Jump to content
Sign in to follow this  
vandamja

Recommended shops in SE Michigan for Kohler K341 rebuild?

Recommended Posts

vandamja

Hello,

I've got a 1979 C-161 with a Kohler K341 in it. Completely original engine that has never had any major work done to it. I know the original owner, who purchased it new in 1979. It's an awesome tractor with an equally awesome engine. But all of you know that already.

It has used some oil ever since I became its caretaker, and it has become increasingly difficult to start. Once it is running it is strong. A bit of Blue smoke. It does have a bit of a miss at top speed, but I've come to believe that is not all that uncommon with these engines.

Anyway, I want to have it rebuilt this fall. I've used a shop in Holley MI in the past, Al's Small Engine, but it appears they are now out of business. I am in the Brighton/Milford area, which is about half way between Lansing and Detroit. Does anyone have any recommendations for a good shop? I know there is one in almost every town, but it is hard sometimes to know which ones are good.

Thanks.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
SousaKerry

Are you sure it actually needs rebuilt. Sounds like a carb cleaning and new seals, maybe a valve adjustment and new set of points. If you are not lacking power I would not worry too much about a little blue smoke.

When was the last time the head was taken off and cleaned?

A little routine maintenance can go a long way on these good old Kohlers and even save you several hundred bucks. As for shops in the area I don't personally use any I do the work myself if I can.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
vandamja

I've put new points in it and adjusted the timing. I've also put a carb rebuild kit in it. The oil usage is enough that it is a little concerning. It probably goes from "full" on the dipstick to "barely reading" on the dipstick" in about 20 hrs.

I'm 99% sure that the head has never been off. Carbon build up is not going to lead to oil usage right?

This tractor was used to mow 2+ acres for nearly 30 years. The engine has to have well in excess of 2,000 hours on it. I know these old Kohlers are amazing engines, but it would seem that after that much time and those many hours, a rebuild might be in order? The last think I want is for this engine to torpedo on me.

Maybe I'm wrong and the hours are not a big concern?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
Fun Engineer

Knights Auto, NAPA

(248) 363-4157 -

A young guy that does their machining did my K181. Bored 20 over, new valve guides. Bought my piston, rings, rod, bearings, gasket kit, valves and tappets from them.They had to send the crank out for welding and grinding. Excellent work. Sorry, don't remember the cost.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
SMITTY

Took my k241 to Baldwin Automotive great job runs like a top. Can't remember how much. On Baldwin north of Walton in Pontiac 248-335-1518

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
Sign in to follow this  

  • Similar Content

    • Tinman1962
      By Tinman1962
      Recently got hold of a 656 it's has a "newer" 61/2 Briggs on it I don't believe that's right any ideas about that
    • Little Red Horse
      By Little Red Horse
      Hey all. I have a Electro 12 with a factory belly blade. It runs* and drives. I had used it to grade my driveway the last 6 yrs. Having moved I'm looking at my options on storing it or selling it. Frankly I have no idea what it is worth. I watched "ISaveTractors" video on 5 things to do with a new to you wheel horse/12hp kohler. (When i got it 6yrs ago) And went thru and did the adjustments and replaced the parts mentioned. It has been a good strong tractor for me until around July of this year. (2023)
      *Around July it started dying after running 20-30min. I replaced the carb (Chinese Amazon purchase) with one from isavetractors web site. That seemed to help it idle smoother(the old carbs jets wouldnt adjust), but it still dies at around 20-30min.
      So I've got 2 questions. 
      1. What is it worth? (As-Is) and
      2. What do I need to do to fix it? 
      Thanks yall!

    • 850ford
      By 850ford
      I am looking for a replacement Kohler for a 1980 c165,it is cradle mounted.
      Will a standard mount Kohler work, if I remove the cradle?
       I am located in Massachusetts 
        Thanks
    • BrianStasC-101
      By BrianStasC-101
      Hello all. I am looking for suggestions on adapting the pto from my C series tractor to a harbor freight predator 420 13hp engine. I know the predator motors are a controversial topic however it is the route I have chosen for this particular machine. The intent was to mostly use it for plowing so no PTO required but it would be handy to have. Looking to hear from someone that has successfully done the swap that may offer any advice before I attempt to transfer it over. Just looking for any general pointers that will help me along the way to make it go as smoothly as possible. 
×
×
  • Create New...