Time for a K341 Engine Rebuild

Cub-N-It · #1 05-22-2012, 12:09 AM

So now that I have all the minor work done on the 1650, the time had come this past weekend to see how it performed. I took the 1650 out to pull the resurfacer around the gokart racetrack. I had so much trouble with the engine, and kept adjusting the valves, the carb, changine the carb, discovering the intake valve is not closing all the way, bogging problems, until it all got to be too much to keep going without a rebuild. So I took some time today to talk to a guy near me who does small engine work, and who owns and competes locally a Cub pulling tractor with a v-twin Kohler engine.
Of course I was hoping the K341 was not that far gone, but it is what it is, so in two weeks the rebuilder wants me to bring the whole 1650 to him. He is going to pull the engine, and rebuild it and the carburator.
This is certainly more than I bargained for when I took ownership of the 1650, but I have to admit (engine aside) the more I drive it, the more I look at it, the better I like it. I will keep you guys posted of the rebuild, and hopefully the guys work will be so good that I will be able to recommend him to any of you who need this kind of service and are willing to drive to Chatham County NC to have some engine work performed.
Van

Methos · #2 05-22-2012, 12:29 AM

Van once the motor work is done you'll be walking on air for quite a while! There's nothing lke the feeling of having a freshly rebuilt motor!

TheSaturnV · #3 05-22-2012, 02:00 AM

Agreed. After the rebuild that machine should be all set from here on.

mickb72 · #4 05-22-2012, 07:16 AM

Hi, It's amazing,just put a rebuilt short block in a 12hp and it's thirsty two!

Cub-N-It · #5 05-22-2012, 09:24 AM

Kevin ( the guy rebuilding the 341 ) told me he thinks his brother has a dozer blade he may be willing to sell me. That would be a good find as working the 1650 with a dozer blade was the intent of buying the Cub in the first place.
Thank you Methos, SaturnV. and mickb72 for the encouraging words

Van

jbrewer · #6 05-22-2012, 10:36 AM

I'm looking forward to your rebuilder report. I'm over in Johnston county and you're not that far away...did you get a cost estimate?

Best
John

Cub-N-It · #7 05-22-2012, 01:52 PM

Yes I did John. To remove the engine, rebuild, reinstall and test drive will be $700.
I asked Kevin to also go ahead and rebuild the carburator, including replacing the throttle shaft bushings. I did not ask him about the price for that.
My other choice was to pull the engine myself and send it to Missouri, and ask Brian Miller to do the work. His price included rebuilding the carburator, but an extra cost to me would be building a shipping crate and hauling the engine to a trucking company warehouse, and paying the shipping cost both ways. So if this rebuild with Keith turns out well, then I will have someone close by who can do this kind of work without having to go out of State. Also too, if I am happy with the 341 I have a series 2 KT-17 Kohler I will probably ask Keith to freshen up next year. Probably all it will need is to have the heads removed to decarbon the combustion chambers, and adjust the valves. I am a big fan of the series 2 KT-17 engine. I have that one in a 1986 WheelHorse 417A.
We should have a NC Cub Cadet Meet and Greet sometime, maybe this Fall. What do you think about that? Last Month some of us on the RedSquare WheelHorse forum had a meet and greet over in your neck of the woods in Selma NC. We had alot of fun, and some good good BBQ

Van

ACecil · #8 05-22-2012, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cub-N-It

Yes I did John. To remove the engine, rebuild, reinstall and test drive will be $700.
I asked Kevin to also go ahead and rebuild the carburator, including replacing the throttle shaft bushings. I did not ask him about the price for that.
My other choice was to pull the engine myself and send it to Missouri, and ask Brian Miller to do the work. His price included rebuilding the carburator, but an extra cost to me would be building a shipping crate and hauling the engine to a trucking company warehouse, and paying the shipping cost both ways. So if this rebuild with Keith turns out well, then I will have someone close by who can do this kind of work without having to go out of State. Also too, if I am happy with the 341 I have a series 2 KT-17 Kohler I will probably ask Keith to freshen up next year. Probably all it will need is to have the heads removed to decarbon the combustion chambers, and adjust the valves. I am a big fan of the series 2 KT-17 engine. I have that one in a 1986 WheelHorse 417A.
We should have a NC Cub Cadet Meet and Greet sometime, maybe this Fall. What do you think about that? Last Month some of us on the RedSquare WheelHorse forum had a meet and greet over in your neck of the woods in Selma NC. We had alot of fun, and some good good BBQ

Van

That sounds like a plan!

Merk · #9 05-22-2012, 04:45 PM

Quote:

by Cub-N-It
I asked Kevin to also go ahead and rebuild the carburator, including replacing the throttle shaft bushings.

Have Kevin check the throttle shaft for wear. I've had several carbs that needed a throttle shaft and bushing. Kohler does make a kit that includes the throttle shaft and bushing.

Cub-N-It · #10 05-22-2012, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merk

Have Kevin check the throttle shaft for wear. I've had several carbs that needed a throttle shaft and bushing. Kohler does make a kit that includes the throttle shaft and bushing.

Thank you Merk. I will do just that. I want this engine to live another 30 years. When I see Kevin, I am going to tell him there is a group of people on this forum who have their eyes on him

I would like to be able to send him some business from here.

Also Allen, Once the 1650 is running as it should I am hoping we can put the wheels in motiion for some kind of get together. I hope you don't mind if I bring one of my WheelHorses. I think one of them sabatoged my 1650. Maybe I should have painted it red before bringing it home

Van