Kohler k341 replacement parts

[Forest Road 594]

I know it's been covered before. Probably in a handful of posts scattered in cyber land. Does anyone have a preferred vendor for replacement piston and seals. Block is going .010 over haven't heard about the rod yet.

Stens, kohler, No name what do ya prefer? Ebay or a preferred dealer? Any idea rough price difference between Kohler and Stens?

Finished product will have a Kirk cheater cam, Bosch blue coil, Kirk's points saver. And used at stock RPM as a worker. She runs 15-25 hours a year.

Thanks

Kevin

[bmsgaffer 2,048]

I just had a k341 rebuilt:

 

Stens parts - 150

Kohler parts - 400

 

Needless to say, i went with the ebay stens. The rebuilder i went to said that they havent had any problems and usually use the stens parts.

Edited November 23, 2014 by bmsgaffer

[km3h 543]

I've used Stens on three seperate Kohler engins and never been sorry. Before you have the engine bored, you should have the parts for the machine shop so they can be sure the get it right.

[ericj 1,578]

i've used stens and prime line and have not had any problems years later. the tractors were used a lot harder right after being rebuilt then they are now. now they only see a couple of hrs a year if they are lucky but no problems so far

 

 

 

 

eric j

[520HC 208]

You are going to rebuild it once in your lifetime, I always use Kohler when it comes to pistons and rods.

[MalMac 1,332]

I have always used Kohler OEM, I am currently in the process of rebuilding one now. Upon checking prices it is getting very hard for me to justify the OEM price. Is OEM better, probably, but that much better that the price is triple. Something tells me they are not.

[rmaynard 15,948]

Consider this. Most after-market engine parts are being made in China these days and I personally think the quality is pretty good.

I purchased some genuine Kohler brand engine parts last year and some were marked "made in China" and others "made in Mexico". Those not marked I assume were made in the USA.

 

So, you decide. Kohler $$$$ (China/Mexico), or others $$ (China)

 

Interesting web site show many of the Kohler products that are now made in China, and who makes them.

http://www.made-in-china.com/products-search/hot-china-products/Kohler_Engine.html

[Callen 64]

http://midwestsupercub.net/MWSC%20Catalog.pdf

I would look into the forged crank, Billit rod and JE piston, A little pricy now but cheaper down the road. There is exhaust options on this link, too. I've seen failures listed on here from broken cranks, broken Connecting rods and piston skirt failures. Any one of these could cost you your entire investment. The modifications greatly increase the stress levels of the stock parts.

[Fordiesel69 269]

If an 8HP, 12HP, or 14Hp then kohler offers a MAHLE brand piston referred to as a style "d".  This is what I would get if I were you.  Now being you have a 16HP, the style "c" is avail aftermarket and they are quite affordable.  The trick to using the stens/rotary parts is to have the machine shop measure then and machine based off the parts, not out of the book.

[Lagersolut 729]

I did a K241 last year and used a Napa machine shop, they echoed what a lot are saying here,  the after market stuff works fine they never had a problem . Just this month I did an M10 that was smoking , used a machine shop right next to where I work and this guy didn't want to hear after market - went with the convenience of not driving 45 min to an hour and left him do the OEM - .010 over - re-bore , piston - valve job , polished the crank ,  crank bearing ( said the rod was  OK) and gasket set  $525

[Forest Road 594]

Just got a price on Kohler piston and rings .010 over..... $271

Stens $59

Shop says my rod and crank are good. Crank is being polished and balanced. They said its within spec. Ordered new kohler valve springs and retaining hardware.

God forbid this thing self destructs the Mag 14 will be standing by.

[km3h 543]

You will find the the Stens parts will be just as servicable as the Kohler. They are both made in China. I have used Stens in three Kohler engins and have never had a problem with them.

[wheel-mule 46]

I sell aftermarket parts,not Stens.Most of what I sell are made in Taiwan  or China by BBT.I've sold these parts for many years with no problems.If you pm me I can send you a cost of what ever parts you want as well as a gasket set.

[Forest Road 594]

Well now that I actually have the block in my garage I'm feeling a little foolish. Never should've asked anyone for an opinion. I'm officially an ASKHOLE concerning this build.

I'm going Kohler all the way. Spoke with my machinist and local Toro dealer both said Kohler PERIOD. Then i called Vogel Manufacturing concerning my build. Lets just say he's no fan of the cam I have. But dam the man knows his stuff. He said for what I'm building Kohler would be fine. I may consider ordering one of his cams as a drop in for my Magnum 14 some time down the road.

Read somewhere that Mahle Piston and Kohler "C" use a different rod. Does anyone know for certain? What's the difference? I'm assuming the old rod can't be used in a Mahle?

Edited December 27, 2014 by Forest Road