2 "new" C-161 machines for me

[twodogs 55]

I recently had my 520h pop the valve seat and subsequently hammer the daylights out of the engine block.  That thread is here.  I did some searching for a replacement engine (e.g., Onan, Briggs, Kohler, etc.), but the best I could come up with was a rebuilt Kohler Command Pro for $1300.  Soooooo, I decided to see if I could come up with another WH that didn't require me to fabricate powering with a different engine.

 

I picked up these two C-161 rigs from a gentleman for $960 (no idea if that's way above the market for these things).  They came with two 48" mower decks, and two snowblowers.  They both fire right up, and seem to operate fine, with a few things I'll address over the winter.  One doesn't have any leaks, and it will be the one that I'll task with my snow blade.  I've already replaced the oil in it with Rotella SAE 30, and the axle with 10w-30.  The other has a small leak on the hydraulic hose going to the lift cylinder.  I'll start by replacing the o-ring.  I'll probably just go through that engine first....just because.  That leads me to a question.  There is a sticker on it that it's a short block and to use that information before ordering parts.  It shows a Spec and Serial Number, but I haven't been able to cross reference that information to anything I could use for ordering.  Please take a look at the short block sticker and let me know if it means anything to you.  Thanks!

 

So far I'm liking these over my 520h.  They seem to have plenty of power, and I like the simplicity of the engines and the electronics.  I'll reserve final judgment for a bit, however....

[Handy Don 12,233]

Nice segue from 520 to C-160. Well done.

There is a lot of appeal in the single-cylinder Kohlers for gumption as well as ease of maintenance. I'm sure you'll enjoy the experience.

[SylvanLakeWH 25,596]

[Ed Kennell 38,206]

1 hour ago, twodogs said:

$960 (no idea if that's way above the market for these things)

$960 is close to the price of two 48" decks and two blowers in my area.    You got two free tractors with the best Kohlers made.   I am not a fan of the rubber engine mounts.  Check the condition of the rubbers...they can be replaced with solid mounts.

 

Look for twisting of the engine when engaging the PTO.   This will happen with worn rubber mounts.

Edited September 4, 2022 by Ed Kennell

[Ed Kennell 38,206]

1 hour ago, twodogs said:

the axle with 10w-30

I hope the Sundstrands had all ready been converted from ATV to Motor oil.    The two should not be mixed.   

[ri702bill 8,327]

AND a nice set of cast iron rear wheel weights that would sell for a quarter of the purchase price... well done!

[ineedanother 1,369]

No doubt a great deal! Well done!! 

[23 Reo 229]

I've had great luck with my 1984 C-165 for many years. It is my easiest tractor to own. I have read that the K341s tend to vibrate but mine is smooth.

Congratulations, great tractors and attachments at a good price. 

[twodogs 55]

47 minutes ago, Ed Kennell said:

$960 is close to the price of two 48" decks and two blowers in my area.    You got two free tractors with the best Kohlers made.   I am not a fan of the rubber engine mounts.  Check the condition of the rubbers...they can be replaced with solid mounts.

 

Look for twisting of the engine when engaging the PTO.   This will happen with worn rubber mounts.

Good to know on the pricing.  I'm not in Wheel Horse country out here so I'm never too sure.  I forgot to mention that I've been developing a punch list for these two, and one of the first things I ordered were two sets of these solid engine mounts.  I saw the engines move when I engaged the PTO, and knew immediately I would be addressing that right quick.

[twodogs 55]

54 minutes ago, Ed Kennell said:

I hope the Sundstrands had all ready been converted from ATV to Motor oil.    The two should not be mixed.   

They both looked like dirty motor oil when I drained them, so I went with a Napa 1410 filter, and conventional 10w-30 motor oil.

[twodogs 55]

55 minutes ago, ri702bill said:

AND a nice set of cast iron rear wheel weights that would sell for a quarter of the purchase price... well done!

You noticed one of things I was thrilled to see when I saw the ad.  They'll sure work (and look) a lot better than the home made ones I had on my 520.  I'll be giving them a good coat of paint before the snow flies.  

[twodogs 55]

34 minutes ago, 23 Reo said:

I've had great luck with my 1984 C-165 for many years. It is my easiest tractor to own. I have read that the K341s tend to vibrate but mine is smooth.

Congratulations, great tractors and attachments at a good price. 

Thanks!  I'm looking forward to refreshing them and hopefully keeping them in good working order.  Both of mine shake a bit at low idle, but smooth out at higher RPMs.  That said, the rubber mounts look pretty well worn so I'm going to convert to solid mounts on both.

[Blasterdad 2,692]

Great score! A pic of my C-161 snow beast awaiting her fall maintainance & new front tire, ( and a bath ). I have 2 C-160's in the shop now being worked on ahead of her.

The C-161 is one of my favorites, you're going to love them! 

 

[RJ Hamner 1,007]

4 hours ago, twodogs said:

It shows a Spec and Serial Number, but I haven't been able to cross reference that information to anything I could use for ordering.  Please take a look at the short block sticker and let me know if it means anything to you.  Thanks!

 

Probably doesn't help much but the only reference to spec #4552240 is that it is a factory short block.  Which is listed as NLA

[Blasterdad 2,692]

Many parts are the same, this will tell you what you need to know. Great thread, it's pinned at the top of the engines catagory...

 

[twodogs 55]

5 hours ago, Blasterdad said:

Great score! A pic of my C-161 snow beast awaiting her fall maintainance & new front tire, ( and a bath ). I have 2 C-160's in the shop now being worked on ahead of her.

The C-161 is one of my favorites, you're going to love them! 

 

Nice looking rig!  I do like the lines on the C-series.  I was surprised at the amount of torque they put out.  Your pic reminded me that I need to source some good tire chains.  Another punch list item.

[twodogs 55]

2 hours ago, Blasterdad said:

Many parts are the same, this will tell you what you need to know. Great thread, it's pinned at the top of the engines catagory...

 

Thanks for that link!  I haven't done a close inspection of the short block, but I'll do so tomorrow with your information at hand.  This thread alone made me realize that I needed to become a supporter of this site.  There's just too much good information in one place, and I needed pony up...so to speak.  

[ineedanother 1,369]

3 minutes ago, twodogs said:

Thanks for that link!  I haven't done a close inspection of the short block, but I'll do so tomorrow with your information at hand.  This thread alone made me realize that I needed to become a supporter of this site.  There's just too much good information in one place, and I needed pony up...so to speak.  

Seemingly endless support here and well moderated. Just don't get addicted  , or welcome back I maybe should say.

[Blasterdad 2,692]

9 hours ago, twodogs said:

Nice looking rig!  I do like the lines on the C-series.  

Keep that 520, you can make one of these, a "SUPER C".

Pretty much a bolt on project, I recently picked up a 520 with a torched motor to make one this winter. 

[c-series don 8,719]

@twodogs Great score for that price! Like Ed said with the attachments and the weights those alone are worth the price! In my opinion the C-161 automatic is one of the best Wheel Horse tractors ever made. I have most of the’78-‘79 C-1_1 made, I love the looks and simplicity of them. They don’t have all the unnecessary electronics of the 3,4,500 series tractors. Good luck with yours and keep those pictures coming! We love pictures! 

[twodogs 55]

On 9/5/2022 at 6:20 AM, Blasterdad said:

Keep that 520, you can make one of these, a "SUPER C".

Pretty much a bolt on project, I recently picked up a 520 with a torched motor to make one this winter. 

I like it!  I've debated posting my non-functional 520 on Craigslist but I can't imagine it would bring much money.  The other part of the debate is to do like you've done, and rob parts from it.  I don't know how many things could transfer between the two, but it looks like at least the front axle and steering, seat, and the wheels.  I'm all ears if there are other parts that are worth keeping for a future swap.

[WHGuy413 2,695]

Looks like a score to me. I don’t have one of those big 16hp Kohler’s but have heard great things and would like to add one to the collection some day maybe. 

[twodogs 55]

After looking at the deteriorated rubber mounts, I decided to tackle the solid mount replacements today.  I used my cherry picker to lift the engine a few inches so that I wouldn't have to wrestle the engine as much.  It wasn't too bad, but I still had to fight one of the bolts a bit.  It was well worth the effort because now the engine doesn't shift when I engage the PTO.  I finished the mounts, installed a 48" mower deck, and was pleased to see everything engage and align like it should.  The condition of those rubber mounts were really nagging at me.

 

[Blasterdad 2,692]

9 hours ago, twodogs said:

I like it!  I've debated posting my non-functional 520 on Craigslist but I can't imagine it would bring much money.  The other part of the debate is to do like you've done, and rob parts from it.  I don't know how many things could transfer between the two, but it looks like at least the front axle and steering, seat, and the wheels.  I'm all ears if there are other parts that are worth keeping for a future swap.

This is not mine, it's @wh5208speed 's tractor, I believe he has 3 of them. I would keep the 520 for sure! The parts alone are worth way more than you could sell it for. You could repower it too. Nice job on the solid mounts! 

[twodogs 55]

On 9/8/2022 at 5:31 AM, Blasterdad said:

This is not mine, it's @wh5208speed 's tractor, I believe he has 3 of them. I would keep the 520 for sure! The parts alone are worth way more than you could sell it for. You could repower it too. Nice job on the solid mounts! 

I've been taking stock of interchangeable parts, and I think I'll keep the 520.  Parts that can't be utilized will be for sale to other folks on here.  I would re-power the 520 but I haven't been able to find an engine at a price that would make it worthwhile.  Now I just need to find someone that needs a very good condition 60" mower deck.

 

On another note.  What a difference those solid mounts make!  I used both of my 161s today, and the one that still has the old rubber mounts shakes like crazy in comparison to the solid mounts. If anyone is sitting on the fence, it's worth the conversion.