Kohler K341 Wheel Horse D160

[tractorhogg 618]

My engine gave up the ghost, a trusted repair shop says the piston/rings are worn and the cylinder is out of taper and out of round.  They also said the crankshaft, bearings, and oil seals need to be replaced, both ends have play in them. It will also need a new connecting rod, both valves, springs and valve guides. The repair shop doesn't think I should use aftermarket parts, but with labor and material I'm going to be well over 3k in this rebuild, that's not in my budget. I am open to buying a decent used K341a (spec 71141) or buying NOS parts from members or sellers here. I really hate to use a newer replacement engine, I wont ever buy a predator engine, but I'm open to a Honda, Briggs, Kohler 20-24 hp. I'd also be open to a kohler k482 or magnum 18-20 hp if they were in good shape. I really appreciate any input or idea

[Handy Don 15,950]

If (or when?) I’m facing a repower decision, I’d look first at a Briggs Vanguard twin. Not a direct bolt-in, but not far off.

My thinking, as a guy who has only worker equipment, is that getting a 40 or 50 year old engine would not fill me with confidence unless I could be positive it had years of useful life ahead.

If I were doing a resto or a parade tractor, I’d have a different opinion. 

Edited Wednesday at 07:33 PM by Handy Don

[Easton Rich 982]

If its gonna be a worker I'd go with a Vanguard. @kpinnc might be able to give you some insight on them.

[kpinnc 17,159]

3 hours ago, tractorhogg said:

My engine gave up the ghost, a trusted repair shop says the piston/rings are worn and the cylinder is out of taper and out of round.  They also said the crankshaft, bearings, and oil seals need to be replaced, both ends have play in them. It will also need a new connecting rod, both valves, springs and valve guides. The repair shop doesn't think I should use aftermarket parts, but with labor and material I'm going to be well over 3k in this rebuild, that's not in my budget.

 

Which engine are you referring to? All the faults you describe are common to an engine that is just worn out. 

 

The price range you describe sounds a bit high, even if it is an Onan. 

[Achto 31,017]

13 hours ago, tractorhogg said:

I really appreciate any input or idea

 

 

[pfrederi 19,895]

Lot of us have over hauled with after market parts  (heck where are kohler part made nowadays..)  Why did he want to replace the crankshaft  because it needs to be ground and he can't do it???

 

Rebuild kits  are 160 Valve guides $20  Crank bearings  ( have never had to replace them)  another $50

 

My machine shop bore and hone cylinder 100  Grind Crank 75  valve job 40

 

Will after market last 50 years like your did...Maybe not but, probably long enough...,,,

[tractorhogg 618]

On 2/25/2026 at 6:51 AM, Achto said:

 

 

Thanks, I'm going to sell the tractor. I'm listing it in the classifieds for 600

[tractorhogg 618]

On 2/24/2026 at 9:08 PM, kpinnc said:

 

Which engine are you referring to? All the faults you describe are common to an engine that is just worn out. 

 

The price range you describe sounds a bit high, even if it is an Onan. 

16 horse Kohler single, It ran good a month earlier, no smoke or no use of oil, plenty of power. I'm going to sell the tractor, I bought another one

[tractorhogg 618]

I've decide to sell the D-160 and let someone either repower it or put the engine back together. I'll list it locally and on the classifieds here. The shop said it was .003 out of round/taper, but it did not smoke or use oil. I've bought another D series for 2000.00, seemed the better deal