122 Oil? Change & Plug Fix
 

My son and I are slowly going through the mechanical of our 122. Today it was time to change the oil, but the PO had pretty much stripped the hex, i assume 9/16", almost completely off. I had to use locking pliers to remove it. Being a machinist, I simply cut it down to 1/2" hex. It mostly cleaned up. Now an easily serviceable part. I even added a neodymium magnet. SAE 30 for those that want to know. However, being in Phoenix, does anyone have thoughts on 20W-50 in the summer (100+ degrees) months?

The Kohler is an air cooled design and should have a straight 30W non detergent oil. I understand you wanting to use a slightly heavier oil due to the 100+ heat. Harley Davidson motorcycles are air cooled , you may want to see if their oil is non detergent. However, I would suggest sitting down before looking at the price. That "orange and black" label has it's own surcharge :bigeyes:

Cool machine work

Good job on your drain plug,I kinda did mine the same,with a hand file. I checked on a new one and they wanted like $54 ea for them! (had a thread on here about that).

Nice work on the drain plug!

No doubt! I had the same problem this past summer and sure could have used your service to machine that plug down. You do great work. Have you ever thought of offering that service? If I would have known that earlier, it would have been more economical to pay shipping and a service fee than to spend my time and $$ searching for a replacement plug.

BTW: Have you ever used synthetic oil? I use it in my cubs because it doesn't thermally break down and with your temps, you might find it beneficial.

Cub Cadet 123

Nice work on the drain plug!:beer2:

Thanks for all the input. I would love to help anyone out with machining services. Not sure how I would go about it.