Need engine machining done but can't find a shop to do it.

[CATdude 1]

I am trying to rebuild my Kohler K241 engine and can't find anyone that can do the machining (boring and valve seat grinding) necessary.  I live SW of Atlanta and I am looking for recommendations of shops in the area that can do this type of work.

[WHX?? 51,772]

Sympathize with you on this dilemma CAT.  Been many threads on this very same subject. I had to look long and hard to find a shop to do the basics. Finally found a shop by luck that does race car motors and he takes care of me just to get back to simple things. He likes cash and will do a bore, valve seat cut and crank grind for  a Franklin. Even then he says he is overcharging me but he does nice work and I want to keep him in my pocket.  I have to drive 60 miles to get the stuff to him but was just happy to find him.

 You can always send it out but shipping a block can be a killer and always better to talk face to face with a machinist.

Another idea is get ahold of local tractor clubs, if any and see who they use or can recommend in your area.

Some of the guys here also say call the national auto parts suppliers, NAPA, Auto Zone, Advance, etc to see if they have any recommendations. Check with outdoor power shops & even farm tractor dealers/shops to see who they might  use.

Also maybe try online searches.

 

Good luck in your search an in case I haven't done so

Edited September 26, 2019 by WHX24

[Goldnboy 1,032]

I think you may need to look at some small town agricultural repair shop. 

 

I live in Kansas City metro and needed to go to a garden tractor puller shop, about 30mins outside the metro. SO many shops said we dont work/do those anymore in the heart of KC.

[Mike'sHorseBarn 3,248]

I agree, nobody around here wants to do stuff like that either. It's a real problem. There are a lot of shops because of Port Royal speedway and dirt track racing, but they've all told me that it isn't worth their time. So I just have have some tractors that smoke 

[WHNJ701 4,165]

good luck!  unless you want to spend a fortune, few and far between anymore. 

[oliver2-44 10,733]

45 minutes ago, WHX24 said:

Sympathize with you on this dilemma CAT.  Been many threads on this very same subject. I had to look long and hard to find a shop to do the basics. Finally found a shop by luck that does race car motors and he takes care of me just to get back to simple things. He likes cash and will do a bore, valve seat cut and crank grind for  a Franklin. Even then he says he is overcharging me but he does nice work and I want to keep him in my pocket.  I have to drive 60 miles to get the stuff to him but was just happy to find him.

 You can always send it out but shipping a block can be a killer and always better to talk face to face with a machinist.

Another idea is get ahold of local tractor clubs, if any and see who they use or can recommend in your area.

Some of the guys here also say call the national auto parts suppliers, NAPA, Auto Zone, Advance, etc to see if they have any recommendations. Check with outdoor power shops & even farm tractor dealers/shops to see who they might  use.

Also maybe try online searches.

 

Good luck in your search an in case I haven't done so

I too searched long and hard.  Finally found a motorcross  repair shop that would bore the block and grind valves, an hour away.  Still searching for a shop to grind a crank.  The challenge is worth it to keep these old beast running.

 

. 

[pacer 3,177]

Well, obviously this is a large scale problem!! Here in N La I have the same problem, I could possibly get a block bored but turning the crank --- no luck there......

[CasualObserver 3,411]

Maybe a resident machinist could tell us all how to find guys in his field that will still work on the smalls? Brian...  @buckrancher you have any machinist forums or contacts that could offer leads?

[WHNJ701 4,165]

38 minutes ago, CasualObserver said:

Maybe a resident machinist could tell us all how to find guys in his field that will still work on the smalls? Brian...  @buckrancher you have any machinist forums or contacts that could offer leads?

the problem I found is alot of these guys don't want to be bothered with small jobs and Jack up the price to scare you off 

[oldredrider 2,553]

Found my machinist by calling NAPA. His specialty is rebuilding old engines for high dollar classic cars.

Turns out he's a Wheel Horse guy too. I've sold him 3 horses with implements in the last couple of years.

We've become great friends and do a lot of equipment trading. 

Needless to say, he gives me great pricing on machine work but I reciprocate with good Horse deals.

[DanielleMarie 6]

I live in a rural area, and we get our engines done at a shop less than 5 minutes from us.... they get a lot of business from the city which is 2 hours away... may be worth looking a little further afield into more rural areas. My guy treats us right and we send a lot of business his way because of it. 

[WHX?? 51,772]

7 hours ago, CasualObserver said:

how to find guys in his field

My guy also moonlights as an instructor at a tech college, teaches metallurgy, and says it's tough getting kids into his trade. Wannabe machinists now a days just want to stuff parts into a high dollar cnc and watch it work and not get greasy. Go figure.

[JPWH 6,360]

 

11 hours ago, CATdude said:

I am trying to rebuild my Kohler K241 engine and can't find anyone that can do the machining (boring and valve seat grinding) necessary.  I live SW of Atlanta and I am looking for recommendations of shops in the area that can do this type of work.

Check with Tony's small engine repair in Stockbridge. He may can direct you to someone.

Jay

 

 

Edited September 26, 2019 by JPWH

[wallfish 18,114]

1 hour ago, WHX24 said:

My guy also moonlights as an instructor at a tech college, teaches metallurgy, and says it's tough getting kids into his trade. Wannabe machinists now a days just want to stuff parts into a high dollar cnc and watch it work and not get greasy. Go figure.

I shoulda went to college to be like that. Nice clean hands without scars, clean clothes from just sitting behind a desk, maybe some letters after my name and big bucks for do'n noth'n.  Here I am on the best tractor forum around.

[953 nut 60,057]

If you want to take a scenic drive you could go to Andrews Engine Service, Andrews NC. 828-321-4877. Be builds stock car engines so don't go there in the spring just before the season starts.   About 135 miles north of Atlanta, but the fall foliage is beginning to turn up here so it will be a nice drive.

[Spareparts 85]

Goldenboy, Scotts race engines, go-kart engines does some of my work, think he is in Basor Ks.

[Tuneup 1,452]

We've got a Scotts out here in GA as well - Fayetteville - not far east of you. I was bad and found it through a Duck-Duck search but he claims to work cycles and ATV so is worth a call. Get a good Nascar bore on that machine!  scottsautomachine.com

[CATdude 1]

Thanks for all of the feedback.  I tried Tony's in Stockbridge and they directed me to another who directed me to another and ended up speaking to a gentleman in Turin GA who was very helpfull.  I will likely be taking my block around to his shop.  Sounds like there could be opportunity to someone interestedd in getting into this type of work.  I'm not sure how much investment would be required but could probably get a payback in not too long.

[WHX?? 51,772]

Sounds good CAT .... not unusual to get redirected several times but hopefully you found a shop. Being persistent pays.

[WHX?? 51,772]

On 9/26/2019 at 7:14 PM, wallfish said:

I shoulda went to college to be like that. Nice clean hands without scars, clean clothes from just sitting behind a desk, maybe some letters after my name and big bucks for do'n noth'n.  Here I am on the best tractor forum around.

Funny you should mention that John. ....other day I was a working a tool & die shop and the guy sitting at his station playing solitaire while his machines were whirring away! I says WTF ... he just shrugs and says the the setup is done!