Repower IH Cub Cadet 72 with Kohler K241

[johncub7172]

....on the Kohler K241 paint job. As said above, I took great advantage of the nice weather today. Getting more excited about the project as I have finally arrived to this point. I would like to document a lot on today's IH Cub Cadet events so lets get going,......

The engine control parts are now covered in thin paint, protecting most of the metal as shown here:



The last time I have to show you a motor in this state. Any last request?



Engine outside, multiple coats of red primer applied to the engine oil pan:



With the engine upright, I'll finish up with the primer, and show a few pictures of these results:











This is the primer I used to cover the engine:



We're Going On!

[johncub7172]

I lightly masked off the engine block, and painted the cooling fins black:



I wanted to remove the tape and paper before the paint stuck the blue tape to my freshly primer block:





This is the stove paint I decided to use, my muffler turned out very good too:



Back inside, a few more pictures to close out this step in the paint process of my Kohler K241 paint prep work:











We'll see what's next. Thanks for looking!

[cadzag72]

Looks terrific! I will do that for my 125 once I start my 72 resto, I'll try to do both engines in tandem since they are both k301s. For now I just need the 125 back up and running!

[cubcadet]

Looks great John

[Cubcrazy]

Great work John!

[ACecil]

Nice job, John!

[J-Mech]

John, your motor is looking GREAT! Maybe I missed it in an earlier post, but what was the sealer you used? I'm assuming it was a cast iron sealer like what is used on the inside of a transmission, or engine blocks from the factory. If that is what it is, where did you get it and about what price.... Just info in general. I have asked for that type of sealer before, and it was OUTRAGEOUSLY expensive!

[johncub7172]

Originally Posted by J-Mech

John, your motor is looking GREAT! Maybe I missed it in an earlier post, but what was the sealer you used? I'm assuming it was a cast iron sealer like what is used on the inside of a transmission, or engine blocks from the factory. If that is what it is, where did you get it and about what price.... Just info in general. I have asked for that type of sealer before, and it was OUTRAGEOUSLY expensive!

That's news to me! This sealer I have been using has bonded like you would not believe. I can break my finger nail trying to chip the sealer. I have had a lot of experience mixing the small amounts, and learned alot about hardener and reducer that is used to mix with. You know, I have heard, and can't say for sure that I remember the facts of the conversation, but the only difference between rattle can spray paint, and the paint you mix, is the shelf life. I was told a rattle can of spray paint will not last as long because of the hardener being pre-mixed into the rattle can spray paint. I pay 18.00 for the Cub Cadet rattle can, and seriously believe there is something special about that paint.

Ok, this sealer is from Napa called Martin Senour Paints, Cross/Fire. This is about 32.99 a quart. It is part# CS278 3.5 Enamel Off-White Sealer. Then the reducer and hardener was about 20.00 combined total. You know, I cant tell you how well this stuff has worked for me. But what you describe as a sealer for inside of aluminum transmissions sounds expensive, as a internal sealer v.s what I'm using.

I knew I needed something better than regular old rattle can primer on the bare metal, and this is what I thought of. I have yet to see anyone take steps I take to prepare, and primer before color paint as I have been. Guess I'm a first. Using a brush does not mean the paint will bond less than air application, which a lot of people have a pre-conceived idea about. The total project has been more work due to the brush, but I'm not doing such a project to entertain. Every piece of this unit has had 3-4 coats of sealer, 3-4 coats of primer, and 3-4 coats of color. I will put it up against a power coat, and is better than what the IH Cub Cadet factory placed on their equipment.

[johncub7172]

Originally Posted by cadzag72

Looks terrific! I will do that for my 125 once I start my 72 resto, I'll try to do both engines in tandem since they are both k301s. For now I just need the 125 back up and running!

It has been a while since I had a chance to get this far. I have about 89% of the tractor in color, or in the ready for color paint stage. I have 4 years total into this, and most of the cost has been accounted for already. I have seen very, very nice work done in terms of paint here at OCC, and has propelled me to do the best I can with what I have. And that is a dedicated "love" for these garden tractors. I like them ALL!

Hope to see the 72 some day, there are a few nice 72's around on the net, lol!

Thanks guys, for the support!

[johncub7172]

...don't mind me! Here are important pictures of the Kohler K241 engine control component assembly:













thanks!