Popular Cub Cadet Original engine swaps

[That_cub_dude1847]

I have had so many head aches with my Cub Cadet. Oil is coming up into the combustion chamber and blowing out the exhaust, its leaking oil from the oil pan, the spark plug just blew out of the head, the engine rattles to much, and a bunch of other things. I plan to rebuild it but for now, I would like to purchase another engine to swap into it in the near future. I would like to have to use the start generator still so I need some kind of engine that has bolts that I can mount that to. I've looked into replacement k161 and k181s but there aren't any in my area. Could I use some Tecumseh or Briggs engine. I'm not a fan of the Predator swaps or Yanmar engine swaps.

[CadetTommy]

The popular opinion I think would be to just park it while you rebuild the original Kohler (if that's viable), if you really need the tractor I would just look for another Cub Cadet to use in the meantime. Plus, when you're done, you'll have TWO!

[ol'George]

I also, am not a fan of bastardizing an Original, if at all possible.
an Original engine can be had, you just have to be patient or rebuild yours if possible as mentioned

[Bryan S]

Originally Posted by That_cub_dude1847

I have had so many head aches with my Cub Cadet. Oil is coming up into the combustion chamber and blowing out the exhaust, its leaking oil from the oil pan, the spark plug just blew out of the head, the engine rattles to much, and a bunch of other things. I plan to rebuild it but for now, I would like to purchase another engine to swap into it in the near future. I would like to have to use the start generator still so I need some kind of engine that has bolts that I can mount that to. I've looked into replacement k161 and k181s but there aren't any in my area. Could I use some Tecumseh or Briggs engine. I'm not a fan of the Predator swaps or Yanmar engine swaps.

Dude, If you are going to go through all that work, just stop at pulling your motor out, and rebuild the K161 that you have.
That's a lot of wasted money unless you pick up a Kohler as a drop in motor. To spend all that coin, on something other,
just doesn't make sense too me. What do you need your Original for? Is it your grass cutter, yard cart puller arounder etc.
Talk to me, where you at in PA?

[R Bedell]

I also, am not a fan of bastardizing an Original, if at all possible.
an Original engine can be had, you just have to be patient or rebuild yours if possible as mentioned.

I second that.

[ironman]

Originally Posted by That_cub_dude1847

I have had so many head aches with my Cub Cadet. Oil is coming up into the combustion chamber and blowing out the exhaust, its leaking oil from the oil pan, the spark plug just blew out of the head, the engine rattles to much, and a bunch of other things. I plan to rebuild it but for now, I would like to purchase another engine to swap into it in the near future. I would like to have to use the start generator still so I need some kind of engine that has bolts that I can mount that to. I've looked into replacement k161 and k181s but there aren't any in my area. Could I use some Tecumseh or Briggs engine. I'm not a fan of the Predator swaps or Yanmar engine swaps.

How can finding a Briggs or Tecumseh that uses a starter/generator be easier to find than a Kohler K161/181?

[Ambush]

Do not let Bryan help you!!

He'll show up with a trailer and when he leaves, you'll be standing there with $150 in your hand and watching the back of your Cub getting smaller as it heads done the road.

[That_cub_dude1847]

Originally Posted by ironman

How can finding a Briggs or Tecumseh that uses a starter/generator be easier to find than a Kohler K161/181?

Im saying a briggs or tecumseh that will still be able to have a mounting point for the original starter generator on mine. I have looked in a 60 miles radius for a k161 or k181 and havent found anything

[Cubcadet_107]

Originally Posted by ironman

How can finding a Briggs or Tecumseh that uses a starter/generator be easier to find than a Kohler K161/181?

I've got one of those, a 10 horse Briggs from an Allis Chalmers. Only issue is, it has MASSIVE piston slop and smokes like crazy when it runs!!

In all seriousness, rebuild it or buy another K161/181 to drop into it. Heck, pretty sure you could even get a k241 wedged in there if ya wanted to. But stick with the Kohler K series. They were designed to work with the Cubs, and its a lot easier to swap them in and out than to swap in a different brand engine.

[Bryan S]

I forgot to mention that you can find a whole complete running Original for the same or cheaper than trying to stuff something in there that's not meant to be.