Small Block Head Gaskets

[WHX?? 54,867]

Since I'm on a small block kick this one in for somewhat of appears to be some leakage. 

 

Bit of oil wash but not quite due for serious motor work. Doesn' smoke terrible. Some others to get at first. 

 

Orginal gasket on left. Stens generic "graphite" one on right. Note the fire ring on orginal. Have not found a source for these yet. Anyone else?

Didn't see any signs of of a blown gasket but bolts kinda loose. Probably could have just retorqued. Tempted to use orginal gasket over i know some have done it. 

 

While the head is off. I've got a few glassing pics and will do a mini instructional on it. I know there are tons on YT but... 

 

Back together ... nothin like a fresh head. 

New fuel filter & lines too. 

 

This was supposed to be in engines my bad...  Mods please move. 

 

Edited 6 hours ago by WHX??

[Achto 30,948]

42 minutes ago, WHX?? said:

Have not found a source for these yet. Anyone else?

 

This one appears to have a fire ring. Hard to tell for sure.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/275631368204

[ri702bill 11,232]

Methinks only the OE Kohler gasket had the fire ring... All the aftermarket ones do not...

Only good thing with them, fewer times to retorque....

[WHX?? 54,867]

1 hour ago, Achto said:

Hard to tell for sure

Only way to tell is order one and see what shows up.  I pulled the trigger on one that had that had that pic and got a Rotary aftermarket.  I think they just use any old pic. 

 

1 hour ago, ri702bill said:

Methinks only the OE Kohler gasket had the fire ring...

Methinks your right but I have trouble finding bonafide OEMs. Search on the P/N and all the aftermarkets crop up. 

 

1 hour ago, ri702bill said:

fewer times to retorque...

You mean the graphites? 

Book says 15-20 ft lbs

I went to 17.5 got her hot and retorqued to 17.5 and surprised got a 1/4 - 1/2 turn or better after hot.  

Sure is nice with some  motors to have those holes in the head tin over the bolts. 

[cafoose 3,586]

2 hours ago, WHX?? said:

 

Orginal gasket on left. Stens generic "graphite" one on right. Note the fire ring on orginal. Have not found a source for these yet. Anyone else?

This is from Grok AI:

Where can I get a Kohler K series head gasket with the metal fire ring around the cylinder?

 

The Kohler K-series engines (like the common K241, K301, K321 models, often 10-14 HP singles) typically use a **composite perforated metal head gasket** that includes a **metal fire ring** (also called a combustion ring or fire ring) around the cylinder bore for better sealing under high compression or performance use. This is a common aftermarket upgrade or style, as some OEM or basic gaskets may be simpler graphite/composite without the reinforced ring.

You can source one from several reliable online retailers specializing in small engine parts:

- **EngineBore.com** — They specifically offer a "Composite perforated metal head gasket with complete fire ring around the combustion chamber" for Kohler K241, K301, K321, M10, M12, M14 engines. It's described as user-friendly with no extra sealant needed. This matches your description exactly.

- **IsaVetractors.com** — They carry aluminum head gaskets for various K-series models (including K241/K301/K321), and some listings note fire ring features on related gaskets (e.g., for larger K482/K532/K582). Check their Kohler K gaskets section for the exact match.

- **Amazon** — Search for "Kohler Metal Head Gasket" (replaces OEM part numbers like 47 041 15-S or 237658S) for K241/K301/K321. Many are metal/graphite composites; look for descriptions mentioning "metal" or fire ring reinforcement.

- **eBay** — Sellers offer graphite or metal head gaskets for K-series (e.g., Rotary brand or NOS Kohler parts). Some listings reference the fire ring style, especially aftermarket ones.

- **LilRedBarn.net** or similar small engine parts sites — They sell gasket sets or individual head gaskets for K-series with notes on improved fire ring designs for better sealing.

For the best fit, confirm your exact model (e.g., K321) and cross-reference the Kohler OEM part number (commonly 47 041 15-S or similar for those engines). Aftermarket versions with the metal fire ring are often preferred for reliability over plain OEM-style ones, especially if you've had blowout issues.

If you're rebuilding or need a full gasket set, many of these sites bundle them. Local small engine repair shops or dealers (like those for Gravely, Cub Cadet, or John Deere equipment that used these engines) might stock or order them too. If none of these have stock, try searching the specific part number + "fire ring" for more options.

 

K 181?

Yes, the **Kohler K181** (an 8 HP single-cylinder engine from the K-series, often found in older Gravely, Wheel Horse, John Deere, or similar equipment) uses a head gasket with a **metal fire ring** (also called a combustion ring or flame ring) around the cylinder bore. This is standard on OEM Kohler gaskets and many quality aftermarket versions for better high-compression sealing and to prevent blowouts, especially under load or with ethanol fuels.

The OEM part number is typically **41 041 10-S** (or superseded from 41 041 05/41 041 10), and it's a metal/composite design featuring the reinforced fire ring.

Here are reliable places to get one (focus on those explicitly listing metal construction or fire ring features):

- **iSaveTractors.com** — They sell an "Aluminum Head Gasket" for Kohler K161, K181, and M8 engines (replaces Kohler 41 041 10-S and Gravely 015413). It's metal/aluminum-based and commonly praised in small engine communities for including the fire ring seal. Price is usually around $15.

- **Amazon** — Search for "Stens 465-310 Head Gasket" (metal/graphite for Kohler K161/K181, replaces 41 041 10-S). It's explicitly listed as metal material. Other options like REDEEMX or generic brands replace the same OEM number and are high-quality metal with fire ring reinforcement.

- **eBay** — Listings for "Kohler 41-041-10-S" or aftermarket equivalents (e.g., Rotary Corp or Stens) often describe them as metal-based with a fire ring. One common seller notes the standard is "metal based with a fire ring" for K161/K181 models.

- **OMB Warehouse** or **Xtreme OPE** — Carry the Stens 465-310 or similar metal head gaskets for K161/K181 (fits 6-8 HP models).

- **eReplacementParts.com** or **Kohler dealers** — For genuine OEM 41 041 10-S, which includes the fire ring by design (Kohler K-series OEM gaskets generally have this feature, as noted in forums like Wheel Horse and WFMachines).

Avoid super-cheap generic gaskets without "metal" or fire ring mentions, as some early aftermarkets were thinner/composite-only and prone to failure (common complaint in rebuild threads). The fire ring helps with durability, especially if your engine has blown gaskets before.

Cross-check your exact engine spec (K181 variants like K181S or Magnum M8 use the same gasket). If you're in Atlanta, local small engine shops (e.g., those servicing Gravely or vintage tractors) might stock it or order quickly. Let me know your full model if you need more specifics!

 

K 301?

Yes, the **Kohler K301** (a 12 HP single-cylinder K-series engine, common in older John Deere, Gravely, Cub Cadet, Wheel Horse, and similar tractors) uses a head gasket with a **metal fire ring** (also known as a combustion ring or flame ring) around the cylinder bore. This is the standard design for reliable sealing under compression, heat, and load—especially important on these engines prone to blowouts if torqued improperly or run hard.

The OEM part number is **47 041 15-S** (or superseded from 47 041 10-S, 237658-S, etc.), and genuine Kohler versions include the metal fire ring by default. Many aftermarket options are composite perforated metal with the full fire ring reinforcement for even better durability (often preferred in rebuilds).

Here are the best places to get one matching your specs (prioritizing those confirming metal/fire ring construction):

- **EngineBore.com** — Offers a "Composite perforated metal head gasket with complete fire ring around the combustion chamber" specifically for Kohler K241, K301, K321, M10, M12, M14 engines. It's user-friendly (no extra sealant needed) and priced around $12. This is one of the clearest matches for the reinforced metal fire ring design.

- **iSaveTractors.com** — Stocks aluminum/metal head gaskets for Kohler K241, K301, K321 (and related models). Their listings for K-series often feature the fire ring style, especially the aluminum ones praised for sealing. Check their "Gaskets for Kohler K Engines" section—compatible with K301.

- **Amazon** — Look for "Rotary Metal Head Gasket" or equivalents replacing 47 041 15-S / 237658S (fits K241/K301/K321, 10-14 HP). Some are listed as metal/graphite composites; reviews and descriptions often note the fire ring. Avoid plain graphite ones without metal mentions, as forums highlight those lack the combustion ring and can fail sooner.

- **eBay** — Plenty of OEM Kohler 47 041 15-S listings (new old stock or genuine), plus aftermarket like Rotary/Stens. Sellers frequently describe them as "metal based with a fire ring"—search for that phrase + "K301" or the part number. One common feedback: even with the fire ring, always retorque head bolts after break-in.

- **LilRedBarn.net** or **Randy's Engine Repair** — Carry the head gasket (part 47-041-15-S) for K241/K301/K321/M12/M14, often OEM-style with the fire ring. Good for quick shipping.

Stick to metal/fire ring versions over cheap graphite-only aftermarkets (some Cub Cadet/Wheel Horse forum users report blowouts without the ring). Confirm your exact spec (e.g., K301S) if it's a variant, but this gasket is standard across most K301 models.

Since you're in Atlanta, check local small engine shops, tractor salvage yards, or dealers for Gravely/John Deere vintage parts—they often stock or can source these quickly (sometimes cheaper in person). If you've had repeated blowouts, the fire ring upgrade helps, but also check head flatness, bolt torque sequence (usually 18-22 ft-lbs in steps), and cooling fins.

Let me know the full engine model/spec or if you need a full gasket set!

 

 

[WHX?? 54,867]

I see I save is in ther 'Foose and that's where I used to get all my head gaskets from but we all know that well dried up. He had the best price and fire rings for big blocks. Don't remember if he had them for smalls don't think so. 

[cafoose 3,586]

2 minutes ago, WHX?? said:

I see I save is in ther

Grok searches the web for info and could have gotten old info. I've gotten dead links to amazon from them before. When I tell Grok about it, they send an updated link. Grok AI is mostly reliable but does have some small issues.

[ebinmaine 77,279]

I've mentioned this source several times and again I remind you folks.  

 

Billsplaceshop.com 

 

 

OE Kohler 41 041 10-S. 

 

Less than $13. Shipped to your door.  

 

 

 

 

[squonk 45,460]

I would have replaced the head bolts. My Mennonite hardware store just re-did the nut and bolt bins. Grade 8 Flange head bolts. Big drawer full of them. Just bought 7 of them for my Power King K321 and it was $3 and change.

[ri702bill 11,232]

4 hours ago, WHX?? said:

 

I went to 17.5 got her hot and retorqued to 17.5 and surprised got a 1/4 - 1/2 turn or better after hot.  

AND you may need to do it again... My personal worst was a H60- - seven times required to compress the gasket & get the same reading cold...