How to lift a Kohler

darryljs · #1 08-21-2014, 09:00 PM

I'm in the middle of a Kohler K301 rebuild. I was looking at the posts for ideas and hints. Lots of info on this site and everyone seems so helpful. So I have an idea I got from a Model A engine I pulled out. To lift those heavy Kohler engines you can make a lift ring. I took an old spark plug, knocked the porcelain out, tapped the hole with a 3/8" tap and screwed in a ring. Screw the unit in the spark plug hole and lift it up with your lifting device. It may not be perfectly level but it is easier to handle. Just make sure your threads from the ring go all the way through. If one 3/8" ring can lift a Model A in a spark plug hole, it will lift a Kohler.

Shaner · #2 08-21-2014, 09:07 PM

That works! Tho I'd be afraid of stripping the threads out in the head. I usually take two headbolts out and thread in two eye bolts. If I have to lift it with a winch. Most of the time I lift by hand with a swift back wrenching motion.

olds45512 · #3 08-21-2014, 09:07 PM

Rant from j mech beginning in 3..2..1 go

drglinski · #4 08-21-2014, 09:12 PM

I've got a tab for a hook on the top of my K series that is OEM. In the event of an engine pull, I'll use that.

darryljs · #5 08-21-2014, 09:15 PM

If you take the gasket off the bottom of the plug it gives you more threads in the head.

J-Mech · #6 08-21-2014, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olds45512

Rant from j mech beginning in 3..2..1 go

Sorry...... I'm late.

That is a very, VERY, VERY bad idea

....... unless you want to buy a head. It's aluminum you know. You'll pull the threads right out of the head. Or crack it, or pull the whole thing apart, drop the engine, shatter the pan, bend up the tin-work, and then wonder why on earth you ever thought that was a good idea. Use the head bolts. Most engines have lift brackets on them. If not, a piece of angle iron with a hole drilled in both sides, using a head bolt in one hole, and the chain in the other is a much better idea.

BTW. A model "A" has a CAST IRON cylinder head......
And I still wouldn't pull even that engine like that.

Sam Mac · #7 08-21-2014, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-Mech

Sorry...... I'm late.

That is a very, VERY, VERY bad idea

....... unless you want to buy a head. It's aluminum you know. You'll pull the threads right out of the head. Or crack it, or pull the whole thing apart, drop the engine, shatter the pan, bend up the tin-work, and then wonder why on earth you ever thought that was a good idea. Use the head bolts. Most engines have lift brackets on them. If not, a piece of angle iron with a hole drilled in both sides, using a head bolt in one hole, and the chain in the other is a much better idea.

BTW. A model "A" has a CAST IRON cylinder head......

and I thought it was a good idea, shows you what I know.

I do it the hard way, I just grab a hold of them and lift. Then my back lets me know for a couple days that I'm not all that smart.

J-Mech · #8 08-21-2014, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Mac

and I thought it was a good idea, shows you what I know.

I do it the hard way, I just grab a hold of them and lift. Then my back lets me know for a couple days that I'm not all that smart.

I usually just pick them up too.

But not the KT's or the Mags...... nope. I'm not "man" enough for those.

jimbob200521 · #9 08-21-2014, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Mac

and I thought it was a good idea, shows you what I know.

I do it the hard way, I just grab a hold of them and lift. Then my back lets me know for a couple days that I'm not all that smart.

At least I'm not alone in the "lift it till it hurts" club

jimbob200521 · #10 08-21-2014, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-Mech

I usually just pick them up too.

But not the KT's or the Mags...... nope. I'm not "man" enough for those.

Miss you by seconds

When I had my 1811's, I had no choice but to lift the Mag's by myself. Sucked, but I did it. Come on, "man" up and break your back like the rest of us!!