Need a shop to rebuild k321... (Virginia if possible)

[cledford]

I have a k321 that came out of a 1450 that needs to be overhauled. I was wondering if anyone had a referral for a shop that might specialize in these. I'm hoping to find someone in Virginia if possible. I’m pretty much open to driving a reasonable distance (150 miles or so) and live in Northern VA, near Winchester – so am also a within range of Northern WV, MD and portions of PA.

I've never done such a project and would feel more comfortable having a pro do it. I want to try my hand at some decent restores (for working purposes) and just cannot justify the time and expense of the rest of the restore if I’m not confident in the motor. I feel like these motors are good candidates for refurb, I just need to find someone with the skills and experience. I’m willing to pay the *right* person or shop – but not just anyone. The local cub dealer (old enough that they carried these tractors when they were still for sale...) suggested “it would be cheaper to find a new motor than pay us” and “we just send it out to NAPA anyhow.”

I also have a 311(? 12hp) motor from a 1250 I'd like to get done as well. I was bitten by the bug a few years ago and found several junkers (engines still ran/turned) and now need to get these tractors into production :-) In this case the 341 ran for a year of mowing, but started smoking, the ISOs were beyond shot, and pretty much everything else needed TLC also - no sense in pulling the engine and not getting it back right while its out.

Thanks,

-Calvin

[CADplans]

On one hand these engines can be rebuilt, on the other hand, a repower is considered a very good way to go.

If you want the best functional tractor, I would recommend repower, there are so many updates in a modern engine, the couple hundred you will save does not make sense.

If you are restoring for a show machine, rebuild. We have several places around Roanoke that do either complete or partial builds, but, you end up with a no warranty engine, that you will still be trying to adjust the carb and set the points.

I have not done a rebuild or repower, but, rather found another complete tractor with a functional engine.

Occasionally, recycling the old engine and getting a used engine just makes so much sense.

If it were cost effective to rebuild, there would be guys on this forum doing that and selling the engines. The fact is few buyers will offer 1/3 of the rebuild cost for such an engine.

JMHO

[sawdustdad]

There is a guy in Richmond (actually Mechanicsville, VA) who rebuilds these engines reasonably.

He's on craigslist http://richmond.craigslist.org/grd/3645249688.html

Also Cavalier International in Ashland, VA will do it. They did one for me.

[CADplans]

Originally Posted by sawdustdad

There is a guy in Richmond (actually Mechanicsville, VA) who rebuilds these engines reasonably.

He's on craigslist http://richmond.craigslist.org/grd/3645249688.html

Also Cavalier International in Ashland, VA will do it. They did one for me.

Interesting, he rebuilds "K" engines, shows various steps working on "K" engines, then;

SHOWS an assembled Magnum!!

Wished he listed a phone #

That would not be a bad price, probably under $500 OTD.

[cledford]

Originally Posted by CADplans

If you want the best functional tractor, I would recommend repower, there are so many updates in a modern engine, the couple hundred you will save does not make sense.

JMHO

When referencing a repower - what are suggesting for the engine? Adapting a newer model or are the old models (in cub format) still available? I asked the dealer about this and he couldn't answer.


Calvin

[CADplans]

Originally Posted by cledford

When referencing a repower - what are suggesting for the engine? Adapting a newer model or are the old models (in cub format) still available? I asked the dealer about this and he couldn't answer.


Calvin

As I said, I have not done one. Many guys discuss SEW, hopefully one of them will answer.

I just look for runnin' engines.

$200 is much more fun than $500-1500.

[sawdustdad]

Originally Posted by CADplans

Interesting, he rebuilds "K" engines, shows various steps working on "K" engines, then;

SHOWS an assembled Magnum!!

Wished he listed a phone #

That would not be a bad price, probably under $500 OTD.

I had emailed him last week. He's the same guy who sold that NOS 125 that was on ebay a couple weeks ago. He said he's rebuilt a hundred cubs.

[steveyrock]

I would for sure get the k321 rebuilt if your keeping the machine and going to use it hard.
Five or six hundred dollars for a rebuild useing Genuine Kohler parts is far cheaper than a new tractor which are junk plus that old 1450 will still outlast the newer MTD machines if proper maintnance is done.

if you can get the engines to Lebanon PA I will give you the number of the engine machinest who does my work.Pm me if interested.

heres the cost of a repower http://www.smallenginewarehouse.com/...tegory=1709551

Thats the only direct bolt in I know of and you can't use the side shields because the engine is too wide.
rebuilding the k321 seems the way to go to me.

[125 cubowner]

That is really cheap for a rebuild so watch out even if he used stens parts it would be $200 plus just be careful. I am in Richmond if you want me to help you rebuild this I would be willing
Doug

[steveyrock]

Piston and rings from Kohler 165.38.Gasket kit 60.67.Governor gear kit 32.04.New aluminum oil pan from Kohler 105.18.

Machine shop services.120.00
Cook the block and clean,Resurface head,Grind valves and seats,Bore block 10 over and magnaflux the crank and polish. Total for everything + tax was 521 dollars and some cents.

A-G AUTOMOTIVE MACHINISTS INC. They are A kohler repair center and get all Kohler parts.Napa sends costumers with Kohler engines to them.

Thats what my engine needed and I am very pleased with the results.