Kohler 'rebuild' cost?

[Peruvian]

Both the K301AQS and K321AQS are getting tired. They are smoking hard on start up and have other various issues (one still runs really high RPMs). I'm thinking it's time to have them rebuilt. The 12hp prob just needs to be rebored, new piston/rings, valves, etc. The 14hp might need that plus some electrical work.

I'm not saavy enough to tear it down that far and rebuild it. Can someone give me an idea of what the cost could/should be for this?

I love my old cubs but want to make sure I'm not going to drop more than they are 'worth'.

[finsruskw]

I had a 321 done in April. Total bill for parts and machine work was $233.
This was for aftermarket piston & rod, Not Kohler.
I dis and reassembled it myself.
I would think the total would be at least double that if you hire it all done
JMHO Your results may vary.
Good luck!

[Cub Cadet 123]

Originally Posted by Peruvian

Both the K301AQS and K321AQS are getting tired.

I love my old cubs but want to make sure I'm not going to drop more than they are 'worth'.

Most of us already do that on our cubs. Guess that is the downfall of having it as a hobby and not as a business, but I still enjoy it! As far as a rebuild, I had a k321 rebuilt with Kohler parts...new piston...rings....rod, but mine did not need a bore and my cost was a little over $300 for all the work done, except removal and re-install of the engine. Cost kind of depends on their hourly labor charge. I know one place that is $40/hr and another that is $90/hr.....but the $90/hr is a JD place and I can't afford their fool's gold. My balance gears were laying in pieces in the oil pan so they cleaned all of my engine to remove any particles that got loose. I would recommend that you remove your balance gears if that hasn't been done already. There may be just a little bit more of a vibration, but the pros outweigh the cons in my opinion. Hope this info helps you out.

Cub Cadet 123

[Peruvian]

Thanks, guys. I'm not sure they need to be bored out. New piston and rings might clear the smoke (a simple cracked ring would be much appreciated ). The shop I'm looking at is $50/hr so I hope to keep it under $500.

I can disassemble them in or out of the tractor but am not sure how they would test it. The shop is about 35 miles away so it's not just a run back and forth option.

[Merk]

To rebuild an engine the right way you will need a
gasket kit
piston and rings
governor-if it is a plastic one
connecting rod-need to measure the crank journal-sometimes the crank journal needs turn .010 under stock spec.
points pushrod
I will replace the head bolts, bearing plate bolts and oil pan bolts.
I would check the valves-they may need ground or replaced

part number for piston-I give the place where I order my parts (small motor shop) the model-spec and serial number. He orders the parts for me. Sometimes I'm asked if I want Kohler or Stens parts. I only use Kohler connecting rods. I had problems with Stens in the past

The following part(s) are replaced when I rebuild a Kohler motor:
1. piston
2. connecting rod
3. governor gear (plastic version)
4. points push rod (aluminum version)
5. head bolts
6. bearing plate bolts
7. oil pan bolts
8. gaskets
9. crank seals
10. grind valves-replace as needed
11. check valve guides-replace as needed
12 check cam lobe that the points push rod rides on-sometimes the push rod will wear a groove in the lobe.

If your Kohler motor has balance gears-throw them in the trash can. I don't reinstall them.

Any motor that needs more than a .030 oversize piston gets sleeved.

The block is cleaned in my parts washer and them cleaned with soap and water in the sink in my garage. I use an assembly lube when I reassemble a motor. Lube is applied to crank journal, cam and crank bearings. All threads are tap before the motor is put together.

The $80 epay specials aren't the best quality. I use only Kohler parts on my own motors and prefer to use Kohler parts on any customer's motor. Kohler parts are a little more expensive...worth it in my book.

I have a few motors that just had a "hone and new rings" special done to them before I work on them. You may get a few years life out of that. Most times the piston is burnt in the exhaust valve area.

Cost (local automotive machine shop):
bore cylinder-$45
resurface head (labor)-$10
Repair and Replace valve guide (labor)-$32
I charge a flat price of $175 to rebuild a Kohler engine.

[Yosemite Sam]

Originally Posted by Peruvian

I love my old cubs but want to make sure I'm not going to drop more than they are 'worth'.

Please understand that I am not here to smart you off or trying to make you look bad, just offering something to think about...

BTW Merk is exactly right, do it once and do it right (especially if you really do love your Cubs).

That said: If you can have your engine rebuilt for $600.00 or $700.00 and you rebuild your clutches, steering columns, replace hydro filters/fluid and fix whatever else is wrong or worn with/on your tractors, new tires, paint, however far you want to take it, you are still in them for much less than you would be in a new one for AND they will last for another 40 years, where-as your new ones will be scrapped out in a few years.

Bottom line. For the next 40 years, you will have two really great pieces of American history, that you can actually use on a daily basis. All the while your neighbors will be wasting money on new POS machines. Add the implements and attachments that fit your needs and you will be able to do things with your tractors that the neighbors would NEVER be able to do with theirs. OR you can go along with the other sheep and piss money away on cheaper and cheaper machines every few years.

The way I see it, it is well worth spending the money on an old one now rather than spending $2000.00 plus every few years for a new one.

But, if messing around with this kind of thing doesn't suit your lifestyle then you have to do what is best for you and your family.

[TheSaturnV]

^^^^

Yosemite pretty much sums it all up right there.

[Rescue11]

Originally Posted by TheSaturnV

^^^^

Yosemite pretty much sums it all up right there.

X2!!!

[Peruvian]

Thanks again for the additional comments. I agree with all you are saying, Sam and that's why I'm considering a rebuild instead of scrapping them.

[drglinski]

I'm fairly certain that IH Cub Cadets are appreciating in value with age. I wouldn't want a new one I'd keep rebuilding the old until I couldn't rebuilt it anymore.