1971 JD 112 10 H.P. Kohler Engine Needs HELP!!!

['Country' Elliott]

Hi guys...Well, I got my old 1971 John Deere 112 tractor going only to discover a serious "knock" in the engine. Figured I'd add some Kano KREEN and see if that would help smoooth it out or fix it?

SADLY...It didn't ! SOoooo, NOW I guess a re-build is in order. With the money being nearly the same ($350. to $400. for a Kohler short block)...I might be better off finding a WHOLE RUNNING TRACTOR for the SAME MONEY???

Guess I'm open for your COLLECTIVE THOUGHTS & SUGGESTIONS PLEASE!! THANKS GUYS!

[Lurker Carl]

Country, go find a decent tractor for parts. You'll be getting lots of spare parts to swap, and if the "Tractor Gods" are smiling, some really cool impliments to fiddle with. If you're really lucky, the "parts" machine might become the one you have now with the bum engine.

[Don McCombs]

Country,

Check out this site.

http://www.weekendfreedommachines.com/

Lots of good information, a forum similar to this one and a classified section. Good luck.

[Rick Prentice]

Hey Country. Last year, I gutted my JD 112 and gave the chassis to my friend George. I still have the original factory 10hp Tecumseh that was in it. My engine was good other than some tweeking needed on the carb. I'm not sure on the chassis changes from the Kohler to the Tecumseh, but mine is complete, starter, clutch, air cleaner, muffler. And a big difference from your $350-$400 rebuild to costing you a hotdog and Pepsi at the next show we're at . Let me know if you might be interested, Rick

[Eugene]

If the crank shaft is still in good condition you can usually rebuild a single cylinder Kohler for less than $100. That would include a new piston and exhaust valve.

My suggestion is to disassemble and mic (measure) the Kohler before purchasing another engine.

A free engine would also be good.

Eugene

['Country' Elliott]

Hey guys...THANKS for all the GREAT suggestions! I've decided to rebuild my old Kohler 10 horse (I don't have room in the garage for another JD tractor..got 3 in there NOWand only 1 works! ).

There's a guy on Ebay selling Kohler K241 (and other Kohler engine rebuild sets for $75.00 (it includes a NEW piston, New rod and all the gaskets). The kit doesn't include crank bearings (that's another $75.00). Has anybody had any experience with these kits?

[Rudi]

Rick:

I see that ole Country has chosen to go the Kohler route....

BUT !!!!!

I not only would throw in A Bratwurst or 6 on a BUN on the BBQ along with all the liquid refreshment of whatever persuassion you prefer... Em and I would throw in Dinner and a Movie on top of it

I could use that Tecumseh in my Craftsman...

Sadly, well I guess sadly isn't the word as I am finding it hard to part even with tha old POS which really isn't a POS, I find I am in need of a smaller ride-on lawn mower (like my Craftsman 12.5) to do in-between me Jack Pines