Dale 0 #1 Posted September 12, 2010 I have a k301 that sat for a long time that looks like it has very low hours with very good bore, still has the hone marks in the whole cylinder, but had a bad stuck exhaust valve. I want to tear it down to check everything out. kohler rings are $74 + gaskets I can buy a whole rebuild kit off ebay for under $100 would the low hour kohler parts with new rings be better than all new stens parts? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rick 257 #2 Posted September 12, 2010 Personally, I always use OEM parts; both for personal work and customer work. While a first class job can be expensive, an early failure due to a short cut or substandard part puts a bad taste in everyones' mouth. But that's just me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
buckeye 5 #3 Posted September 12, 2010 I agree with Rick, OEM parts. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Polaris2007 4 #4 Posted September 12, 2010 I'm in the reassembly stage of a complete rebuild on a k301. Bored the cylinder, ground the crank, new valve guides, bearings, and all new inards. I asked a couple local small engine shops about the differences between oem parts and the stens aftermarket parts. Both have extensively used the aftermarket pistons and rods and such when rebuilding Kohlers, and both report that they are of very good quality. They both agree that they have had great results with these parts, and that they do not see any more "post rebuild" failures with these parts than with oem parts. So anyway, I went with the after market piston, rod, valves, and gasket set. I hope I do not become the exception and have issues. I will post results as soon as I have it up and running. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,162 #5 Posted September 12, 2010 If you really want to get picky, the Mahle pistons & rods used in the later K's and most all of the Magnums are technically aftermarket parts. The Stens parts are drastically improved from their early days and are probably as good as the OEM Kohler pieces - which are slowly disappearing. It is my understanding that parts support from Kohler will be ending - if it hasn't already, so I guess we'll need to get used to aftermarket parts. As far as shops and rebuilders claiming longevity of aftermarket parts....... We'll see about that 35 or 40 years from now when they are as old as some of the OEM parts that are still in service. I still say that the number one cause of failures of "rebuilt" engines are the direct result of incorrect assembly - not the quality of the parts. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim_M 179 #6 Posted September 12, 2010 Mahle pistons and rods are the parts of choice for pulling engine builders, in the stock classes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Polaris2007 4 #7 Posted September 12, 2010 As far as shops and rebuilders claiming longevity of aftermarket parts....... We'll see about that 35 or 40 years from now when they are as old as some of the OEM parts that are still in service. I still say that the number one cause of failures of "rebuilt" engines are the direct result of incorrect assembly - not the quality of the parts. I couln't agree more :) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chazm 413 #8 Posted September 13, 2010 I'm with TT on incorrect assembly . Being a diesel meachanic for 20+years , most rebuild failures that I have seen come from brain farts not part farts.... chaz :USA: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WH nut 553 #9 Posted September 13, 2010 I have used Sterns parts on 3 rebuilds of my own and havent had a problem, but then again like its been siad, I havent run them 30-40 years yet Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
