Kohler K-19 Engine search

[Deer hunter 2]

Does anyone know where I could find a complete engine rebuild kit from for the k-19 ? I absolutely love my c-195 and have had it for years. But the motor let go last fall and I want to rebuild it or upgrade the motor, any suggestions?

[953 nut 66,547]

Welcome @Deer hunter,  @pfrederi can give you some input on the cost of rebuilding a Kohler Twin.  One suggestion would be to look around for a good vertical crank Kohler Twin and convert it to horizontal using the manifold, oil pick-up and dip stick tube etc. from your motor that let go. The  Vanguard Briggs and Stratton engines are also a good candidate for a repower, @kpinnc can give you some info. on them.

[Ed Kennell 46,197]

to the 

[WHX?? 56,844]

Best be sitting down for this news guy. 

 

While a Super C i a favorite tractor here The KT-19 was not the best engine Kohler has ever made. Especially the Series 1 which your 195 most likely has. The series II was a bit better but the bad rap damage was done. They were prone to oiling issues and operating on slopes and were splash lubed.  Running  low on oil got the blame by Kohler  but everyone knew it should have had a pressure lube method.. The series II oiling galleries were redesigned and helped but again the bad rap was out. 

 

The KT19 was used in many other brands most notable the red Cub series ... 782 and such but they did not have as many issues as Wheel Horses. They were  mounted in line which is thought to help disguise the oiling issues. 

 

Given that the 19 is generally is considered a non-rebuildable motor. While it can be done the general consensus is it's not worth it.  Not sure if kits/parts are available. When my C-195 was having issues I looked for parts and found most were made of unobtanium and what was out there was pricey. The guy I eventually sold it to repowered it with a Predator twin and is a beast once again. A Briggs Vanguard would make an excellent repo right @kpinnc 

 

My  is go with a repo but a gently used Series II if one can see running as a option. 

 

 

Edited February 25, 2025 by WHX??

[kpinnc 18,388]

1 hour ago, WHX?? said:

A Briggs Vanguard would make an excellent repo right @kpinnc 

 

They are good engines. Especially today when engine options are limited. I don't think anything can truly replace the durability of the old cast iron Kohlers, but these engines are very stout and very efficient. I've repowered a couple machines, and plan to do more. 

 

 

Edited February 24, 2025 by kpinnc

[Handy Don 16,751]

12 minutes ago, kpinnc said:

I've repowered a couple machines, and plan to do more.

Based on your earlier posts about them, I’ve made up my mind  that as much as I appreciate our Onan P218, if anything serious befalls it, it’ll be replaced by one of these Vanguard twins. 

[bds1984 1,509]

I had a C195 for a brief time and regret selling it.  However, if I kept it and had to repower it, I'd probably go with a Magnum Twin as a replacement; still a Kohler for the sake of the same brand of engine, but more reliable.  But given how rare those are becoming, I'd have zero hesitation on the Briggs Vanguard twins or one of the opposed 18hp twins.
I see KT19s and even a few KT21s come up for sale throughout the year, but they're not a drop in replacement unless it came spec'd to handle the Wheel Horse PTO clutch; every single one I've seen came from a Cub or JD and I don't believe a vertical shaft engine that had been converted over to run horizontally would be able to use a Wheel Horse style clutch either.  Technically they'd bolt in and run, but you would have to use an electric PTO clutch if you desire to run attachments.  I went through this when I repowered an early 520H with an M18 from a Cub.

[kpinnc 18,388]

1 hour ago, bds1984 said:

However, if I kept it and had to repower it, I'd probably go with a Magnum Twin as a replacement; still a Kohler for the sake of the same brand of engine, but more reliable. 

 

I have a black hood project that is on the back burner, and I have a series I KT-17, and a M18 short block. I was gonna build the Magnum up with the same thought in mind. My Magnum won't need a rebuild, as it is in great shape. At least that was the plan. 

 

But if I had to repower, I'll definitely use a Vanguard. They are very simple but about as rugged as you can find nowadays. 

[Brockport Bill 2,379]

18 minutes ago, kpinnc said:

 

I have a black hood project that is on the back burner, and I have a series I KT-17, and a M18 short block. I was gonna build the Magnum up with the same thought in mind. My Magnum won't need a rebuild, as it is in great shape. At least that was the plan. 

 

But if I had to repower, I'll definitely use a Vanguard. They are very simple but about as rugged as you can find nowadays. 

about what's $$ cost of vanuard to buy to replace kt 17

[stvski80085 279]

What electric clutch do you use on the vanguard?

[kpinnc 18,388]

1 hour ago, Brockport Bill said:

about what's $$ cost of vanuard to buy to replace kt 17

 

Depends on which one you go with. All horizontal Vanguards 12.5 to 23hp have ball bearings on the PTO. So 16-18hp engines run minimum $900+ new. But there are plenty of used ones out there as well. 

 

 

[kpinnc 18,388]

1 hour ago, stvski80085 said:

What electric clutch do you use on the vanguard?

 

I use the regular manual PTO currently. Though I do plan to add electric PTO one day on my 23hp. 

[Brockport Bill 2,379]

6 minutes ago, kpinnc said:

 

Depends on which one you go with. All horizontal Vanguards 12.5 to 23hp have ball bearings on the PTO. So 16-18hp engines run minimum $900+ new. But there are plenty of used ones out there as well. 

 

 

you mean used predators, or used KT's ?

[kpinnc 18,388]

Just now, Brockport Bill said:

you mean used predators, or used KT's ?

 

Used Vanguards. Horizontal engines are not as plentiful as vertical, but they are out there. 

[Bill D 2,877]

If you're looking for a cheap engine swap you should be able to find a good used Briggs opposed twin from a Craftsman tractor cheap online.  Lots of them out there.  You'll need the necessary PTO parts and mounting plate, but that could be a good option as well.

[bds1984 1,509]

35 minutes ago, Bill D said:

If you're looking for a cheap engine swap you should be able to find a good used Briggs opposed twin from a Craftsman tractor cheap online.  Lots of them out there.  You'll need the necessary PTO parts and mounting plate, but that could be a good option as well.

It has to be the 18HP engine.  The 16s don't typically come with a ball bearing crank.  

[Bill D 2,877]

On 2/26/2025 at 2:52 PM, bds1984 said:

It has to be the 18HP engine.  The 16s don't typically come with a ball bearing crank.  

I've got a GT 1642.  I think it has a ball bearing supported crankshaft.  I don't see any external thrust bearing on it.  Always up for a horsepower upgrade either way.

[bds1984 1,509]

7 hours ago, Bill D said:

I've got a GT 1642.  I think it has a ball bearing supported crankshaft.  I don't see any external thrust bearing on it.  Always up for a horsepower upgrade either way.

Some of the 16s do. The best way is to use the Briggs and stratton model number chart to tell.  422437 is usually what I see.  The 3 or 4 in the second to last position indicates a ball bearing crank.  I always post this when I see the discussion, I don't want to see someone trash their engine.  

[Blasterdad 3,163]

7 minutes ago, bds1984 said:

I don't want to see someone trash their engine.