Ordered connecting rod......but
 

Hi All,

Well...I finally ordered a connecting rod for my 682 project from a "reputable" IH parts source, as mentioned on various threads.

When it arrived today, I was a bit confused. Take a look at the link below at the 6th item down, and tell me what you think is being offered, given the picture, and the wording in the description. The price seemed great for what is being offered....and I really was hoping to stay away from aftermarket rods...but I'm now the proud owner of a Stens rod for my K301 rebuild.

Did I misread something, or not understand the wording or picture correctly? I'm not really upset, but not really sure what to do next. I priced a new Kohler brand rod at my local Cub dealer for $37, and with shipping this one was $32 :bash2:

What do ya all think??

I'm not bashing anyone, but would like some opinions as to what I should do next. It wont be worth it to return it since I'll end up paying shipping and a restocking fee...



Jeff (teet)

Jeff, If it was me and I'am happy with the part I would keep it, You would lose to much money, returning it. I remember reading somewhere on the site that item photos are just stock photo's not of the actual item. By the way how is the 682 running? Fer100 (Rich)

I purchased a Kohler "standard" rod for my K301 rebuild and was using it on a standard size crank. It ended up being too tight and seized onto the crank after about 15 min of run time. Had to pull the engine and tear it down. Crank was fine but had to and was able to have rod honed to achieve correct clearance and all is good now - SO CHECK ALL CLEARANCES as the stock Kohler rod may not be machined with the correct sizes.

Thanks for the input guys. I'm not sure if I even want to contact the vendor, as I've heard (and read) both negative and positive things about trying to contact them. I tend to give anyone a shot once, and if I'm not pleased, simply don't return. After reading his response to the post at the link below, I may just eat this one, and go to my cub dealer for a rod.



Rich....this is from the 1250 engine in the 682. The previous owner of the engine never torqued the bolts on the rod when he rebuilt it, and it came apart, thankfully the only damage was the rod.


Jeff (teet)

Good info Doug, I have already measured the crank with a micrometer, and the rod with both a standard micrometer, and an inside micrometer...they are at spec. I have had bad luck with aftermaket rods and pistons in the past...

Jeff (teet)

rod
 

i think you,will be happy and just fine with the stens rod i sell both but from experience the stens rods are every bit as good as the kohler rods,

I am not trying to take sides here, but the description does say KOHLER OEM NEW. I did not know that Kohler used Stens rods as original equipment.

Thanks for reiderating...its just the principal of it. I just want to make sure I didn't "mis-understand" the description.

I have rebuild 14 engines in the last 2 years, 3 with stens rods...all failed within 100 hrs after rebuild. The others were 9 Kohlers and 2 Briggs...all with factory OEM rods, pistons, etc....they are all still going strong. I have used Stens gaskets in the past with good results,...but the Taiwanese cast rods don't fare well in my opinion


Jeff (teet)

I view the ad as being a genuine Kohler part, including a picture.
End of story
I would hope that the seller was trying to help by providing a aftermarket rod,possibly, because he was out of the genuine item, and in his mind it was an acceptable substitute.
I would contact him, asking for the item in the description, not aftermarket.
then go from there.

I see/read nothing to indicate other than Genuine Kohler factory part.