Only Cub Cadets - What is average lifespan of Kohler K series engines?

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What is average lifespan of Kohler K series engines?

If u did periodic maintenance at the right times, oil changes, air filter, fuel filter, etc, what would be the average life expectancy in hours of one of these Kseries engines? So how many hours before u would have to rebuild one due to oil burning?
Thanks

Hard to say given so few of the Cubs had hour meters that ran them. Using the QL tractors as a guide, and given that I've seen some old machines with original bores in them, I'm going to say around 1200- 1500 hrs. Some last longer, some don't make it that far, but in a tractor, I'd say that's close. Now, a K series in say, a gen set, should last at least twice as long.

After years of engine rebuilding, I'm here to say that how it gets operated makes as much or more of a difference even than regular maintenance.

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-Mech (Post 434175)

Hard to say given so few of the Cubs had hour meters that ran them. Using the QL tractors as a fuide, and given that I've seen some old machines with original bores in them, I'm going to say around 1200- 1500 hrs. Some last longer, some don't make it that far, but in a tractor, I'd say that's close. Now, a K series in say, a gen set, should last at least twice as long.

After years of engine rebuilding, I'm here to say that how it gets operated makes as much or more of a difference even than regular maintenance.

Ok thanks. I just bought a parts tractor Cub 1250 for $150. Didn't expect much but the engine runs supisingly good. The oil was very clean. Wired it up, threw a battery in it and doesn't seem to smoke at all. Guy said it sat in his garage for at least 6 years. Hour meter seems to have stopped at 750 hrs. Engine was very clean on the outside. Ran it for 30 minutes. No oil leaks. Guess I got lucky for once.

Quote:

Originally Posted by coinman66 (Post 434178)

I worked in the small engine repair business for most of the 1980's. K series kohlers were on everything back then. I agree with John... well maintained on a mower 12-1500 hours.. I know of a few that had closer to 2000 but those owners were meticulous with maintenance and likely didn't run their equipment quite as hard.
The main thing that would get them was dirt. Either from lack of maintenance on the air filter or a worn throttle shaft. People would let the throttle shaft get completely floppy in the carb bore and then wouldn't believe you when you told them it was sucking dirt right by the shaft!:beerchug:

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaynjeep (Post 434183)

Thanks for the info. So did i do ok for $150?

Quote:

Originally Posted by coinman66 (Post 434184)

Thanks for the info. So did i do ok for $150?

Um... Heck yeah!:beerchug::beerchug:... lot of good parts there for $150 SKINS!:biggrin2:

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaynjeep (Post 434187)

Um... Heck yeah!:beerchug::beerchug:... lot of good parts there for $150 SKINS!:biggrin2:

And a damb good runnin, non smoking Engine! Lol
Score!

Ya done good!!! :beerchug:

My 1211 has over 1,100hrs on it and it runs great and doesn't smoke.

The ai compressor company close to me- they had lots of those on stationary installations they use to service. He claimed to have serviced originals with 4,000+ hrs on them. But not a dirty environment. If it wasn't for EPA, I think the K-series would still be in production.

M