mrshaft696 131 #1 Posted September 23, 2019 So I bought what I think is a 1961 suburban, with a Kohler k91. I bought it at an auction sight unseen, it was stored in a barn for the last few decades at least. It appears to be complete. I would like to do something about the engine before I put any work into any other parts of the tractor because I want to make sure it drives etc. The recoil assembly doesn't work but the engine is free, but feels like low compression or like something is not right. What is a good engine swap for these? I have a 3/4" output for the pulley, so that would be easiest. I have seen predator swaps, but not much info, I would like to find a older briggs possibly, I have a few snow blowers and other small engines around, any suggestions? Also how does that draw bar work? What does the cable connect to? 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHNJ701 4,165 #2 Posted September 23, 2019 Nice find, looks like the in ottsville pa. the k91 kohler is great engine and simple to work on. adding a predator type will kill the value of your tractor. it's got great patina get out the red scuff pad and wax it up 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike'sHorseBarn 3,242 #3 Posted September 23, 2019 If I were you, I would take the head off the Kohler and check for a stuck valve. When they sit a long time that is a very common problem and will cause loss of compression. Just soak it in marvel mystery oil for a while and it will come loose. I think fixing the kohler would be more worth the money than an engine swap. Also you can use a Tecumseh style recoil and cup on those 4hp kohlers if you don't want to fix the faribanks-morse recoil that is on it now. I did that with the 401 that I have because it was cheaper to do that than fix the original. Also, that lift cable threads through the tractor and connects to the bottom of your lift arm. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mrshaft696 131 #4 Posted September 23, 2019 6 minutes ago, jabelman said: Nice find, looks like the in ottsville pa. the k91 kohler is great engine and simple to work on. adding a predator type will kill the value of your tractor. it's got great patina get out the red scuff pad and wax it up Well it is, I live just up the road from there... it was in the bottom of that barn forever it looks like.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mrshaft696 131 #5 Posted September 23, 2019 2 minutes ago, Mike'sHorseBarn said: If I were you, I would take the head off the Kohler and check for a stuck valve. When they sit a long time that is a very common problem and will cause loss of compression. Just soak it in marvel mystery oil for a while and it will come loose. I think fixing the kohler would be more worth the money than an engine swap. Also you can use a Tecumseh style recoil and cup on those 4hp kohlers if you don't want to fix the faribanks-morse recoil that is on it now. I did that with the 401 that I have because it was cheaper to do that than fix the original. Also, that lift cable threads through the tractor and connects to the bottom of your lift arm. Thanks for the info, yeah I would just like to buy an entire recoil with the cup to mess with the motor... I have a tecumseh recoil from a 5hp snowblower, is that the model you are talking about or would it be from a different engine? Also seems like parts are really hard to find for that kohler, seems like every part listed for it is discontinued. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike'sHorseBarn 3,242 #6 Posted September 23, 2019 Just now, mrshaft696 said: Thanks for the info, yeah I would just like to buy an entire recoil with the cup to mess with the motor... I have a tecumseh recoil from a 5hp snowblower, is that the model you are talking about or would it be from a different engine? Also seems like parts are really hard to find for that kohler, seems like every part listed for it is discontinued. Try the one off the 5hp and see if it lines up. The one I used was off a 6hp or 7hp though they may be the same thing. You can get most anything you need for the k91 at the website below. His carb kits work in them too. https://isavetractors.com/by-engine-model/kohler-k90-k91/ 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHNJ701 4,165 #7 Posted September 23, 2019 38 minutes ago, mrshaft696 said: Thanks for the info, yeah I would just like to buy an entire recoil with the cup to mess with the motor... I have a tecumseh recoil from a 5hp snowblower, is that the model you are talking about or would it be from a different engine? Also seems like parts are really hard to find for that kohler, seems like every part listed for it is discontinued. the recoil off a tech tvs 4hp will fit. common on push mowers. you can very easily find all the parts of k91. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mrshaft696 131 #8 Posted September 23, 2019 10 minutes ago, jabelman said: the recoil off a tech tvs 4hp will fit. common on push mowers. you can very easily find all the parts of k91. OK I will grab one and see what I got going... The engine will turn one revolution then kind of get stuck a bit and I will have to really pull to get it past, so it could be a valve or something. I need to take the head off and see what things look like. Not sure if I really want a mowing deck on it, but I probably shouldnt sell it. I should have checked isave tractors site, most the places I get parts for newer engines dont list anything really for the old kohler. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 29,351 #9 Posted September 23, 2019 If you can't find a different recoil right away you should be able to remove the old recoil & pull the engine over with a rope. Some notes on an engine swap, if that is where you decide to go. A Briggs will not fit without cutting or raising the hood. A Predator will fit but it fits better if you remove their gas tank, muffler, and air cleaner. Use the original gas tank for the tractor, fab a different exhaust, and find a different air cleaner. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,195 #10 Posted September 23, 2019 Betting a little tinkering is all it'll take to get it's original engine going again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHNJ701 4,165 #11 Posted September 23, 2019 16 minutes ago, AMC RULES said: Betting a little tinkering is all it'll take to get it's original engine going again. agreed, predators are for log splitters and rototiller s 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mrshaft696 131 #12 Posted September 23, 2019 1 hour ago, AMC RULES said: Betting a little tinkering is all it'll take to get it's original engine going again. That would be ideal, but ive had to give up on a few here and there, so just need the recoil to start pulling on it. This is my first wheel horse of this style, work on allot of different stuff, so looking forward to it. 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 23,274 #13 Posted September 23, 2019 Does that K91 have ACR??? The engine could be OK. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mrshaft696 131 #14 Posted September 24, 2019 13 hours ago, stevasaurus said: Does that K91 have ACR??? The engine could be OK. I am not sure, but there is only a little resistance on the compression stroke and it kind of sticks at that point.... I took a recoil off a 5hp tecumseh engine that I have and it fits on the engine, but I will need a cup that will work. I also got this metal guard with the tractor but I am not sure if it belongs to it or not, look familiar? 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHNJ701 4,165 #15 Posted September 24, 2019 that's your belt guard, make sure you save the original recoil too Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike'sHorseBarn 3,242 #16 Posted September 24, 2019 It is pretty rare to find a tractor like that with all the original guards! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mrshaft696 131 #17 Posted January 9, 2020 So I have my motor out and have been going thru it... I cut the valve seats, lapped the valves, new points... I want to replace the ignition coil since I am getting a weak spark, so I bought this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K3VWP3R/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 The problem is the middle hole in the coil is too small to fit over the middle of the laminations. Anyone know where to get the correct coil & condenser for K91 T SPEC 31388A Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
