127 to build or not to build
 

Hi,Folks,

My 127 has been a boat anchor for me in my yard. Engine got water in it during the exhaust stroke position and sitting. I can not turn it over by any means. It needs rod ends and some other steering work. It ran when given to me. Stopped shortly after on restricted hydro flow most likely the filter and such.

Anyway not sure if Kohler can be saved inexpensively. Any thoughts would help my decision.

Here is the gem.

The 127 is a good solid tractor. You will have to decide whether to spend the money to get it running or "cut bait".

Only way to know is to remove the engine and disassemble it, once its apart you'll be able to see the condition of the block and make a more informed decision. Just because you can turn it over be hand doesn't mean its junk.

At least pull the head and see how badly the rust has taken hold.
Might be able to soaked down with PB Blaster, etc. to get some movement.
Or Wire brush and sand some and blow out dust before the PB Blaster soak.

It depends on how serious you are about these icons of american ingenuity and quality. But, even if you were to part it out, it would need to be torn down. As has been stated, at least pull the head and take a look. Or, pass it along to someone that will "bring it back", ...or.
But, please don't take it to the scrap yard! :bigthink:

Here's what my K301 looked like when I started and took the head off. It was full of water and froze solid.
Attachment 64237Attachment 64238Attachment 64233
Tore it down completely. I had to pound the piston out with a heavy hammer and 2x3 wood block. Had to get it bored out .020 over to get the rust pits out.
Attachment 64234
Got a overhaul kit with all the gaskets and oil seals, piston, connecting rod, tune up parts and valves.
Attachment 64235Attachment 64236
This is what I have when finished.
The approximate cost -- overhaul kit, bored .020, all new bolts (from TSC), paint (rattle cans TSC Cub Cadet Yellow) -- $250.00 and a bunch of hours cleaning, inspecting, tearing down and putting together.
I think it was well worth it. Lots of satisfaction and an engine that runs like a charm and has plenty of power in my 125.
From what I described, I hope it helps you to make a decision what to do.

Side note -----If it were mine, I'd rebuild it, you couldn't buy one for $250.00. :bigeyes:
Good luck.

Mine was terrible in every way when I got it. This is the end product

The guys are right, it just depends on what you want.

If you have the time and like to do a little work, you won't find a better built garden tractor anywhere. Rebuild the engine, do some maintenance work on it and use it for chores around the house for the next 40 years.

Or you can go spend a couple thousand dollars and buy a grass cutter that you can throw away in a few years.

I'd have to hit it w/some Marvel Mystery Oil. You have nothing to lose.
I was given a Monkey Ward/Gilson GT many yrs ago w/a locked up Briggs, it had sat outside all winter and was stuck. I had just bought my first place(a repo) and grass was waist high and there was unseen junk all over. Did not want to use my newer mower for this reason.
I filled the cylinders w/MMO and tried it the next afternoon, engine cranked right over and MMO shot out the plug holes. Dumped the gas, cleaned the carb and it busted right off. Abused it for 2 yrs til I sold it to a buddy with some repo land. First mow w/it I hit 2 concrete blocks, a pile of old windshields and 3 T posts.