Anybody found any cross-over piston/rod combos for the KT17 I?

thenrie · #1 09-18-2013, 11:56 PM

I blew my KT17 Series I last year and was going to part out my 682, rather than rebuild, but I'm now thinking about going ahead and rebuilding the motor. However, when I started looking at the prices for a single piston/ring set, I was completely blown away.

Has anybody found any crossover pistons from, say, a Briggs or other engine that will work as a replacement? I am going to need a rod and a pair of .030 pistons. Can't figure why a B&S piston for a similar engine is $30 and the KT17 pistons are over $200 for OEM.

If anybody has an old std rod laying around, PN 52 059 01, PM me. I'll buy it from you.

J-Mech · #2 09-19-2013, 12:56 AM

To my knowledge there are no "crossover" parts. The reason briggs are cheaper is simple. They sell more parts. The KT series I parts are going up because the motor didn't stand the test. Kohler rebuilt it with oil pressure lube, and those engines were 5X the motor the original was. Look for after-market parts. OEM Kohler is out of line on their price. Here is a link to a site that has rebuild kits for what I would say is a decent price. Kohler Rebuilt Kit KT17 Point is, search. It doesn't take too long. Google it, e-bay it, the parts are out there for better prices.

R Bedell · #3 09-19-2013, 06:18 AM

Quote:

If anybody has an old std rod laying around, PN 52 059 01, PM me. I'll buy it from you.

This is NOT a good idea. The Kohler engines have aluminum connecting rods. These rods develop "metal fatigue" over the years of use. You can rebuild an engine only to find the original rods let go, and destroy the money you already invested. Don't ask how I know this. This is why, when I open up an engine for rebuild, they all get new connecting rods. It is far cheaper to do it at the time of rebuild than later.

thenrie · #4 09-19-2013, 06:31 PM

Good info. Thanks.

I did some googling as well as shopping on ebay, but was still astounded at the price of a single piston. Didn't come up with the site you linked, though. I knew it was out there, but couldn't remember the name. Thanks.

Just took a look at Pat's. They want $416.44 for a KT17 rebuild kit that includes two pistons, rings, and a gasket set. I would also need a pair of rods, at $100 for the pair (only OEM available), as well as getting the jugs bored. I must be getting old. Used to could overhaul a V8 for that much. Since I'm considering rebuilding this engine just to sell the 682, looks like I'll be parting it out. There's no way I'll get enough back on the sale to pay for the rebuild of the engine. It would be different if I were keeping it.

I have a B&S 18hp engine in need of an overhaul that I can do for about $150 in parts, plus machine work (if needed). Just don't have the cooling shrouds for it. Sure didn't expect parts for the Kohler to be so high.

Sam Mac · #5 09-20-2013, 08:20 AM

Tony

Road trip time

http://winstonsalem.craigslist.org/bar/3963537489.html

Google says 290 miles

thenrie · #6 09-21-2013, 08:07 PM

Thanks for the listing. I'm looking at a running 1641 with mowing deck and snowblower for $400 a little north of me. Problem is, if it's a running 1641, why pull the motor and put it on 682? Just as well keep the $400 and just part-out the 682. Then again, I could probably get close to $400 for the snow blower alone once the first snow falls this year!