K181 Rebuild or Replace?

[csvt99 173]

I have an 877 hydro with K181 (8 hp) that I would like to let my boys use around the yard. My 314-8 is just a touch big for my 9 year old but both him and his 6 yr old brother can run the 877 since it is hand controlled hydro. The K181 smokes pretty good, so I took the head off and determined it needs to be rebuilt. Unfortunately, the cost to rebuild will be significant. What do you think I should do?

 

Here is a previous post about the motor

 

 

[csvt99 173]

https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/topic/90896-877-kohler-8hp-rebuild-recommendations/

 

This is the link to the previous thread

[pfrederi 17,739]

Aftermarket  rebuild kit +/- $100 machine shop to bore cylinder grind crank  +/- $125 

[ebinmaine 67,471]

37 minutes ago, pfrederi said:

machine shop to bore cylinder grind crank  +/- $125 

It's minimum twice that around here. 

 

I'll be watching this thread because we have one to do on an 856. 

 

 

[ebinmaine 67,471]

I don't see anywhere in that other thread where it says you've had the engine measured. 

Did I miss that?

 

Has the ACTUAL cost and work needed been determined?

 

[oliver2-44 9,743]

While I like to keep the Kohlers going, you could always replace it with a HF Predator or similar engine. Then keep or pass the k181 on to someone else for parts.  

[csvt99 173]

43 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

I don't see anywhere in that other thread where it says you've had the engine measured. 

Did I miss that?

 

Has the ACTUAL cost and work needed been determined?

 

No, I have not had the engine measured. And the ACTUAL cost and work needed is not determined. I have a friend that just had at least one motor rebuilt by a local guy for his cub and he was quoted $1,500 plus. The wheel horse dealer I talked to said probably around $1,000.

[squonk 41,100]

I have a complete long block ready to go that I'll have at the PA show in June.

 

 

[csvt99 173]

32 minutes ago, oliver2-44 said:

While I like to keep the Kohlers going, you could always replace it with a HF Predator or similar engine. Then keep or pass the k181 on to someone else for parts.  

This would be tempting if it were simple and cheap. I won't be using this tractor hard, at least I don't think I will be... Although I do love the sound of that K series... I guess I could always use the new engine and take my time getting the old one rebuilt, then find a new tractor for the spare motor...

[squonk 41,100]

The PA show is 3 1/2 month's away. Yes I'm biased but you could buy my motor at about what a predator cost and not have to fool with finding a pulley to fit and rigging up a throttle ect. A Kohler replacement is a 2 hour job swapping the external parts and that's taking your time doing it. 

[roadapples 6,983]

and it won't be Chinese...

[ebinmaine 67,471]

8 hours ago, csvt99 said:

No, I have not had the engine measured. And the ACTUAL cost and work needed is not determined. I have a friend that just had at least one motor rebuilt by a local guy for his cub and he was quoted $1,500 plus. The wheel horse dealer I talked to said probably around $1,000.

 

So here's my thought process. 

 

By not having it properly diagnosed we're putting the cart before the "Horse" , so to speak. 

 

It is likely that it needs a rebuild, yes...

 

But you won't be using it much or working it hard. 

I'm a firm believer in fixing things right the first time but if a set of rings would "get you by" on a machine that won't see strenuous work I'd not hesitate to go that route.  

 

BUT!!

 

 

@squonk has a rebuilt engine available right now ready to go that you could buy AND have it shipped for less than your local repair options. 

 

IMHO that's a decision that just doesn't need to be made. 
 

[pfrederi 17,739]

14 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

It's minimum twice that around here. 

 

I'll be watching this thread because we have one to do on an 856. 

 

 

 

Glad I don't live in Maine.  my shop charged me 250 for an M-18  2 cylinders, two rod journals, 4 valves, and he swapped in the new valve guides for me...  He charged 150 for the first single but only 125 for the next two (guess he liked cash payment and donuts)

[Wheelhorse#1 1,657]

It’s a crime to put a Chinese motor in a Fine quality American made machine.I’m just saying,might want to rethink that one.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

[C-85 681]

I didn't vote because I didn't see the right choice!  I love Kohler engines, mainly because they last and if they're worn out, they're fully rebuildable!  So I hope you'll consider rebuilding this whether you do it yourself with the help of a machine shop, or hire it done, it would be a shame to throw this away.

 

C-85

[kpinnc 12,017]

5 hours ago, Wheelhorse#1 said:

It’s a crime to put a Chinese motor in a Fine quality American made machine.I’m just saying,might want to rethink that one.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

 

Second only to letting the tractor sit and not be used.

 

I use cheap knock off carbs and whatever else I need to keep my machines going. This also allows for proper rebuild of components without absolute down time of the tractor. 

 

Of course we'd all prefer OEM replacements, but they just aren't as available as they used to be. Not to mention the inflated expense if you find them. Using copies that have questionable origins will never put a smile on my face, but seat time sure does. 

[857lover 291]

On 2/26/2022 at 9:07 PM, squonk said:

The PA show is 3 1/2 month's away. Yes I'm biased but you could buy my motor at about what a predator cost and not have to fool with finding a pulley to fit and rigging up a throttle ect. A Kohler replacement is a 2 hour job swapping the external parts and that's taking your time doing it. 

where is this show??

[oliver2-44 9,743]

Bieglerville Pa. Probable just down the road from you. In June the weekend after Father’s Day every year. 

[AMC RULES 37,130]

9 hours ago, 857lover said:

where is this show??

 

[csvt99 173]

Thanks for all of your input. I'm definitely leaning towards buying a rebuilt one or having mine rebuilt. Maybe I can do both!

[csvt99 173]

Sqounks motor is a 30108A. Mine is a 30108D. Will this pretty much be a direct swap? Hopefully one of you knows the what the differences are between the two. Will all my other engine components bolt up to it?  Thanks!

[squonk 41,100]

20 minutes ago, csvt99 said:

Sqounks motor is a 30108A. Mine is a 30108D. Will this pretty much be a direct swap? Hopefully one of you knows the what the differences are between the two. Will all my other engine components bolt up to it?  Thanks!

Direct fit. The A is an older version of the D. I got 2 engines one A and D. The only difference between the 2 is the A had a spark advance cam and the D came with a Compression Release cam (ACR). I have no idea if the previous owners swapped the shrouds and tags around. This engine has the D style camshaft. All external parts will bolt on. I believe I got the shrouds switched when I was working on them. It didn't look like this engine was ever apart before and it had the suffix D cam.

 

 

 

 

Edited March 5, 2022 by squonk

[csvt99 173]

Looks like I'm going with Sqounk's motor. Turns out he switched his photos, and this motor is indeed the D and the same model as mine. Thanks for all of your help, I'm looking forward to getting the little 877 rolling again!

[csvt99 173]

Update: Life happened but I finally got picked up Squonk's motor and am now hoping to get it up and running. I will post the results on this updated thread. https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/topic/101381-k181-swap/

[ebinmaine 67,471]

On 2/27/2022 at 10:00 AM, pfrederi said:

guess he liked cash payment and donuts

The DONUTS are the key here Paul. Has to be.