IthacaJeff 151 #1 Posted December 8, 2009 Hi WH'ers; Well, my offer to trade my tractors for strong running tractor did not pan out, so I'm thinking I'll try and have my Kohler 16 hp K341 rebuilt. This is not something I can do (time, space, tools, expertise), at least not something I want to experiment with at this time. So, I've decided to send it out for what *MAY* end up as major work, though it could be as simple as a carb refurbish, points, and condensor. I've called a few small engine shops in the area, but what should I look for in a mechanic, and what would be a worst-case scenario cost? One guy quoted me $500-$600 for a full rebuild -- pistons, crank, etc. WAY more than I can spend (though I'm pretty sure I won't need it). Is this reasonable? Would it be better to go with the old WH dealer, who is still in business with Toro and other stuff? Is a lot of experience with Kohler necessary? I'm looking to spend a maximum of $200-$300. Am I kidding myself? Any other advice? I'll take it all! Jeff in Ithaca Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Confused99 2 #2 Posted December 8, 2009 $500-$600 is not bad and about right. Wish I could do an Onan for that cheap Jason Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
qd-16 14 #3 Posted December 8, 2009 A friend of mine had his 14 kohler completely rebuilt, cost around 5-6 hundred..That quote sounds about right. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
d180man 5 #4 Posted December 8, 2009 Hi my brouther has a small shop but as long as they are good with kohler they dont have to be a toro dealer! most shop send out the crank and block now days to the big shops to get the work done ! our big tractor dealers dont do all the work now day they send it out ! no joke !to like napa! do you have one by you ? you could ask them it they do the work ? but good luck with it ! :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rickv1957 70 #5 Posted December 8, 2009 If your rebuild does not require everything new,that cost could be less,Rick Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
buckrancher 2,660 #6 Posted December 8, 2009 Jeff pm me your phone # Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chamjack 0 #7 Posted December 9, 2009 I just had my K341 rebuilt this summer. Machine shop labor was only around $100. He bored the cylinder .10 over, and machined the cam. The big money came in for the cost of the Kohler parts. Under sized rod was $75, gasket kit was about $45, and (drum roll) $200 for the piston . List was over $300 for it (so says the shop). I did find it about $40 bucks cheaper online when I checked afterwards. I still don't understand what makes that piston so darn expensive. All in all though, total was just under $500 and hopefully I get another 25 years out of it. :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IthacaJeff 151 #8 Posted December 10, 2009 Thanks gents, it looks as though I'm in the ballpark, which is nice to know so I'm not getting taken. I was also quoted some high prices on the Kohler parts, but we'll see. . . Brian, I PM'ed you my phone number, I'm also just around the corner! Jeff Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
streetcop 0 #9 Posted December 22, 2009 I just purchased a 416-8 and somkes on start up for a minute or two than seems to run well. Am I ready for a rebuild? any one know a person that would do it I live in NJ and have property in broome countyNY. Thanks !!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Curmudgeon 28 #10 Posted December 22, 2009 Since Kohler has dropped support of parts for the K-Series, no doubt prices for genuine Kohler parts will sky rocket as they become fewer. Many of us have used aftermarket (Stens, etc.) pistons, rings, rods, gaskets etc. with great success. Prices are a lot more reasonable for them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Trouty56 565 #11 Posted December 22, 2009 Is there as short list of reputable vendors that aftermarket Kohler rebuild parts could be purchased. Is Tulsa Engine Whse reputable?? http://tewarehouse.com/ I need to do engine work myself on a smokin' K482!! for any help!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
puddlejumper 67 #12 Posted December 22, 2009 Jeff, Check out this web site Brian Millers engine parts rebuilds and machine shop service. I was intending to do mine myself but after calling and talking to this guy. Ibelieve he is going to do mine Its what he does for a living and after pricing parts and machine shop I dont think I can save much doing it myself If anything at all. He will check everything but only charges for what it needs. Understand he has not had a chance to bite me yet. but I think I am going to try him. He is also close enough I can go look Him in the face rather than pay shipping both ways. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites