7 Tools you need to rebuild your Vintage Kohler K Engine

So you have purchased your internal engine parts for your Vintage Kohler K Engine. Now what?

Time to make sure you have the specialized tools to do the job. 

Here are 7 tools you'll need if you plan on rebuilding your Kohler K Engine.

From Left to Right

1. Piston Ring Compression Tool

This tool compresses the piston rings so you install the piston back into the cylinder bore. It will save you many hours of frustration and broken finger nails! 

2. Valve Guide Installation Tool

The valve guide installation tool is a grade 8 bolt that has one end turned down to fit into the valve guides. This is used to press out the old valve guides and reinstall new ones. This prevents you from damaging your new valve guides. 

3. Dial Caliper

I use a dial caliper to double check my measurements from my Micrometers. (See #5)

4. Torque Wrenches

Above you will see I have two torque wrenches. The Blue one is a 3/8" Drive Torque Wrench in FT/LBS.

The second torque wrench is a 1/4" drive torque wrench in inch/lbs. 

The ft/lb torque wrench is for tightening the bigger bolts on the engine such as the Cylinder Head and Oil Pan. The inch/lb torque wrench is for the smaller bolts such as on your connecting rod.

5. Micrometers

This micrometer set allows me to measure from 0 - 6" in .0001 increments. I highly recommend using micrometers to measure anything on your engine. It is easier to get accurate measurements on a micrometer vs a caliper. When using a caliper a slight twist of your hand can make your measurement inaccurate, and is why I prefer using micrometers. Use a micrometer when measuring your Crankshaft Journal, Cylinder Bore, Valve Stem, and Connecting Rod End.

6. Telescoping Bore Gauge

When measuring holes such as your cylinder bore, you should use a Telescoping Bore Gauge in conjunction with a micrometer. 

7. Valve Spring Compressor Tool

This tool compresses the valve springs in your engine so you can remove the valve retainer caps. Another frustration saver! 

There you have it. 7 tools you need to rebuild a Kohler K Engine. 

I have seen some people rebuild engines without some of these tools. I however always recommend using the proper tools for the job. By using the right tools you will be able to safely and enjoyably rebuild your Kohler K Engine. The problem with improvising tools is it can lead to a lot of frustration. 

Restoring and Rebuilding engines and tractors is suppose to be fun! Keep it fun and safe by using the right tools!