Ryangren 1 #1 Posted February 11, 2015 I've just purchased a 1975 D180 and after only 10 hours of running it broke a connecting rod. All the repair shops are telling me that the parts I need are discontinued and that a replacement engine doesn't exist. Where can I get a rod and piston for this motor. Eng # K482-35222B. Sure do need some help. Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 10,498 #2 Posted February 11, 2015 Here is the Kohler parts list Service manual Garry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hodge71 663 #3 Posted February 11, 2015 (edited) Everyone at the repair shops told you correct. The only chance you have is on here and possibly That is one tough engine to find stuff for. As is the 20 and 23 HP versions. I bought 2 NOS pistons and rods last year for my K-482 for $85. Very salty but nobody makes replacements so unless you find a whole engine in great shape...its a waiting game at best Edited February 11, 2015 by Hodge71 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ryangren 1 #4 Posted February 11, 2015 Thanks for your replies! I hope to get this machine running soon. Please keep me in mind if you happen to come across this motor in your travels.. Thanks again, Ryan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scotty 252 #5 Posted February 11, 2015 (edited) If I was you I would just do a motor swap to another motor. If I was in your position I would probably put in one of those predator twins if it fit. I don't see why you couldn't replace the motor? Edited February 11, 2015 by scotty Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Trouty56 565 #6 Posted February 12, 2015 Check the specs against the K241..... 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baerpath 517 #7 Posted February 12, 2015 http://www.mowergraveyard.com/engine-parts-c-82/pistons-c-82_84/kohler-k241-k482-and-m10-piston-010-for-10-hp-engines-p-677.html 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Factory Dog 44 #8 Posted February 14, 2015 Ryan, I did some looking around and it appears that "Jacks Small Engines" may still have some piston/ring sets available for your engine. I have looked at their online ordering, but have not actually contacted them. I am a Newbie, but some other fellers probably have already looked into this. As far as the rods go, there is a company by the name of R&R Racing Products up in Gant Park, Illinois, that builds custom rods for just about anything, including Kohler engines. They advertise that if they haven't already made one, all they need is a sample. If you want to check into them, their web address is rrconnectingrods.com. I suspect that going this route might be a little expensive, but you will have to make that call. Have a good night, and don't give up on your Horse!!! Sincerely, Factory Dog 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ryangren 1 #9 Posted February 14, 2015 Factory Dog, Thank you. I really appreciate that you took the time to research and reply to my posting. I will certainly look into this. I really can't say enough good things about the feedback I have gotten from you and others on this site! You guys are the best! Thanks so much. Ryan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bobert94 38 #10 Posted February 14, 2015 check pats small engine plus. he has aftermarket pistons for under 30.00 & kohler pistons for way way more! as for rods there are some listed on e bay now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Factory Dog 44 #11 Posted February 14, 2015 Yes, I noticed that the price for the Kohler piston and rings were very expensive. As an old German friend of mine would often say, "They are very proud of those parts!". I would take Mr. bobert94's recommendation and look at some of the aftermarket components. When I go back to the factory next Tuesday I will talk with one of our maintenance gentleman who has a side business in rebuilding small engines and race engines. He may be able to give me some more insight into what aftermarket components are available, and where the best place to get them from would be. I also need to stop in at Kings Engines Monday. He specializes in automotive and tractor engines, but he may know some good sources for various engine components. I would highly recommend taking your time looking around and comparing your options to make the best decision. I would also like to say that these folks on the wheel horse forum have been a huge blessing to me also. Sincerely, Factory Dog 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Factory Dog 44 #12 Posted February 19, 2015 Ryan, I talked with my engine friends this week, but really didn't learn much. One of them has any special pistons he needs, manufactured by a local machinist $$$. I was on Jack's Small Engine website again and seen that they had Gravely pistons that are supposed to fit the K482. These were selling for $57.94 for the piston alone, which isn't a bad price. I know that engine parts in general seem somewhat high, but then maybe I am just to frugal. I am kind of curious as to what exactly a Gravely is? I thought they were a brand of tractors, not engines. Anyway, have a great night!!! Sincerely, Factory Dog Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tech270154 8 #13 Posted February 23, 2015 (edited) factory dog very easy he has everything about wheel horse d180 it is also what i own a d180 Joes Outdoor Power http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_14246631936629&key=6f023ca6b1a05bd6055a4873d96dc7f0&libId=9188d3a4-5a28-4713-a615-6fa77c3d82b1&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mytractorforum.com%2Fforumdisplay.php%3Ff%3D206&v=1&out=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.joesoutdoorpower.com%2F&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mytractorforum.com%2Fshowthread.php%3Ft%3D113020&title=Joes%20Outdoor%20Power%20-%20MyTractorForum.com%20-%20The%20Friendliest%20Tractor%20Forum%20and%20Best%20Place%20for%20Tractor%20Information&txt=Joe%27s%20Outdoor%20Power good luck there is some other if there is no luck Edited February 23, 2015 by tech270154 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ryangren 1 #14 Posted March 19, 2016 Thanks to you all! It's been a really long search to find parts, time, and man power to fix this horse..the motor finally got back together and was running but sounded as if there was some crazy knocking..the valves need adjustment and ooops, the fly wheel wasn't on tight.. should be good to go now! You guys are great. Thank you for your help. -Ryan 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tommyg 152 #15 Posted March 22, 2016 Just curious if you needed any machining on the crank with undersized rods or oversized pistons for the cylinders. My D180 issues began as a crazy knocking. I thought it was the valves as well. Then, I thought I hit something with the mower deck. It was actually the rod breaking. Looked high and low for the over/undersized components and came up short. Made the decision to forgo the Kohler 18 and put in a used 25HP Kohler Command. Really happy with the result. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ryangren 1 #16 Posted March 22, 2016 I'm not sure what my friend did with the parts he found..the guy is a genious and seriously can fix anything. The 25 kohler fit? Cool.. where did you find that used motor? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tommyg 152 #17 Posted March 27, 2016 It took a little Yankee ingenuity, but I couldn't be happier with the end result. Found the motor at a local mower shop. The owner had been kicking it around his shop for a couple years and was glad to give me a deal on it. Low hours. Runs like a top. Here's the thread where I journaled my steps if you want to take a look. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
