Are genuine K Series / Magnum rebuild parts still avail?

[Fordiesel69 271]

For the engines that are really good, can original parts still be ordered. 

 

I personally have never had a failure using chinese ebay kits on the techumseh, but I only have done a small handful of kohlers so I have no clue how long they will last.

 

I was thinking for the tractors that are keepers to maybe spend more for genuine.

 

Examples being the K181 thu  K341, and M8 thru M16.

[KyBlue 655]

uhm yes?? I have been ordering Genuine Kohler stuff for ... well always. I refuse to buy Chinese...

[WH nut 553]

I have bought the Sterns kits and never had a problem. I like Kohler but they are so damned high

[VinsRJ 723]

OPEENGINES.com is a good staring point for original Kohler parts.

[MalMac 1,332]

Like said OPE engines is a good place I have ordered from them in the past. Also Pat's small engine. I just rebuilt a Kohler using OEM from them. They had alot of overstock and some really good prices. I always use OEM, but that's just me. I have had some aftermarket stuff and sent it right back. With that said I do know some people that have used aftermarket and have not had a bit of trouble. I just prefer the OEM.

[Fordiesel69 271]

Like said OPE engines is a good place I have ordered from them in the past. Also Pat's small engine. I just rebuilt a Kohler using OEM from them. They had alot of overstock and some really good prices. I always use OEM, but that's just me. I have had some aftermarket stuff and sent it right back. With that said I do know some people that have used aftermarket and have not had a bit of trouble. I just prefer the OEM.

 

In regard to that statement, the china stuff **can** and usually does have less finishing done.  So example there is still slag and extra metal on the casting seam of the connecting rods, piston skirt bottoms can be sharp, etc.  However and extra 15 minutes spent to touch it up with a dremel can still save money on a budget tractor.   

 

It would be interesting to know an metalergist that could examine current production kohler parts vs the china parts.  I will never try and make it seem china stuff is good, but the parts seem to be acceptable.

[MarkPalmer 81]

The last few sets of genuine Kohler parts I got were valves.  All the intake valves were made in Brazil, and all the exhaust valves Mexico.  Unless you find NOS parts, you can just about flush the idea of any new Kohler parts being made in the USA down the toilet.  Brian Miller says many of the Kohler parts are now Chinese sourced, and the quality of the known name aftermarket parts is identical, so the only thing you are paying more for with genuine parts is the packaging with the Kohler name on it.  I would take that to be trustworthy information from a person who rebuilds and machines tons of Kohler engines. 

 

-Mark-

[MalMac 1,332]

The main reason I use the OEM is when I tried some of the aftermarket I found that some of the parts that I had were not intolerance from the factory. Ex. out of round pistons as much as ten thousandths. Connecting rods with a small twist in them. Valves with unacceptable faces on them before lapping. The metallurgical properties might me as good but there is NO quality control. The Kohler OEM prices are way out there but to spend way less and put sub standard parts in is not any good ether. Like said earlier I am sure not all Aftermarket is complete junk but I don't want it or want to take the chance on it. This discussion can go back and forth till the cow's come home, I guess it's a matter of personnel choice. Me I have seen enough proof in aftermarket junk to convince me that I want to stay OEM.

[MarkPalmer 81]

You have to watch closely and measure the new Kohler labeled parts also now- just because it says Kohler on the package don't assume you can just throw it in and go.  The stuff does not measure up with the tolerances of the top notch quality of Kohler's past.   I think I posted last year on how many of these new parts, even the Kohler ones measure too far undersize, so you have to somehow machine just about everything to fit which is a joke.  But I think Kohler and the EPA actually want it that way, in a feeble attempt to try to get as many of these engines out of service as possible.   

 

-Mark-

[MalMac 1,332]

MarkPlamer you are 100% right. Even OEM needs to be checked. I will admit that I have found some casting and not in tolerance with a few OEM parts but nothing as bad compared to the aftermarket junk. I am not sure on this but I think Kohler is now making some of thier parts out of country now. It's just ashame that Kohler thinks their parts are made out of gold now. Absolutely rediculous.

[Fordiesel69 271]

Wow, this is really depressing. 

[MarkPalmer 81]

It is depressing and disappointing, because in the past I didn't mind pulling out the wallet for new OEM parts I knew for sure would measure within the published tolerances right from the get-go.  Now I have to pull out the micrometers and check every single dimension before trusting any new parts for use on the Kohlers.   I'm used to it, as most of the older non-Kohler engines I work on have very few or no new parts available, so everything is measure and have machined to fit. 

 

-Mark-