zach l 2 #1 Posted March 14, 2013 Is anyone running a Kohler connecting rod with a stens piston? Is this okay? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Agage1 83 #2 Posted March 14, 2013 I am and so far so good. It's actually on a built and engine that runs at higher than stock rpms. Been on there over a year and run fairly often. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel-N-It 2,967 #3 Posted March 15, 2013 I've heard some good things about Stens engine products. I may use them when I rebuild the M10 on my 310-8. Does anyone have some advice for me regarding this? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leeave96 487 #4 Posted March 16, 2013 I had an engine builder tell me he preferred the Stens parts to the Kohler. Another point that I hear a lot is that the Kohler parts are getting crazy in price - to the extent that they are driving off potential rebuilders. I can't say I've heard much in the way of bad comments regarding Stens parts and for my tractors would be comfortable using them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KC9KAS 4,741 #5 Posted March 16, 2013 STENS (Stenfenagal family) actually started out selling lawn & garden equipment (Stihl, Wheel Horse) back in the 60's in Jasper Indiana. Their shop also worked on outboard boat motors. STENS is still located in Jasper Indiana, but as a parts warehouse and not in the same capacity as they started business. I don't think the Stenfenagel famity are owners either. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
520HC 207 #6 Posted March 16, 2013 Actually Stens is owned by Ariens, The lawn and Garden Co in Wisconsin, famous for snowblowers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevbo 80 #7 Posted March 17, 2013 I have bought mostly Stens Mufflers, Air Filters, etc and have been quite pleased. Just recently had the 312-8 rebuilt with a new Kohler piston that cost $70. Does anyone have an opinion on the comparison between aftermarket engine parts and "Kohler" engine parts in terms of their reliability and performance? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mr. 856 170 #8 Posted March 17, 2013 The k181S im rebuilding recieved a new stens piston and rings but i stuck with OEM kohler on the rod. Kohler parts are pricey for sure. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Don1977 604 #9 Posted March 17, 2013 Does anyone know who made the pistons and rings that Tulsa Engine Warehouse is selling. Are they Chinese or Stens. RCPW list theirs as Stens and are priced reasonable. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MalMac 1,328 #10 Posted March 17, 2013 FYI, Pat's small engine has a overstock sale going on. Some Kohler OEM parts are less than dealer cost. I got a piston and ring set, rod and stellite valves all under 200.00 all Kohler OEM for my K321. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
can whlvr 991 #11 Posted March 17, 2013 i was told that stens parts are now made in china,and they dont have all the parts for all kohlers,i rebuilt my 10hp with all stens a few years ago,the 12 hp i did after i couldnt get everything so i went with the ebay kit,so far so good,but time will tell,i use 5-6 tractors so the china parts might be allright,dont know if it were a daily worker for buisness if id buy the china junk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel-N-It 2,967 #12 Posted March 18, 2013 Kohler parts are high, thats for sure. I had a K-341 rebuilt last year using all Kohler parts. For the M10 I'm seriously thinking about going with a less expensive supplier as I said in my earlier post.......................................... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mr. 856 170 #13 Posted March 19, 2013 I say the proof needs to be in the pudding...........who wants to send me a free stens rebuid kit to test???? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites