K341 engine build questions

[samiam44]

thanks for the tip Matt!

[samiam44]

The 0.020 piston is $213
0.030 is $165

Will the machinist kill me if I go to 0.030?

Rod is $111 for 0.010 under.
Tappets @$30 each
Pin for points $10
govenor @ 32
bushing @ 10

$475 for factory parts. WOW welcome to 2012

[Matt G.]

Not sure what you're using for part numbers, here's what I get from TEWarehouse:

20 over piston for a K341 in a 1650: 4587404-S, $152.11
30 over piston: 4587405-S, $152.11

10 under rod: 4506723-S, $82.67

Bushing: 235476-S, $6.16

[samiam44]

4587414-S 020 piston - $213
4587415-S 030 piston -$165
matching 010 rod $111.11

The STD rod is only $75.

It's a shame on these piston prices and valve prices. I can get custom set of V8 pistons from MAHLE for that type of pricing. I would expect factory to be about 1/2 racing prices.

Intake valve is $50
Exhaust is $70

Both valves are quite worn. They suggesed replacement.

This is too much $$. Kohler doesn't make valves, there has to be a way to buy them direct from the supplier. Anyone ever inquire with TRW aftermarket? I bet they make the factory valves? If there was enough interest, I could order up Ferrea swirl polished valves in that price range -maybe less than factory.

Lakota lifters, valves are cheaper than Kohler- that's crazy.
Michael

[Matt G.]

Where are you getting your part numbers? The ones I provided are from the Cub Cadet parts lookup for a 1650.

You need to remember that there have been MILLIONS and MILLIONS of Chevy V8s made, for instance, and therefore the prices for parts will be much lower because they are made in much larger quantities. Outside of a few people fixing up these old tractors, there isn't much demand for the parts. Instead of complaining about how much parts cost, be glad you can still get them. Or buy an Onan, then you'll think Kohler parts are cheap. Ever try to fix up a really old Wisconsin or Clinton engine?...you simply can't buy new parts for them anymore, not even aftermarket in some cases...

[Sam Mac]

Drop a Harbor Freight engine in it.

[samiam44]

Matt,

THere were MILLLIONS of Kohlers made!! My motor is 1979 and they were in the 9 million. I don't know when the last applicable piston which fit something into the late 90's. Granted the 12 and 14 hp would be much higher production. But I think the M16/K16 were built over 15-20 year period.

I actually talked to Mahle on a custom Mercedes V-8 build. One off custom set- they have never done before and it was less per/piston that Kohler Mahle piston LIST price.
I could understand the pricing if it was something very old and very obsolete. Big 3 V-8 piston sets are about what 1 kohler piston costs.

I think I'm going to get the Lakota Racing Valves which are $80 set versus factory would be $130. There small lifters are 1/2 Kohler list price also.

Unless there is some negative feed back.

I'm truly surprised no one has called Mahle in NC and ordered up 50. Then you can send them one of their pistons (new) and say I need something just like this except MolyKote coated side skirts. Always wondered about the obsoleted Alcoa forging too- if Alcoa germany still has the mold.... or if it was Kohler property.

[Merk]

by samiam44
I'm truly surprised no one has called Mahle in NC and ordered up 50. Then you can send them one of their pistons (new) and say I need something just like this except MolyKote coated side skirts. Always wondered about the obsoleted Alcoa forging too- if Alcoa germany still has the mold.... or if it was Kohler property.

There may have been millions of pistons made......not all were for a K341 engine. Set up cost plus material and labor will have the cost of a piston ip to $80 to $125 each. I don't have an extra $5000 laying around to buy a few pistons.

Next thing is how many do you make at standard, .010, .020 and .030 over? Mahle or anyone machining a part has to have Kohler permission to make copies of a Kohler piston. Same with the connecting rod.

I rebuilt a K-241 for someone this spring. new exhaust valve cost me $28.56. New .010 over pistion cost $88.90 at my local NAPA store.

I ran a Mahle piston in a K321 engine. It lasted about a year. There was too much clearance in the piston skirt area. The piston skirt created excessive wear in the cylinder wall where the skirt hit the cylinder wall. I did contact Mahle when the engine was built. They said the clearance was ok.

Check with your local NAPA store. They may be able to get you a better price than the online stores have.

[samiam44]

What brand of piston did you get from NAPA?

a, c OR D style?

Country of origin?