Bob Nakon 55 #1 Posted December 31, 2022 Hi guys, It has been quite a while since I have logged in. Every once in a while life kicks you in the a** and it takes a while to get up again. I am looking for a machine shop / engine rebuilder in my area. I live about 19 miles NW of Ann Arbor Michigan. I have 2 that need rebuilding, 12 hp in my C120 and 16 hp from my C160. That is what I need done, but since I have no Idea what a rebuild costs it is possible I may do them one at a time and stretch out the time in between. Both are K series Kohler engines of course. I wonder if they can be left in the tractor? I watched a friend rebuild his engine and he left it in the tractor. Just wondering. Anyway, it's nice to be back and if you know of a good rebuilder I would appreciate hearing from you. Thanks, Bob 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 25,555 #2 Posted December 31, 2022 back! I looked around 7 years ago and didn't find any near us... have not looked lately... @Pullstart do you know of any??? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,849 #3 Posted December 31, 2022 Yes, back! My local NAPA distribution hub has a good machine shop, and last time I used them had very fair prices. It might be worth checking into locally. The particular location I speak of is near the Grand Rapids airport… at 36th and Patterson. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,849 #4 Posted December 31, 2022 5 hours ago, Bob Nakon said: I watched a friend rebuild his engine and he left it in the tractor. I’m not sure what kind of tractor this was, but it’s not that challenging to pull a Kohler out of a Wheel Horse. The oil pan is an integral part of the engine block and is sitting on the frame, or a shaker mount at that, and it needs to be removed. No on frame rebuilds here… 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,218 #5 Posted December 31, 2022 5 hours ago, Bob Nakon said: I wonder if they can be left in the tractor? I watched a friend rebuild his engine and he left it in the tractor. About the only thing you can do while the engine is in the tractor is an ignition tune up. The base/oil-pan needs to come off to get at the rod bolts. You can save some money by doing the disassembly work yourself. Depending on your skill set and the tools you have. This thread will give you some idea of what needs to be done for a proper engine rebuild. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pacer 3,169 #6 Posted December 31, 2022 Your friend probably had one of the "Farm" type tractors - cubs, ford, massey, etc lot of those can do an in place ... 'rebuild' (cant turn the crankshaft) Aside from finding a shop to do a rebuild, which I dont have a place anywhere close either, you very possibly could get by with a 're-ring' type rebuild. (these Kohlers are known to be tough) consisting of new rings/piston/rod, clean up valves, gaskets, etc. Get on your friends and start asking if one of them might could help you assess what you need, The removal of the engine and getting into it is really not difficult and would have to be done anyway you go. Check out the post @953 nut shows and you might get a feel for what you need. We have on the forum a member that will do the the rebuild - complete - in Virginia @richmondred01 (check in the 'for sale' section) Its not cheap but you'll have a 'like new' engine when done. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
moe1965 738 #7 Posted December 31, 2022 Unfortunately it seems to be a thing of the past to rebuild a small engine it's a throw away world . I had a hard time as well here in Ohio but it found one. Check with a few motorcycle or places that sell four wheelers and dirt bikes in your area. Those engines are always in need of repair and if they can't do it I'm sure they use someone does. Good luck Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
richmondred01 2,237 #8 Posted December 31, 2022 (edited) You can’t rebuild an engine without it being removed from the tractor. To properly rebuild them they need to go down to the bare block and everything mic to spec. Rebuilding an engine on the tractor is as ridiculous as getting a kidney transplant with your clothes on. Edited December 31, 2022 by richmondred01 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 12,017 #9 Posted December 31, 2022 (edited) 6 hours ago, richmondred01 said: Rebuilding an engine on the tractor is as ridiculous as getting a kidney transplant with your clothes on. I'm using that one! ...and 100% agreed as well. Most any engine shop can prep a Kohler block for you. Bore (if needed), hone, face valve seats and guides. Prices will vary of course. Once you have that done- if you can read a manual and have torque wrenches and feeler guages, you're all set. Kohler engines are foolproof so long as you do what the service manual says. Don't cut corners and you'll get another 40-50 years out of that engine. And assembly lube is your friend. You can't use too much. Edited December 31, 2022 by kpinnc 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 9,743 #10 Posted December 31, 2022 15 hours ago, Bob Nakon said: I wonder if they can be left in the tractor? I watched a friend rebuild his engine and he left it in the tractor. Older Wisconsin engines had a removable side plate where you could access the rod for removal. They also have a removable cylinder jug for boring and you can pull the crank out the side. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wild Bill 633 845 #11 Posted December 31, 2022 https://www.inplace.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,218 #12 Posted January 1, 2023 12 hours ago, Wild Bill 633 said: https://www.inplace.com Not sure what they would charge but something tells me it may be a bit higher than a new Kohler engine would be. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 7,305 #13 Posted January 1, 2023 3 hours ago, 953 nut said: Not sure what they would charge but something tells me it may be a bit higher than a new Kohler engine would be. My thought is that they would hang up the phone because they couldn't stop laughing. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bob Nakon 55 #14 Posted January 1, 2023 Thanks for the responses guys. I guess I'll keep looking in my area and I'll call the local auto parts (no NAPA here) and maybe they can steer me to someone. Happy New Year to all. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
