Re-built Kohler K341AS in a C-160 is it a red flag?

[Lux Man 1]

My son and I are looking at buying a 1974 C-160, our first Horse. Currently the engine does not run. The owner says it needs a start capacitor, which I don't see one in the electrical diagrams. I am wondering if he really means a solenoid but I'm sure someone can shed light on that. My real question has to do with the fact that he said the engine was re-built due to the fact that the cylinder was "oval". That too I question, I suspect it was scored and bored out. My concern is: A) it doesn't run and since it's been re-built once, if issues come up in the future will these Kohlers take another re-build? I have some experience and realize that without knowing the extent of the first damage that caused the engine to be re-built, we can only wonder how much it was bored out. I'd consider doing a compression check but if it can't be turned over that will be a problem. The seller got it from his dad and has only used it about 20 hours after the rebuild before the "capacitor " went bad.

So what are your opinions about taking a risk on this C-160? Condition wise it looks okay but was probably re-painted with canned spray paint and and no decals. These aren't real issues for us though, my 13 yr. old just has the bug for his own tractor. He just rescued a Springfield 25 from going to the graveyard and sold it so he could upgrade to something more useful.

We will appreciate your thoughts.

[Jim_M 179]

If the price is right I would take a chance. It can always be bored and sleeved if need be.

[Lux Man 1]

I've had a couple engines bored but never had them sleeved so I wasn't thinking that as an option. I agree at the right price it would make sense. He is asking $250 as is and says it's all there. Here is a link- http://images.craigslist.org/5Gd5Ff5H43I93M53Lcc97c678584d07501d93.jpg not sure if the link will work. I don't have real pictures yet. It's about an hour drive away. Do you think $250 is a no brainer given the circumstances?

[Sparky-(Admin) 23,245]

If the solenoid was the reason its not running its easy enough to bypass to get it running for a test drive. Bring a battery, jump pack or jumper cables with you.

Mike...........

[Lux Man 1]

So is it true that these do not utilize a start capacitor of any kind in conjunction with the starter?

[Ed Kennell 42,108]

No caps on my 16s

[520HC 208]

1st off ,the AS engine designates the small oil pan that sets in a cradle,doesn't matter except tractor has to be a C161. The C160 did not use the small pan setup, unless of course someone changed it.

[Rock farmer 41]

I have no idea what a starter capacitor is,

But at $250 bucks that's a good deal here in Maine.

Is it worth the drive to you?

Any thing that is wrong with it can be fixed.

That it was bored is a good thing cause it needed it.

I'd say that the father was smarter than the son and you could

Benefit from the sons lack of knowledge go for it!

And use us to fix anything that you need help with!

Joe

[whc160 80]

If it were me I would take the risk. I bought my 1976 C-160 with out hearing it run. It ran great after a carb rebuild, new fuel filter, & new fuel. After having it a year I pulled the head to clean the carbon off. Then I found it had been rebilt & bored .10 over. I would ask the son if he knows where it was rebilt at. Then you would know if it was a small engine shop & could call them for more info.

[Lux Man 1]

1st off ,the AS engine designates the small oil pan that sets in a cradle,doesn't matter except tractor has to be a C161. The C160 did not use the small pan setup, unless of course someone changed it.

The AS designation may be my error because it is a C-160 per the manual he has for it, seen here in his ad. http://images.craigslist.org/5I35K25H53Gc3m93H5c977919d25b8f4e1555.jpg I came up with the K341AS engine through my attempted research, so It looks like I was wrong about the engine type. I got it from www.tractordata.com I believe. Which engine is in the C-160? I realize it's a 16 Kohler but what's the rest of the part number since I suspect we'll be sourcing parts at some point?

[MarkPalmer 81]

The owner is likely referring to the ignition condenser as "start capacitor" as it technically is a capacitor although it has nothing to do with the starting circuit, and it is not a big deal at all to replace. But it would be nice to see and hear it run, as not all engine rebuilds turn out to be the great things they were expected to be depending on who did the work and what kind of parts and methods they used But unless it was bored .030 over, it can be bored again. The price sounds good, I don't think you would end up at a loss in any way.

-Mark-

[Callen 64]

The C160 should have a K341S. Scroll down to the Picture Gallery, there you will find a model list that includes the engine and spec number that is needed. i would give it a shot. Does the deck come with it?

[Lux Man 1]

Mark- thank you for the engine pn, that makes more sense. It does come with the mower deck. The actual picture of it is here. http://images.craigslist.org/5Gd5Ff5H43I93M53Lcc97c678584d07501d93.jpg It's been listed for about a month so no one's been running to get it or they've seen it and weren't interested.

[Kelly 1,033]

I'd offer $150 and say I'll go more if I can hear it run, and let him get it running.

[Lux Man 1]

Just to conclude this thread- thank you for all who replied. I decided not to pursue this tractor. The seller stopped replying to my questions and I spoke to others from this forum who new about this tractor and the consensus was it probably had more significant issues than those being listed. The good news is I did strike a deal for a C-120 and am picking it up tomorrow, that may spawn a new thread with pictures.