Anyone know anything about these engine people

They are big into Kohler and I've bought a rebuild kit from them a lot cheaper than Kohler genuine parts.. Some die hards insist on original parts but mine did OK.. I's ask what kinda parts fixed that motor and if there's a warranty.. See if they back what they sell.. :goodl:

Here's thier website:

http://kustomsmallengine.com/KOHLER-ENGINE-PARTS_c3.htm

I have a K361 OH valve, the problem engine or this is what everyone is telling me. It was the first OH valve engine Kohler built and it has issues with the head. Intake valve seat keeps coming out of the head. This is not a rebuild, but a downsize to a completely different engine. This is why I will need everything, the whole engine, not a short block. Cost more, but I will not have the troublesome K361 anymore.

I'm the die-hard type. I buy my Kohler parts on "Fee-bay" when I rebuild any engines. I have heard that the overseas parts are a good quality but I am hesitant about buying them. I like to use OEM parts for the "Peace of Mind" factor.

For those that don't know,the K-361 is the 18 horse version of the K series single cylinder engine. The bore and stroke are the same as the 16 horse K-341 with the exception of the overhead valve arrangement compared to the flat head arrangement of the other K series engine.

Hopefully, the 14 horse will be enough for your needs. Good luck whatever you decide.

Would be nice if they provided a means by which you could contact (willing) former customers, to ask them about their experience with the company. I've heard of a few shops - including Brian Miller's place in Missouri (reportedly a very reliable business) - but haven't heard of Clark's. I agree with WNY - how well do they back up their work??

This looks like a good deal...

http://cgi.ebay.com/KOHLER-K321S-14...457?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item415296db29

bluegoose said:

Would be nice if they provided a means by which you could contact (willing) former customers, to ask them about their experience with the company. I've heard of a few shops - including Brian Miller's place in Missouri (reportedly a very reliable business) - but haven't heard of Clark's. I agree with WNY - how well do they back up their work??

Click to expand...

I've heard very good things about Brian Miller's work. Ed

Kbeitz said:

This looks like a good deal...

http://cgi.ebay.com/KOHLER-K321S-14...457?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item415296db29

Click to expand...

You have to be careful. Not all Kohler singles will fit a gravely. And I don't mean just the shaft. Kohler used different bolt patterns and on some engines, did not mill the part that would need to seal against the adapter plate. That's one reason the spec numbers are so important. Make sure whom ever you deal with will take it back if it doesn't fit.

I deal with Robin Snyder. He knows what works with Gravelys and he can sell you an engine that comes complete with adapter plate and gears.

arcam8123 said:

I deal with Robin Snyder. He knows what works with Gravelys and he can sell you an engine that comes complete with adapter plate and gears.

Click to expand...

Is he the guy that brings the rebuilt Kohler's to the Mow-In's? Do you have contact info. for him that you can post?

Yes and yes. He was the trailer right next to us and straight across from you.

it's Robin Snyder
304 288-8741
[email protected]

He's located in SW PA

I wish I'd had the opportunity to attend this year's Mow-In. My plan's already in the works to attend next year's shin-digs in Brownsville, PA. I'll be bringing along some goodies to unload and trying - repeat, trying - to avoid taking too much back.

The engines he had at the Mow-In (via pictures I saw) looked nothing short of true "Gravely Gold." I'll have to give him a holler and see what warranty comes with those motors and whether he also does rebuild work for folks that would prefer to keep their own engines.

I talked to Brian at length about the 18hp and he wants to rebuild it instead of building me a complete 14hp. He tells me the 18 is a good engine, but I just don't have a warm fuzzy feeling about that engine.I know of a few PK's out there that have the 18hp and are in a barn DEAD. The owners will not part with them because it cost to much to repair, intake valve problems, no parts available, head issues, so they just set there. I really think I am better off with the complete rebuilt 14hp and part the 18hp for what ever I can get for it.

Would love to put a little 2 or 3 cylinder diesel, that would be cool. Main problem is that the bell housing is so small.

Anyone have any other options I can follow?

I bought a rebuild kit from Kustom also. Nice guy to talk to. He includes a flyer with his kit that has a bunch of tips to avoid trouble that the Kohler manual don't mention. By the way, his kit uses Sten parts, not just cheap stuff.

Also I got some reconditioned lifters from him. He has stuff he doesn't mention on eBay.