Kohler engine ID

[169noob]

First post - apologies if I missed a forum that already has the info I seek.

I got a 169 a while back and have been fixing it up, but recently became aware of the 12 fins vs. 13, so I want to identify the engine I have (mine is only 12 fins).

My engine tag has no model, only SPEC # 45 522 41 and Serial #3308600109. Assuming I am interpreting what I have found so far, my engine is a 2003 (10 digit number, 70+33), but I don't know if it is K341 or ? and would like to know what 'features' the Spec for this engine indicates.

I believe I have a genuine 169 tractor. SN is 2050048U51929, which corresponds to July 1974. It came with several attachments, some new rear tires, and some spare parts. I just finished the steering box rebuild and fixing 'repairs' done incorrectly by the previous owner, such as the flex coupling being bolted metal to metal instead of the X pattern!

Anyway, I intend to be mowing grass by next week. If I can identify the engine, it will help to decide how far I go toward a full restoration. I am pretty sure I need a different engine to be original, but trying to avoid a rookie mistake.

Thanks for any insight.

[DeltaCub]

According to the tag, the original engine. K-341 has been replaced with a 16hp shortblock...hence the 12 fins.

[ironman]

Model 169 would be circa 1974-75.
I don't know for a fact, but I doubt that Kohler was assembling engines in Mexico back then.

[ironman]

It is a K341 short block.
https://www.ccpartsnmore.com/cub-cadet-spec-sheets

[ironman]

FWIW check this link, see post near bottom explaining 12-13 fin differences.
https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/topi...fin-vs-13-fin/

[169noob]

Awesome info - thank you all. So I typo'ed, my tractor SN# is 2050048U519129 which does validate my 169 - I will get some pics posted, I know we all like our eye candy.

As for the engine, this confirms it is a K341 - BUT, as you mentioned the Made in Mexico sticker and the short block mean at least part of it is not original. Is there any way to tell if this is just a replacement head, what year/model tractor this engine came from, or is this just a full engine replaced (warranty)?

Obviously, I would like to know out of curiosity, but is there any other info about this engine I need or should know for maintenance or re-assembly?

For instance, I have the heat shield that also acts as muffler support - but I don't know how it is supposed to attach to the head. The head bolts are not original, so should they have had studs on the original for that plate to bolt to or am I missing some other mounting hardware?

Do I need to order replacement head bolts with studs and where can I find those?

[Oak]

Here are some pics of the heat shield on my April 1974 built 169.
DSC01219.jpg[ATTACH]DSC01221.jpg[/ATTACH]

[ol'George]

It would seem likely that a previous owner had a problem with the engine,
its anyone's guess and of no consequences what the problem was but it was cost effective to go with a new short block.
You prolly could look up what year the new short block was made.
But thinking it was around the 80's when we started to see Mexico become an exporter of parts, and suppling auto sub assemblies.
So you have a newer engine, that is a good thing.
If you want "originality" for some concourse de Alicante shows, like the Corvette owners or other groups, you could collect several tractors and spend thousands of dollars of NOS OEM parts.
a lot of ppl have a hobby that they spend many times what something is worth
to satisfy their interests.
Nothing wrong with that.
To me, these old cubs are just tools to get the job done.
just like my old 2 cylinder John Deere tractors.
They proudly wear their "Patina" and battle scars, as they are only original once.

[169noob]

Yes, I am thinking you are correct. I bought this to use it so I probably won't worry about original engine unless I decide to sell on down the road. Thanks for the input.

[169noob]

Originally Posted by Oak

Here are some pics of the heat shield on my April 1974 built 169.
Attachment 117125[ATTACH]Attachment 117127[/ATTACH]

Thanks for the pics, OAK! What I need to know is what is under the plate where those two bolts originate from? If you look at my pics, I may need to provide some better ones; there is just the head with nothing sticking up to go through the two plate holes. I wouldn't think a head bolt would also be the anchor for the lifting point, but it appears to align perfectly with the head bolts.

When I search for replacement head bolts, though, none seem to have a shoulder with a stud on top for securing the plate.