Fixing my c120 auto

[JoeB 34]

Good morning,

This is my first post.  Several years ago I bought a c120 auto and have used it to mow and snowplow with great success.  The other night in the midst of a snow storm I was in a hurry to get going, and didn't check the oil and didn't give the engine enough time to warm up.  Result seems to be a broken connecting rod, since it cranks now much faster than it did before and won't start when it was a terrific starter before.

So I'm looking for ways to repair the damage I've done.  I really love the tractor, comparing it to modern ones that feel like tin foil convinces me that I want to fix this iron horse.

I am in southwest Michigan, and looking for help.

thanks in advance.

 

[Achto 29,348]

  I would say that you are looking at a couple of choices. Rebuild the engine you have or look for a different engine.

(1 rebuild) Here is one source for rebuild kits http://www.psep.biz/store/kohler_rebuild_kits.htm

You would want to disassemble your engine to inspect and measure every thing before ordering a kit. You need to make sure that there are no cracks in the block or unrepairable damage to the cyl bore. Also would most likely need a machine shop if crank grinding or boring is needed.

 

(2 replace) Place a want add here or/and where ever for a replacement 12 hp Kohler.

You could also replace the engine with a Harbor Freight 13hp engine. This how ever will not be a direct fit, you will have to make some alterations. 

 

Edited February 8, 2018 by Achto

[JoeB 34]

Thanks for your quick reply.  Given the two options, and my lack of experience, I think replacing the engine might be the best bet.  What sorts of alterations would have to be made with a Harbor Freight engine.

 

thanks again

[Sparky-(Admin) 23,106]

I recommend you find a replacement Kohler 12 (or a 10, 14 or 16hp). You won't need to modify anything to install it. Your busted Kohler has lots of good parts still on it that would be usable on another Kohler (starter, fuel pump, etc). If you stick with a Kohler 12 then all the parts on your busted motor would be great spares for your new motor.

[Achto 29,348]

I like to ditch the gas tank that comes on the HF engine and use the one that is on your tractor. Depending on your tractors tank location you may need to add a fuel pump. The HF engine mounts will most likely not line up with the existing mount holes on your tractor. Some wiring changes may also be needed.  

[JoeB 34]

thanks again.

[JoeB 34]

Thanks again.  I see a couple of ads for used Kohler 12's from c120's.  Is there a source of new ones?  I also saw a comment about a magnum engine.  Can anyone tell me about these? 

[953 nut 59,724]

17 minutes ago, JoeB said:

I also saw a comment about a magnum engine.  Can anyone tell me about these?

    The Magnum is a newer model of the same engine. It has a magneto ignition system and is a direct replacement for earlier Kohler engines with an electronic ignition. A few minor wiring changes would be required to use one but we can walk you through this. Check with Joe's Outdoor power for a good used one, he is in Michigan.  https://joesoutdoorpower.com/

New Kohler 12 HP engines can be a bit expensive, but do come with a 3 year warranty. Repower Specialists is a good source.

http://www.repowerspecialists.com/engine_direct.php?manu=Kohler

[Achto 29,348]

  Here is another source that offers short blocks http://www.psep.biz/store/kohler_k_series_short_blocks.htm

 

A short block K301 from them is around $1200 though.

Edited February 8, 2018 by Achto

[Mike'sHorseBarn 3,239]

In all honesty if you don't want to rebuild, I would check with Joe's outdoor power first for a good used 12hp kohler and if you can't find one there, post a wanted ad here. Someone will have a good used one to sell you.

[elcamino/wheelhorse 9,362]

Checked out the classifieds the is a C-160 that is being parted out. Has a good engine.

[BOB ELLISON 2,981]

Welcome to another Michigander. 

I'm on the other side of the mitten. 

This is the best place to find all the info on your wheel horse. Wonderful bunch of people here. I see kohler engines on cl list a lot but a post in the want adds will work most of the time. 

 

[Big_Red_Fred 1,548]

43 minutes ago, BOB ELLISON said:

Welcome to another Michigander. 

I'm on the other side of the mitten. 

This is the best place to find all the info on your wheel horse. Wonderful bunch of people here. I see kohler engines on cl list a lot but a post in the want adds will work most of the time. 

 

Hey Bob, Hows Joes outdoors on prices, that feller on Ebay

[BOB ELLISON 2,981]

43 minutes ago, Big_Red_Fred said:

Hey Bob, Hows Joes outdoors on prices, that feller on Ebay

BRF I don't know where Joe's Outdoors  is .

[mikeeyre74 289]

9 hours ago, JoeB said:

Thanks for your quick reply.  Given the two options, and my lack of experience, I think replacing the engine might be the best bet.  What sorts of alterations would have to be made with a Harbor Freight engine.

 

thanks again

 

Don’t be so quick to sell yourself short. Take off the sheet-metal and then take a good long look at that motor in there and you’ll find that it isn’t really all that complicated. Just get the engine out and bring it to a reputable engine shop and tell them to “fix this”. When they are done, you can put it back in the tractor just as it was and carry-on for another 20 years.

 

[Sarge 3,465]

Just make certain if you have it rebuilt the shop is experienced with the older Kohler K series engines - there are common mistakes made by shops and that can cost you a block/core. Genuine parts cost the most, but there are decent aftermarket parts available that many have used with good results. Given the original lasted that many years - I'd highly consider rebuilding it - they are tough as nails. Pay close attention to the 25* operating limit on splash lube K-series engines - beyond that angle you can starve the rod, which leads to it leaving a nice big hole .

 

Sarge

[SylvanLakeWH 28,302]

 

Good to see another Michigander!

[KC9KAS 4,744]

@JoeB 

[JoeB 34]

12 hours ago, mikeeyre74 said:

 

Don’t be so quick to sell yourself short. Take off the sheet-metal and then take a good long look at that motor in there and you’ll find that it isn’t really all that complicated. Just get the engine out and bring it to a reputable engine shop and tell them to “fix this”. When they are done, you can put it back in the tractor just as it was and carry-on for another 20 years.

 

What worries me is that I have been told the rebuild could be as much as 1200 which is well beyond what I am seeing for a used replacement, but thanks for the encouragement.

 

joe

 

19 hours ago, Achto said:

  Here is another source that offers short blocks http://www.psep.biz/store/kohler_k_series_short_blocks.htm

 

A short block K301 from them is around $1200 though.

Ouch!!!!!

16 hours ago, elcamino/wheelhorse said:

Checked out the classifieds the is a C-160 that is being parted out. Has a good engine.

Thanks I'll take a look.  Is there some way to search the classified or do I just look through every page for the listing.

 

joe

[mikeeyre74 289]

21 minutes ago, JoeB said:

What worries me is that I have been told the rebuild could be as much as 1200 which is well beyond what I am seeing for a used replacement, but thanks for the encouragement.

 

joe

 

Ouch!!!!!

Thanks I'll take a look.  Is there some way to search the classified or do I just look through every page for the listing.

 

joe

 

 I used to work in an engine rebuilding shop. We used to do single cylinder kohlers all the time. If you do your own assembly, which is not difficult at all, you could knock about $900 off the price of that rebuild.  We’re going back about 17 years or so here, but we used to get Pistons and rods for customers, and if their crank was OK and in specification, we would oversize the block and hand all the clean parts back to the customer and send them out the door for a few hundred dollars. It’s only one cylinder and it only takes 15 minutes or so to get that job done. The hot tank take care of the cleaning, and putting new faces on two valves and two seats was just a couple of minutes of work.  If I were you, I would definitely call a reputable shop and ask them about their machining services and attempt the reassembly yourself. There really isn’t much to these things once you start taking them apart and spreading them out on a bench in a logical order. 

[edgro 679]

15 hours ago, BOB ELLISON said:

BRF I don't know where Joe's Outdoors  is .

I believe Joe's is somewhere around Marlette or Kingston

[edgro 679]

Lansing CL currently has a 12 hp Kohler for sale in Perry $199

[oliver2-44 10,678]

Checkout kustonlawnandgarden.com/Kohler-engines-remanufactured_c4.htm

 

A remanufactured short Bloch would cost you about $700. They do all the detailed engine work and you bolt your original head, oil pan, carb and sheet metal back on

[ACman 7,653]

 ... As other have stated there’s some K-series engines for sale on CL . I search CL in the [for sale] - [all] categories and type “Kohler engine” , “garden tractor” , “lawnmower” in the search box . All separate searches of course.  Be sure to search all around the state plus Indiana. Lots of work but more results. Let’s say a PO listed a old engine under  antiques . You’d missed it if you just searched under “farm/garden” . The engine in Perry (east of Lansing right off of I-69) seems to be a good one .

 

Since you’re from S.W. Michigan I would contact (PM) our young horse prodigy @Jake Kuhn as he’s from that same area. I’m sure if he can’t help you out he’ll know of someone who can and is reputable . Good luck 

 

@Big_Red_Fred  both Joe’s (Kingston Mi.) and Floyd’s (Coppersville Mi.) Outdoor Power are sellers and walk in businesses (also have websites) . I’ve bought parts from both and was happy with my purchases. Just know what your buying and what’s a fair price for that used part . Not to take anything away from our vendors here on .

Edited February 9, 2018 by ACman

[Sarge 3,465]

Just one thing - whatever you do - don't toss that engine, it most likely can be rebuilt or saved and folks are hunting core blocks and other parts - never throw out a Kohler. That cast iron is very rigid compared to modern engines - it's the reason the lasted so long as well as the quality of the parts - and the sheer weight of them. Careful lifting that thing, it can give you a hernia at around 125lbs of iron.

 

Sarge