[slong]

I am looking to replace the engine with a 1990-1991 12 hp electric start Kohler 1" PTO shaft which was the original engine that is on my Toro Wheel Horse 312-8.
I just had the whole top end done over because of eat away from ethanol gas. (Rings, etc) and no sooner got it home it started back firing and ratah tatah, ratah tatah banging and knocking.
Took it back to the guy who did the work and he told me the PTO shaft whole out the block was worn out.
I asked him if we could get new bearings pressed in and he told me he couldn't do it.
I later found out that there aren't any bearings that the hole just wears out and people need to get another engine.
That's where I'm at....need another engine but in that same year so I can take the good parts off the old one and put it on the new one. (New carb, etc. etc. )

 

[oldandred]

here a web page with replacement engines there not cheap
You may want to find a another tractor with good engine and bad body or tranny
those engines go for a good price used



check here http://www.smallenginewarehouse.com/RepowerItems.asp?Brand=Wheel Horse

 

[Onan18]

I have a complete K241 10 hp stand alone engine. I believe the output shaft is the same. This is basically the same engine but 2 less hp and points ignition instead of electronic. However, if you wanted to keep your electronic ignition you could swap the bearing plate, coil, flywheel, and shroud from your current engine, they are a direct swap. The Kohler K241 (10hp), K301 (12hp), K321 (14 hp), K341 (16hp) K-Series, M10 (10hp), M12 (12hp, should be your current engine), M14 (14hp), and M16 (16hp) Magnum Series are all essentially the same engine and a direct replacement for one another; provided the output shaft is the same. I will sell my engine for $300.00 and it comes with a newly professionally re-built starter. I live in Loganville, GA, 30052.

Joe

 

[slong]

Re: Need a replacement engine...(Round 2)

I appreciate the reply on your 10 hp and if this were 45 to 90 days down the road with no leads in my hunt to get my tractor on the road, I would take you up on your offer and drive the distance to get it.

I've really only been hunting for a "plug-n'-play" deal to keep everything in tact for about a week now, but will keep you in mind.

Again, thanks for the reply.

 

[Onan18]

I do not know how far you are from Greer, South Carolina, but you might want to call this number; 864-704-8841 I have talked with him on the phone a time or two and he seems like a really nice guy. He has a HUGE collection of Lawn and Garden stuff and may have a good Magnum off of a Wheel Horse on the shelf. If he had a M14 or even better a M16, now would be a good time to upgrade. More power is ALWAYS better!

Joe

 

[slong]

Re: Need a replacement engine...(Round 3)

Thanks for the telephone number and I will definitely call him.
I live just outside of Nashville, TN but driving that far doesn't scare me off at all.
Right now I bought a temporary cutting machine since we are now into grass mowing big time and I needed something fast before I started to have bail the stuff.
I bought a Craftsman 18hp B & S 44" (what they call a GS 6000)tractor from a friend for $200.00 and its in great shape. Bought the manual and back-up belts from Sears and it cuts just fine. I sure don't like that yuppie, sissy electronic PTO setup they have. Born to break and as I understand super expensive to buy as a part.
It'll tie me over until I get my Wheel Horse back on the road again.
I may keep this thing as a back up but might sell it back to my friend.
Thanks for the suggestion though and I'll definitely call the guy.
Stew Long

 

[dgjks6]

If you have a 312-8 then you have a 12hp kohler magnum 12hp motor. The PTO should be 1 1/8 inch. Remeasure it, if its 1 inch, its not the correct engine.

Also - there should be bearings on both sides of the crank.

Before you look for a new engine, we need more information. It may be less expensive to fix what you got. The m12's are a great engine.

 

[slong]

Re: Need a replacement engine...(Round 4)

1" was a general label call on my part and I did not measure it. So you are exactly right---1-1/8".

I just had all new rings, head gasket and the entire top end done and trued up and then got it home and 15 minutes into using it all of this racket and knocking started up.

Loaded it up and took it back to the mechanic and he's the one who told me that he couldn't change out those bearings and didn't know who could.

So that's why I got into the replacement engine concept because I can't find anybody to do it (I truthfully believe he didn't have the skill or the machinery) and it was going to be so costly that I'd have to take out a second mortgage.

Getting a replacement engine and taking all of my new parts and putting it into that replacement block thus making 2 engines into one was the concept here out of necessity.

I'm really open to any new ideas that you have and if I can get it done for under $300.00 I'd do it.

Right now I am being peppered with guys who want me to buy there whole tractor and mower for $600.00 and I just don't need another tractor and mower. The most I'll pay is $400.00 for the entire unit because I now have this Sears tractor and mower to get me by in cutting grass.

I'm pulling the engine off of the tractor this morning and will store away in the garage out of the weather and I might pull the mower deck also if I can find room.

I live just outside of Nashville, TN and am willing to drive that motor to a machine shop within 200 miles of here if you've got someone who you trust and I can get those old bearings out and press in new ones.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
Stew Long

P.S. I notice you live in Ohio and we have relatives who live in Columbus. I am driving to NYC the first week in May and will be heading up I65. Do you have a machine shop that will work on it that you can trust near you?

I'll change cars and direction of traveling if you've got an idea.
Thanks.

 

[dgjks6]

First - I am by no means an expert - so take everything I say with that in mind.

Second - if you are willing to spend $400 I would rebuild and fix (if possible) over getting a used one - which you may have to rebuild anyway

Third - confirm the problem - there are lots of people here to help. If the block is bad that is one thing, but if it is a bearing, its another issue. I have had several real mechanics said they have worked on these engines for years and never had a bearing fail in these engines.

Fourth - call all the local shops. This was the hardest part for me when I rebuilt my engine, but I eventually found someone. I only needed the crank reground.

Fifth - be careful about buying a whole tractor. Wheel Horse tractors are highly addictive and another little known fact is that if you leave 2 alone in a a dark place they soon multiply.

 

[slong]

Re: Need a replacement engine...(Round 5)

Boy that's the truth on collecting this stuff up.

I've got more parts and decks and all sorts of stuff from the one I owned before this one.

I've got to really try and find someone down here that can absolutely tell me that its the bearings and not the crank.

Even with that said to pull the crank and have it turned takes another skill and equipment I don't know that I have and I've been around this enough to know how to tear down and maintain but when it comes to major surgery don't have much experience.

I'll get back to you once I can figure out just what the problem is and what machine shop to work with.

Thanks.

 

[knucklebuster283]

slong try calling this # 615-644-3522. This guy has a mower/tractor boneyard just off 31E up in Westmoreland. His name is James Smalling. Nice guy to deal with. I just bought a 84 GT1100 off him with no problems with this tractor.

 

[slong]

Re: Need a replacement engine...(Round 6)

Thanks Knucklebuster I'll do it today and get back to you.
Stew Long

 

[Walt 2002]

"just had all new rings, head gasket and the entire top end done and trued up and then got it home and 15 minutes into using it all of this racket and knocking started up.

Loaded it up and took it back to the mechanic and he's the one who told me that he couldn't change out those bearings and didn't know who could."

Boy! Anyone calling himself a mechanic and do this amount of work and not realizing the problem he CLAIMS before hand? Hard to believe and certainly has some responsibility.

Walt Conner

 

[AMCJavelin74]

"just had all new rings, head gasket and the entire top end done and trued up and then got it home and 15 minutes into using it all of this racket and knocking started up.

Loaded it up and took it back to the mechanic and he's the one who told me that he couldn't change out those bearings and didn't know who could."

Boy! Anyone calling himself a mechanic and do this amount of work and not realizing the problem he CLAIMS before hand? Hard to believe and certainly has some responsibility.

Walt Conner

ditto. I'd look into it for myself or have someone else look at it. I'm sure a good machine shop would be able to drill out the hole and insert a bearing, or weld it in and redrill it to stock specs.