Rods for Kohler K engines

farmallsforever · Apr 5, 2016

I rebuild a lot of K engines [241,301,321] Does any one know of some one who makes rods for the K engines with insert bearings. Rods for these engines are very costly, even the import ones, it would be a lot cheaper to replace a couple of slip in bearings.

MNGB · Apr 5, 2016

Have you checked with an engine machine shop I know some have machined the rods to accept an insert type bearing but its not cheap, also have you checked e bay there a number of seller sell new aftermarket rods for less than $30.00 with free shipping.
GB in MN

Tom Arnold · Apr 5, 2016

Many millions of the K and M Series engines have been built over the years. There is no problem with the con rod that would justify using insert type bearings. These engines will run for 2000 hours or more providing the oil is changed every 25 hours max under normal conditions. In between changes, it is imperative to keep the oil level to the mark on the dipstick. Other routine maintenance procedures such as de-carbonization, setting the valve lash, plug gap and setting the ignition timing must be carried out along with keeping the cooling shrouds and fins clean of foreign material that will inhibit air flow and cause overheating. Of course, clean fuel and a proper fuel/air ratio are also important to keep the engine temp under control.

I have never heard of any such rod on offer but i think that you are trying to re-invent the wheel with this one.

Brian G. NY · Apr 5, 2016

(quoted from post at 01:48:10 04/06/16) I rebuild a lot of K engines [241,301,321] Does any one know of some one who makes rods for the K engines with insert bearings. Rods for these engines are very costly, even the import ones, it would be a lot cheaper to replace a couple of slip in bearings.

Tom is right, with proper maintenance, the Kohler engines will give excellent service with the standard aluminum rods.

However, there are guys in the garden tractor pulling circles who hop these engines up and put way more stress on them than was ever intended. There are Clevite bearings that can be adapted relatively easily but I can't see that as being cost effective given that there is some machine work required.

Brian Miller is a guy who does a lot of work on these engines to increase their power for pulling.

http://gardentractorpullingtips.com/engine.htm

Interesting reading even for the average guy who would never have a need for such modifications.

Bob · Apr 6, 2016

I think about any automotive machine shop that has a "rod machine" can hog out the big ends of the rods for bearing inserts. (IF they want to.)

As to the inserts, IIRC, they used an of-the-shelf insert for a little Continental engine.

Kris Golden · Apr 6, 2016

I always had the local engine machine shop grind out the rod and put in an insert bearing when I rebuilt a K series. Never pulled one, I just like the thought of something a little more substantial while mowing for hour after hour.

Brian G. NY · Apr 6, 2016

As to the inserts, IIRC, they used an of-the-shelf insert for a little Continental engine.[/quote]

Bob, you did RC!

Butch(OH) · Apr 6, 2016

As the others said you can have your original rod modified but the question is why when an aftermarket rod shipped to the house for $25 and even less if added to an overhaul kit. I can size rods but wont spend the time required and supply an insert for $25. The small ends have problems also most of the time anyway. If your one of those who insist on using Kohler parts then it might make sense to pay somebody to resize the rod if the small end is OK but then again if your going to spend 10X more for genuine Kohler parts than serviceable aftermarket why worry about the cost of a rod?

T.R.K. · Apr 6, 2016

An old small engine mechanic told me once not to re-use the rod. He said every one he ever rebuilt and tried to re-use the old rod, it broke pretty soon. I am thinking metal fatigue was a factor.

Rods for Kohler K engines

farmallsforever

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MNGB

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Tom Arnold

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Brian G. NY

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Bob

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Kris Golden

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Brian G. NY

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Butch(OH)

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T.R.K.

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