H_ALLEMANG 5 #1 Posted May 18, 2020 I have a 1971 800 Automatic that is smoking when throttled up and some when cutting grass. I have been pondering whether or not to have my wheelhorse reapir shop rebuild it or to just throw a Kohler on it. I prefer my horses to be as original as possible, but my guy who has been working in his WH shop since 1968 doesnt prefer this engine. That's all fine and dandy but I'm trying to figure out if it would be worth it to put new rings in and whatever else it may need or to put a kohler in it. I have found a couple in my area for $150 which isn't bad unless they end up also needing work. I guess I am really looking for opinions and experience from others on this idea. Thanks! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kasey54 305 #2 Posted May 18, 2020 Have you tried changing the oil? Some briggs leak fuel back thru the carb. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
H_ALLEMANG 5 #3 Posted May 18, 2020 I have actually changed it # times, after everytime I mow. I had a guy tell me he bought a smoky kohler and he changed the oil several times and the smoking cleared up. His belonged to an old farmer that probably changed the oil once or twice and just topped it off. I had another 800 last summer that smoked some but not like this one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 29,402 #4 Posted May 18, 2020 If the Briggs is an I/C (industrial / commercial) engine then it will have a cast iron bore. These engines will take a rebuild very well. The cheaper Briggs engines that have an aluminum bore I do not recommend wasting your time & money on. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kasey54 305 #5 Posted May 18, 2020 I think the Briggs you have is the old cast iron one. Very solid. When I first started with wheel horse I stubbornly avoided Briggs because of the bad talk, and how Kohlers are so superior. However I wound up with a pair of Gilsons that were Briggs powered. and I'll say Kohler is my fav. , but has nothing on those old C.I. Briggs. I have since acquired a GT- 1600, and a GT 1100. Both are great , EXCEPT, the charging system. They are only 3, or 5 amp. For tilling and mowing , no matter. Don't know if this helps, lol. You can never go wrong with a good Kohler. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kasey54 305 #6 Posted May 18, 2020 By the way my biggest source of guidance was also from a fellow who worked at a Wheelhorse dealership from 1970 or so. I believe when you sell a brand , you prefer it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 72,672 #7 Posted May 18, 2020 6 hours ago, Achto said: If the Briggs is an I/C (industrial / commercial) engine then it will have a cast iron bore. These engines will take a rebuild very well. The cheaper Briggs engines that have an aluminum bore I do not recommend wasting your time & money on. 6 hours ago, kasey54 said: Kohler is my fav. , but has nothing on those old C.I. Briggs I'll put a third vote there. Until about 3 years ago I'd always been a Briggs guy. Like Kasey states... Kohler is my favorite... but I wouldn't hesitate to use or rebuild a cast iron bore Briggs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
H_ALLEMANG 5 #8 Posted May 18, 2020 I'm thinking that I'll just pay him to rebuild it for me. BUT, if I come across a cheap and good running Kohler I will buy it. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
