K301 - Need new engine

[Toby Oats]

Okay, upon further inspection of my engine, it is junk. The crank and case are both junk. I'm still considering a newer engine but if i can find a replacement k301 i'd rather do that. I see SEARS sells short blocks. And they are priced pretty damn well. Anyone ever try to buy something like this from sears? Thanks for the help

Toby
 

[Bill Lisbon]

E-bay has Kohler 301 parts all the time, everything from the smallest bolt to complete engines.
 

[Maark]

There are several on Ebay now..
 

[Tom Arnold]

It would shock me if you could buy a brand new short block for less than 1000 dollars....anywhere. if your tractor came with a K engine in it, then it is OLD. So why would you want to put that kind of money into it?

IMO, a wiser move would be to find the SPEC number of your engine and determine from that as to what makes your engine unique for use in a Sears. Things such as oil pans, choice of starter, charging system amperage and most importantly....the diameter and length of the output shaft of the crank.

With that knowledge, I would then go searching for either a K-301 or a K-321 engine that has the correct crankshaft at least. If you could buy that for say...100 bucks, then you could rebuild it for another $400.00 tops as long as it could still be bored out. Talk to a local machine shop that is experienced with K/M engines and find out what they charge for boring, decking, valve work etc so you know in advance what you are getting into.

You should not go into this project unless you intend to keep and use the tractor for another ten years because you won't get your money out any other way.
 

[88-1175]

toby whats wrong with the case/block.ive never seen one that was wore beyond using.theres lots of pistons bigger than what kohler has that are way better quality at far less than a stock kohler is.seats and guides are replaceable too..
 

[Greenday]

Sears? There are alot of places cheaper than sears. Try Tulsa small engine warehouse
 

[Toby Oats]

When the rod went, it took about a inch and a quarter chunk outta the cylinder wall. So it's not a matter of how much the bore is off but more less the large hunk missing
 

[88-1175]

if only the skirt is broke,take a die grinder and remove the sharp edges.when we stroke the motors for pulling we have to notch this area for rod and crank clearance.if theres no oil leaking out your still in good shape.most of the skirt is removed for rod clearance clear down to the case.ive used lots of so called junk blocks that are broke in that area...
 

[Tom Arnold]

Have you taken it to a machine shop familiar with Kohler K/M engines? They should be the one to examine the block and tell you whether it is salvageable or not. If the broken rod scored the cylinder wall too deeply, then boring it oversize may not be possible but perhaps installing a sleeve will be and then you will be back to a stock bore.
 

[El Toro]

Smallenginewarehouse has new short blocks for the Kohler 301. You would need the spec number off the old block. I bought a Kohler short block
for the 321 engine. It was off a JD140 tractor
and in 1981 it was $300.00. I bought it in Baltimore from a Kohler dealer. Hal
 

[dhermesc]

I've buy a used engine off Ebay (or Craig's list) and rebuild it before I'd buy a short block. As mentioned in other posts you'll be lucky to find a short block from a dealer for less than a $1000. A decent block and a rebuild kit with the machine shop work might run you $300 if you take your time.


Here's a replacement block for $50.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kohler-K301AS-engine-block-john-deere-212-/181073135212?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a28ccc66c


A machine shop can turn your crank up to .020 under and you can order a rebuild kit with a rod to fit and the .030 over sized piston.
 

[REXBEAVERS]

what model tractor is the motor for an where are you located at i have k 301 motors thhat are rebuit i live in north east pa prices start at 300.00 an up