Kohler K 301

Pipestem

Member
Looking for a short block to use in bringing back to life an old 124 International Cub Cadet, 1968 model year. Is the JD 212 K 301 short block the same as the Cub Cadet with the same number? I realize that the oil pan, front and back clutch, etc. would have to be changed out but just wondering. Also wonder what the difference in a 301 and a 301a is? Any clarification is appreciated.
 
The block and crankshaft on the JD engine are different. Block has mounting ears which will hit the frame of the Cub Cadet. The crankshaft is longer than the Cub Cadet. The "A" is for automatic compression release.
 
Where are you located?

I have a K301 from a Cub 125 that my son rebuilt and painted for a 4H project under the supervision of a small engine repair man. It's just sitting gathering dust - occassionally I'll pull the spark pug and pour a little 5W20 in the spark plug hole to keep it from freezing up.

As far as I know it will interchange with any narrow frame cub engine except the Original. Shipping would be a bear but if you are cloise to NE Kansas we might be able to make something work.
 
Why don't you rebuild the engine you have, the Kohler cast iron blocks can be bored out. Parts can be bought and if you go with generic parts you can get away a lot cheaper than a new short block.
 
Thanks for all the information. I may indeed rebuild the engine but it was my Dad"s and I think it has already been bored. Don"t know if I have enough block left to until I tear into it. I am in Southern West Virginia. Thanks again.
 
What is your engine doing that makes you think it is bad? Lots of little things can make a K series Kohler act worn out or burn oil. Plugged or inop breather, sticky valves, blown head gasket, carb or spark problems, etc. Also, a compression test is not definitive, the compression release bleeds it off at cranking speed. The engine needs to be belted to another to accurately test compression.
 
Don't want to rain on this but I was told that Kohler is no longer making "K" series short blocks. All you can get is old stock if you can find it. These engines are battle ship strong if you don't screw them up! Try to fix it. I have five machines with the K engines and if you tune them up correctly they out perform anything else I have. Only thing is MAAANNN they are HEAVY! Jeffcat
 
As some others have said fix it. If you can pull the engine and change the oil pan, carb etc from a might fit ??? condition engine you can overhaul your own. All it takes is the Kohler manual that you down load from their site. Best step by step tear down ,measure and put back together manuals ever written. Or take the block piston and crank to a NAPA with a machine shop for measuring and fixing. If your already .030 over and worn then sleeve it or find another block. There is at least 12 1/2 zillion Cubs being parted out. We have installed close to a dozen of the kits made by Rotary with zero problems, we do our own machine work. They are sold on Ebay by a fellow in Wausean Ohio. About $100 for everything. Others say Kohler is the one and only way to go. Plan on spending 5x the price to go that route.
 
The A means it has a special oil pan. Basically, means, the equipment manufacturer specified a different oil pan to meet there needs, which differs from the standard one Kohler provided. All of the oil Pans mount up to the engine block the same, so you can just change it from your engine. I rmemeber an old FOrd Garden tractor, the entire front axle was part of the oil pan for the engine.

a Q means it has balance gears, and is a "quiet" model, S means is electric start,with a geared/bendix type starter. those with generator starters didn"t have the S

I have a K321 AQS in a bolens outside, so is why I remember those 3 letters. theres a couple more letters than can be found I think, the info can be found in the Kohler Service manual available on Kohlers Web site as a free download.
 
All K series oil pans do not bolt on the same. There are wide base and narrow base blocks. They are not interchangeable without machine work, even then you can only make a wide base into a narrow base. You can't go the other way. The Cub in question is a narrow base engine and is limited to a 12hp or smaller Kohler. 14hp and up will not fit without frame mods.
 
No, actually the A designates the style of oil pan, The A type pan mounts in the frame and bolts through the bottom of the frame into the oil pan, most all the Kohler K series have a ACR in it.
 

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