How do you learn engines?

[Al C. 1,428]

I've been a member of the forum for about a year.  In that time, I've restored a 1067 and purchased a SK-486 in mint shape (each has about 1,200 hours - all original).  I'm pretty proficient with refinishing, electrical, and taking things apart and getting them back together again.  Fortunately, both of tractors have very solid engines and eight speed transmissions.  But, I fear the day something goes wrong in one of these areas.  I have never opened an engine or transmission and have no experience in these areas.   I am thinking of buying an old Kohler engine just to play with for this purpose.  I'm wondering, will this make it easier for me, the day something does go wrong?  Or, am I just as well off waiting until something happens and figuring it all out then?  Would appreciate some experienced opinions.  

[slammer302 2,156]

I think its a great idea to buy a old engine to take apart and learn how to rebuild it. That is how i learned to take kohlers apart my dad had a old k181 8hp kohler he let me practice on. I would make sure you have a few tools like valve spring compressor and puller that will work on fly wheels and a little propane torch helps out alot these are just the basic tools that can help with taking a small engine apart and are fairly cheap.   

[WNYPCRepair 1,923]

I had an old dead lawnmower I took apart and put back together, with very little in the way of tools, over and over again as a kid. I am no mechanic, but that did give me the chance to explore how the engine worked, which is a good start.

 

 

[Shynon 7,482]

Buy a Kohler manual it will take you through the process step by step. 

[KC9KAS 4,744]

There are a lot of manuals here on Red Square that will help too.

Taking an engine apart and putting it back together (even without machining it) will be a great way to learn.

[C-101plowerpower 1,606]

i learned about engines by doing. dragged home quite a few engines from the scrapper that i brought back to life, some ran really good, others sounded like they were about to blow up. some of them were for education only

 

[can whlvr 994]

practice makes it a lot easier,and theres a lot of help here if needed,same for the trannys,theres even videos on tearing down and put back together

[prondzy 3,889]

Sounds like a good idea. The best way is to learn hands on. I would consider rebuilding an engine that you might use someday this way you aren't out anything.  

[boovuc 1,090]

I owned an AMF era Harley Sportster. That's how i learned to work on engines! 

Almost everyday if I wanted to ride!

[WHX?? 51,847]

It takes more in having the right tools than brains Al....and it does help if you start early in life in working on them. I LOVE working on Kohlers...my 1067 threw a rod and was quite enjoyable to fix.  I like the opinions of the boys above. 

[Al C. 1,428]

I think I am going to find myself an old engine - probably a K241.  I wish now I had had someone's shoulder to look over when I was a youth.  I learned electrical, plumbing, and workshop that way.  It was easy - never knew it was happening.  Now at 60, I'm thinking this is going to be like learning a foreign language.  Will the manual give me an idea of the tools I need, or will I likely stumble into them step by step? - sounds like a lot of trips to Harbor Freight.

Edited January 22, 2016 by Al C.

[illinilefttackle 399]

Al C. - from your post about restoring one tractor already- you probably already have most of the basic hand tools you will need. Manuals vary in their descriptions but most give you a picture or text showing what special tools you might need for a job. Sometimes you can even borrow a specialty tool from Auto zone & no charge. Either way- you have a bunch of guys on here with a wealth of knowledge- don't be shy- ask. When building engines- remember "cleanliness is paramount" Take your time, and do it the right way- not a short cut.. Good Luck!- Al. C.-also

[953 nut 60,224]

   You have a couple of real nice  there, If you have a Community College or Vocational School near by they may offer a small engine class where you could learn and have all the tools to do the job.

[Wishin4a416 2,191]

With me it happened 50 years ago with 283 and 327 Chevies. I think it a good idea to buy a non runner and dissect to learn your way around. Nothing wrong with that! Nice looking Tractors by the way.

Edited January 22, 2016 by Wishin4a416

[WHX?? 51,847]

11 hours ago, illinilefttackle said:

you probably already have most of the basic hand tools you will need.

 

Back in my youth and even today I didn't have nor could afford the specialty tools one should have to properly go through a motor. Valve spring compressors, piston ring compressors, ring removers, measuring tools  even having snap ring pliers were just a pipe dream. Learned to do what I could with just the tools I had or pilfered out of my dad's toolbox. You'd be surprised what can be done with a couple of bent screwdrivers! In todays world you don't need to get expensive professional tools off the Snap-on truck. Cheap made in China stuff from HF will work just fine for us WH  hobbyists with just the occasional use.

11 hours ago, 953 nut said:

Community College or Vocational School near by they may offer a small engine class

Right on 953 it worked for me when I was 16, would work now if I was 60!

[Al C. 1,428]

I found a K241 on eBay.  Says it runs - breaks up when you throttle it up fast from idle.  Includes starter and carburetor/air filter.  From a B100.  This is the same model as is in my 1067.  It looks like a good starting point.  Thoughts?

[WHX?? 51,847]

Might be AL , would be a good backup or parts motor if the price is right, specially if it has & comes with the start/gen like your 1067.

[Al C. 1,428]

It comes with the newer style solenoid based starter versus the generator style that is on my 1067.  Does this make it difficult for me to use on the 1067 if I need to?

[953 nut 60,224]

That will probably be a direct swap over, all you will need is the solenoid and a voltage regulator as well as a bit rewiring. Probably the ignition switch would need to be replaced also. If the base of the oil sump has a different bolt pattern than the 1067 you could bolt the block to the present oil sump.

[Mr. 856 170]

I learned by just jumping in with both feet and some manuals. There is no substitute for hands on learning. More times then not I teach myself how to do most things. The internet opened a can of worms for DIY'ers. I seldom pay people to do things.......however it usually takes me twice as long. I've got little ones so that's my excuse.

[Digger 66 3,488]

On 1/22/2016 at 8:06 PM, boovuc said:

I owned an AMF era Harley Sportster. That's how i learned to work on engines! 

Almost everyday if I wanted to ride!

 

Ditto ^ 

I had  a '79 < Goofy year for the buggers .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 23, 2016 by Digger 66

[Al C. 1,428]

As soon as I get an engine, you guys are going to hear from me on this thread with pictures.   I'm really interested in learning how to  restore a Kohler.  After that, a transmission.  

[tunahead72 2,551]

I'm looking forward to that, Al.  Good luck, have fun and keep us posted!

 

[can whlvr 994]

if I may give some advice,get and read the manual(kohler engine manual)read it a few times before you start,then have it handy as u will need it when wrenching,also have some containers to keep all parts separate and labled,watch the valves,they are similar so keep track of which one is which,a little organization,a few tools and patience and its not that hard

[sorekiwi 761]

Another really good manual to read:  http://www.kohlerengines.com/common/pdf/OnlineStudyGuide.pdf

 

EDIT:  I guess the link doesnt work.  Go here:  http://www.kohlerengines.com/dealers/certification.htm - on the right side of the screen there is a link to the "Online Study Guide".

Edited January 24, 2016 by sorekiwi
Trying to fix the link.