besman 0 #1 Posted September 11, 2012 My grandpa has a WH C-120 8-speed with the Kohler 12hp single on it. He was a WH dealer years ago and has had that tractor since I can remember ( at least 30 years). It still runs fine, just "tired" from hours and hours and years of dependable running. I was just wondering would a rebuild be worth it or time to re-power? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 16,343 #2 Posted September 12, 2012 Rebuild it. You can get anything you need to do a complete rebuild. Find a dependable machine shop to do all of the measurements and machining. Kohler parts are expensive, but the aftermarket rebuild kits are just fine. Since the engine has given more than 35 years of dependable service, a quality rebuild should get you at least another 30. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
besman 0 #3 Posted September 13, 2012 Ok thanks for the reply. I know without opening up the engine, it's hard to know what would need replacing. I assume, work the cylinder, new piston/rings, new valves, bearings. I'm not sure if crank would need a rework or some sort. I'm guessing at least $500 or so of work? Anyways, if i get my hands on it, I will be reviving the old girl. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarkPalmer 81 #4 Posted September 13, 2012 It's rare to come across a cast iron Kohler that can't be rebuilt and come back to life and give many more decades of service. It does cost some bucks, but they still wind up being better than many of the newer aluminum engines out there you can repower with for the same money. -Mark- Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 16,343 #5 Posted September 13, 2012 The first step is to take it apart. Have the cylinder and piston measured. Have the crankshaft and connecting rod mic'd. Main bearings rarely go bad. Valves should be ground and seated. Sometimes new valves are needed, sometimes not. Valve guides should be measured. If your K301S has balancing gears, you can read threads on whether or not to remove them. I have rebuilt three K-series engines, a K301, and two K241's, but they are straight-forward and fairly easy for even a novice. All of my rebuilds have used aftermarket parts with no problems. You can figure on spending a good $500 more or less, depending on the cost of machining. Good luck with the rebuild should you decide to go forward with it. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask. There are many here who have done plenty of rebuilds and have run into every scenario possible. Answers will be plentiful. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
besman 0 #6 Posted September 14, 2012 Ok - thanks for all the responses! :handgestures-thumbupright: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
