Kohler CH18S rebuild

[Rodster]

I need to dig into the oil leak on my 1864 and hopefully it's just a seal as it seems to be coming from the back of the engine. The engine runs fine and doesn't smoke, has 1000+ hrs and will not see regular duty anymore. While I have things apart, thoughts on a rebuild just because?

Thanks

[ol'George]

Because you asked:
A "rebuild" means a lot of things to different people.
To me it means grinding the crank undersize to square up the journals,
and installing oversize bearings,
Boring & honing the engine cylinders to the proper oversize depending on the wear of them with new pistons/rings, clips & wristpins.
Replacing the valves, and seats if necessary, paying attention to the need for new valve guides.
That requires all the necessary machining, new gaskets/seals. Etc.Etc.
Just to mention a few things, not addressing fuel system or ignition/starting/electrical systems.

Now there are those that slap in a new set of rings, maybe a poor rattle can of paint job and call it "all rebuilt".

If you have an oil leak and no other concerns/problems why fix what is not broken?
It just might outlive you as you mention its not going to see " regular Duty" anymore, and at 1000 hours, it is far from worn out, unless it was abused and the oil never changed,
First clean it up to find the oil leak and fix that.
A proper "overhaul" is not inexpensive anymore and some parts for older engines are NLA.
Just my opinion.

[finsruskw]

Originally Posted by ol'George

Because you asked:
A "rebuild" means a lot of things to different people.
To me it means grinding the crank undersize to square up the journals,
and installing oversize bearings,
Boring & honing the engine cylinders to the proper oversize depending on the wear of them with new pistons/rings, clips & wristpins.
Replacing the valves, and seats if necessary, paying attention to the need for new valve guides.
That requires all the necessary machining, new gaskets/seals. Etc.Etc.
Just to mention a few things, not addressing fuel system or ignition/starting/electrical systems.

Now there are those that slap in a new set of rings, maybe a poor rattle can of paint job and call it "all rebuilt".

If you have an oil leak and no other concerns/problems why fix what is not broken?
It just might outlive you as you mention its not going to see " regular Duty" anymore, and at 1000 hours, it is far from worn out, unless it was abused and the oil never changed,
First clean it up to find the oil leak and fix that.
A proper "overhaul" is not inexpensive anymore and some parts for older engines are NLA.
Just my opinion.

AMEN Brother!!

[Rodster]

Great information! We are on the same page as far as 'rebuild' goes. Part of my fear for tearing into it too deep is finding out some parts are NLA as is with most old stuff I own. I would also imagine the cost to do a proper rebuild would be quite high.

As you suggested, I am inclined to resolve the oil leak and not fix what isn't broken.

Good to know 1000+ hrs is far from worn out especially since I've maintained it well. I wasn't sure if 1000+ hrs was an issue or not.

I really appreciate your help and opinions!

I'll keep you posted on what I find out regarding the oil leak.

Yes AMEN Brother!

[TheGrinch]

A tip from someone that just learned the hard way.

Stay clear of the "red box" parts on ebay and amazon.

Almost everything I tried from them didn't work, simply put, don't waste your time.

Pistons that slap, seals that spun in the block (Command CH20).

Just plain JUNK.