some compression, then you've confirmed the rings/cyl are worn. (oil seals them up temporarily).

If you still get no compression, and the valves are moving, you've got bigger problems (like a broken connecting rod) so pull the head and assess.

[sir_lancealot]

Doesn't the K series have a compression release? Or is that only on the 10+hp engines?