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JT
03-28-2007 16:23:17
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Re: Kohler Engine Parts in reply to Andy in Ct, 03-28-2007 04:32:10
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Andy,
I sell and use both OEM and aftermarket engine parts, but am very picky about where I buy the aftermarket parts. I have used aftermarket pistons, rings, gaskets, valves for about 5 years now and have had NO problems at all with them. The MOST important thing in a Kohler rebuild is to do it right, if it needs to be bored, bore it, if the crank needs to be turned, turn it, sloppy repair ethics and shorts cuts are the biggest reason any rebuild does not work.
If you get a reputable machine chop, that does reputable work, then you will not ahve any trouble. Now, the only aftermarket stuff I will use is Stens, they buy their rings from the same people who make Kohler rings, Their pistons are cam ground so you get a more consistant sizes, plus they put a one year warranty on their parts and they DO back it up, Kohler has a 90 day warranty, and I have had Kohler rods fail within 30 days becasue their tolerance were not correct. Kohler does not manufacturer a lot of their parts like they used to, so the pistons you buy from Kohler and the piston you buy from Stens could have came out of the same mold, then put in a differant box. There are a lot of aftermarket parts out there, I have seen Rotary pistons,primline parts, and I am not impressed by neither one. I had a Honda engine in last week and rebuilt it with new rings, it came back in last night, smoking, no power, rings were shot again, with OEM rings, found out that the air filter was not properly installed after it left here, so I think a lot of aftermarket aprts get a bad rap because of poor maintenance after the rebuild. Another problem area is the throttle shaft on the carb, you can rebuild an engine, take it out and mow a year with it, and have rings worn again, after you as the rebuilder and aftermarket parts get the blame for it, you find out the oil does not get changed every 50 hours, air filter did not get serviced, the carb throttle shaft was worn, letting dirt get right back in the engine and wearing it out again. So, if you buy a quality aftermarket part, then you will get good parts and they will work great for a lot of years, just do it right! If you are questionable about internet quality, check the prices at your local auto parts store for Hastings piston and TRW rings. I do not thing they would be considered cheap aftermarket parts.
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