[green_with_envy]

Well I went to get a quote from John Deere for my engine rebuild and was blown away at the cost and also that they don't have a replacement oil pump for the stock motor. Does anyone know where to get a new or rebuilt oil pump? Thanks in advance.

 

[jdalchemist]

Hendrik,
Kohler may still have the oil pump, as vendors list the pump (at almost $500!). There is not much in the way of a rebuild option for the pump. I have always opened the pump to inspect for wear and for integrity of the shaft pin. After reassembly the pump is bench tested and primed by spinning the gear by hand with the pick-up tube in some oil. A gasket/spacer is required to reassemble the pump and this 48 055 02 gasket is no longer available. It is 0.008" thick.

Did the shop locate rods for the rebuild? Connecting rods have been discontinued for a couple years and are now the most serious limitation to K532 rebuilds. The price of Kohler oversized pistons can also be a deal breaker for a rebuild. However, K301 pistons are the same as K532 pistons, and aftermarket (such as Primeline) K301 pistons can be had for a fraction of the Kohler cost.
Harold

 

[deereman84]

Hendrik & Harold-

I spoke with the owner of J&D Lawn Tractor a couple weeks ago at an auction. He is a sponsor at the top of the page. We got onto the topic of 400s and he said he has some NOS connecting rods for the Kohler K532. He said they were pricey but he did have them and they were new.

 

[motiv8]

J&D wants $275 ea for the rods.David

 

[green_with_envy]

My john deere dealer has connecting rods for $118.22 per. Piston is $229.77, gasket set $174.89 hydraulic oil cooler $567.55

My cooler is pretty bad, but as far as I know is not leaking.

 

[tfgaasch]

Those prices sound about par from the research I did when I rebuilt mine about 6 months ago. The person I had doing the machining found me 10 over kohler pistons and rings for just under 200. My rods were good so I lucked out there. The gasket kit sounds about right. And that cooler is just scary, but that is what I have heard they are going for. I assembled mine so saved on that. I'm still messing with the timing (I think I am off 1 tooth on the governor). fortunately I don't rely on my 400 in the summer so I have time to mess with it till next winter.

Good luck

Tim

 

[kencombs]

The next time someone says Onan parts are too high, think of this! And all the Onan parts are available too.

It's not the maker so much as the lack of aftermarket competition.

Has anyone found a way to machine the old rods for inserts, like has been done for K singles??

That would be cheaper than new, IF a stock insert could be found.

 

[tfgaasch]

Ken

That would be a sweet solution. I don't think there is enough material to do it. I have heard that the rods are a week link so I would be hesitant to remove any material from them.

 

[sreynolds]

I'm setting on mine.......... With a fresh rebuild (just for starters) it should be worth 10 grand in ten years time.

....look at what we pay for old two-cylinder tractor items today.

 

[jameszmcnelley]

HI Everyone, a NEW k582 mini-block can be had right now for $900, plus $50 ship right now on e-bay. prices vary from this seller from time to time. I got mine for $737 delivered last DEC.! if you have a good crank, your set.
I must have wasted 50hrs of my time searching for parts and prices to do a k532 rebuild, before I found this seller. why go to all that hassel when you can go all NEW for LESS $$ and time.
I enjoy building my own engines as much as anyone. but where is the joy in all the frustration involved in this case?
every ones rebuild difficulties will vary depending on their needs. I am just suggesting the k582 as another option. in my case, it was a no brainer. later, J.Z.M.

 

[motiv8]

Rebuilt,rebuild.
Words open to wide interpretation. Many people w/ no appropriate background will attempt a "rebuild". Basically take it apart and reassemble w/o a clue as to measurements or understanding. Then complain that parts cost money and the project was difficult and frustrating.Plus any problems must be someone else's fault,couldn't be their own ineptness. Hopefully, We can enjoy our LGTs w/o only thinking of repair/maintenance time required and searching the cheapest parts. Even rebuilt to Kohler specs, it's still a Kohler. The eng can be totally redesigned for more power,economy and extreme longevity. The eng originally had to be put on the market at a competitive price. Prox $25,000 can do a good redesign and build on the 532/582. All depends on how you value your time. I don't. These projects are great opportunities of fun for me. To each his own, as they say. Are we having fun yet? Hope so. Just some new moon ramblings of male observations during 60+ years working with people and redesigning/ building engs. David

 

[green_with_envy]

I enjoy these type of projects, but when I start adding up the cost of rebuilding an obsolete engine versus a brand new motor that should have parts for a long time and cheaper I might be more opted to go with new. As for fitment tolerances that does not scare me, I have been doing this type of work ever since I have been able to pick up a wrench.

I need to just calculate the cost of each and then go from there. I have a limited budget but if it is a little more to buy new I will work around it.

 

[conklint]

John Deere 400 1979

Hendrik,
Kohler may still have the oil pump, as vendors list the pump (at almost $500!). There is not much in the way of a rebuild option for the pump. I have always opened the pump to inspect for wear and for integrity of the shaft pin. After reassembly the pump is bench tested and primed by spinning the gear by hand with the pick-up tube in some oil. A gasket/spacer is required to reassemble the pump and this 48 055 02 gasket is no longer available. It is 0.008" thick.

Did the shop locate rods for the rebuild? Connecting rods have been discontinued for a couple years and are now the most serious limitation to K532 rebuilds. The price of Kohler oversized pistons can also be a deal breaker for a rebuild. However, K301 pistons are the same as K532 pistons, and aftermarket (such as Primeline) K301 pistons can be had for a fraction of the Kohler cost.
Harold

My Kholer k532 dies this summer..! bummer... had it in the shop and the entire engine was taken apart,,,several systemic AGE problems... the mechanic suggested to not keep putting used/new parts on the engine....40 years old.... consider a Repower engine for $2,300 YIKES... I love my 400, grew up with one... that's why I want to keep it going. I can get at Re power Kohler , 25hp for $2,250... I like the , no points and 3 year, NEW engine idea.... I love using hydrolics etc..... what do all my fellow 400 owners think of my case? What would you do? I hate spending hours without success in finding a problem... vs. Just clean out the old k532 with a new engine//////thanks