oramoc 0 #1 Posted September 6, 2010 hi another new guy question i have a 1989 312-8 m12 kohler magnum engine she still runs great she has 850 hours on her about how many hours do they get when it is time for her first rebuild? what would it cost for the parts and how hard is it to find the parts. thanks neil Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,033 #2 Posted September 6, 2010 Well the cast iron Kohler can go many hours before a rebuild with proper care clean oil, air filters, change the head gasket like the book says and clean the carbon out, I think it is every 100hours, clean cooling fins and general maintenance, I'd say 1000+ hours before a rebuild. Parts are easy to find prices vary from cheap aftermarket parts to good name brand or Orig. Kohler parts, but a good rebuild with machine work around $500-700 depends on local prices and what needs to be done. Often it's cheaper to buy a new short block. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
buckeye 5 #3 Posted September 6, 2010 It depends on how they are treated. If they are serviced at regular intervals and are not abused, they will last quite a while. I have a magnum 12 with almost 1600 hrs. on it, with no smoke or nocks. It has lost a little compression, but still runs strong and fires right up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oramoc 0 #4 Posted September 6, 2010 thanks guys would a toro dealer be the best place to find a short block or is there a better place. thanks neil Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oramoc 0 #5 Posted September 6, 2010 the wife wants me to buy a new tractor when this dies but i love this old thing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
buckeye 5 #6 Posted September 6, 2010 If it does not smoke or nock, I would not worry about it. might last longer than some other parts on the tractor. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oramoc 0 #7 Posted September 6, 2010 i was going to make her look real pretty pull its body parts to a body shop and get new decals but didnt want to spend time and money to find out later that the engine is shot but she sure looks real nice. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,033 #8 Posted September 6, 2010 You can find new short blocks on ebay, or local dealers but they might be higher in price, find a local machine shop ask them what they would charge for a complete rebuild, they might give you a warranty with it, if they do all the work. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Duff 206 #9 Posted September 7, 2010 I'm with Brian (buckeye) here. I've got over a thousand original hours on one of my M-12's and it's running like a champ! I know the PO took very good care of the tractor so it was maintained properly which, as in all engines, is key to their life span. I'd go ahead with cleaning up the rest of the tractor and not worry too much about the motor as long as it's running clean and quiet. have fun! Duff :) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
