Kirk Engines, Inc.

Tiny Catalog of Custom Garden Tractor Components

 

 

Parts for IH Cub Cadet, John Deere, and other popular machines


Welcome to our web page catalog.  We specialize in custom items made for the older International Harvester Cub Cadet garden tractors and Kohler K-series engines.  However, many components work well on other makes of tractors that are powered by Kohler or Onan engines.  These include John Deere, Ariens, Bolens, Case, Allis, Ford, Gravely, Jacobsen, and Wheel Horse.

The ignition system components are our specialty.  These products have been Pull Proven; that is, tested under the demands of competition tractor pulling.  They’ve also been bench tested for thousands of hours to assure reliability in every-day mowing applications.  Many satisfied customers attest to improved, consistent performance with vastly increased running time between tune-ups.  The PointSaver™ ignition modules are unconditionally guaranteed for one year against failure.  Should you be dissatisfied for any reason, simply return the module for exchange or full refund – your choice.

Company History

I’ve been an IH Cub Cadet enthusiast for many years and have developed or discovered the components listed on this site to improve the performance and reliability of my tractors.  All of the items shown have, or are currently, operating on my 1250 Cub Cadet that is used year-round.  Friends showed interest in purchasing these components and thus Kirk Engines, Inc. was formed.  This is a hobby business and I’m not available for phone orders, thus please conduct all correspondence via email.  I may be accessed by clicking on the link at the bottom of the catalog.  I’m happy to answer questions about any of the products listed here, or just engine/tractor questions in general. 

How To Order

·        Please scroll through the catalog and note the items and quantities you’re interested in.  Shipping costs reflect that of a single item only.  Ordering several items at once saves on shipping as only one box is usually required.

·        Click on the link at the bottom of the catalog to email us.  List the items and quantities you’re interested in purchasing.  Please include your mailing address for postage calculation.

·        We will respond with a total cost, including shipping for your order.  Shipping costs shown are for the lower 48 states.  Additional postage is required for Alaska, Hawaii, and Canadian orders.

·        Payment is by cashier’s check, money order, or personal check made out to Kirk Engines, Inc., and sent to the address given in the email response.  We don’t do credit card or PayPal orders – this costs both you and us extra.

·        We ship via U. S. Postal Service.  My shipment day is always Saturday (remember, this is a hobby business).  Please allow 7 to 14 days for delivery after placing your order.

·        We sell only the items shown.  We do not stock or sell any other tractor or engine parts.

Please browse the tiny catalog and let us hear from you.  Thanks for visiting and check back often.

Dave Kirk

Prices Effective January 1, 2009


       

Billet aluminum covers for your Kohler K-series

Breather cover allows remote routing of breather gasses, keeping exterior of engine clean. Unrestricted passage lets engine breathe freer, keeping oil cleaner.

Fuel pump cover matches breather cover perfectly, for that detailed, quality look.

Made from aircraft quality aluminum alloy. Now available in powder coated flat black finish due to customer requests.

For stockers, pullers, or anywhere in between.

For use on Kohler K241 (10 hp), K301 (12 hp), K321 (14 hp), and K341 (16 hp) single cylinder engines only. Made in U. S. A.

Breather Cover price each: $25.00 plus $4.00 shipping.
Fuel Pump Cover price each: $12.00 plus $3.00 shipping.
Price per set: $32.00 plus $5.00 postage.

It’s fun to hot-rod your Kohler!


The PointSaverTM keeps your Kohler or Onan engine running like it just received a fresh tune up – for the life of the engine!

Features built-in LED static timing light allowing easy and accurate ignition setting - no more guesswork.

Why Transistor Ignition? It enables breaker points to last thousands of hours as point current is reduced by 96%. Contacts never pit or deteriorate making points replacement a thing of the past. Condenser is totally eliminated. A hotter spark is available, especially during cold weather when battery voltage is reduced.

The electronic components used in PointSaverTM are of highest quality and over-designed for the application, contributing to high reliability. Housed in a plated steel case, electronics are epoxy potted for the ultimate in insulation and vibration protection. Very efficient - no heat is generated. Uses your stock Kohler ignition coil. Simple 3-wire hookup. Small 1.75 X 1.25 X .75 in. case size is easily concealed for “stock” look.

This product is presently not available.  Please check back often.

Click Here for Technical Explanation on Transistor Ignition System

Click Here for PointSaver Wiring Diagram

Click Here for Product Testimonials

Stay Tuned-With PointSaver
 


 

     

PointSlayer Photo-Transistor Breakerless Ignition System

Now you can upgrade your single cylinder, K-series Kohler engine to breakerless ignition!  This clever system installs in place of the breaker points and yields a true, fully solid state,  breakerless transistorized ignition system that fits under the stock points cover.  It uses a photo-transistor with special push rod and spring (included) to trigger the ignition event.  It is designed to be used with the stock ignition coil, but works even better with the Bosch Blue coil.  No more points or condenser to replace or fail - ever!  This is a complete, self-contained system with no other components required.

Pullers - This system is guaranteed to deliver the highest accuracy ignition timing up to 9000 rpm!  No more points to float.

Please Note - As this product is made for us by another manufacturer, no warranty is offered.  However, the manufacturer stands behind their products and provides a reasonably-priced repair service should a failure occur, owner induced or otherwise.

For use on Kohler K241 (10 hp), K301 (12 hp), K321 (14 hp), and K341 (16 hp) single cylinder engines only. Full installation instructions provided. Made in U. S. A.

PointSlayer PTI System Price Each: $75.00 plus $4.00 First Class Shipping.

It's Pointless!


Bosch “Blue” Ignition Coil – Finest coil available for the single-cylinder Kohler!

From competition pulling tractors to those used just for mowing, the Bosch “Blue” sets the standard in ignition reliability and high performance. Epoxy filled for vibration resistance, these coils are quality manufactured by one of the oldest and most reputable automotive electrical names in the business, Robert Bosch. Primary resistance is 3.2 - 3.5 ohms, which is slightly lower than the standard equipment Delco coil. This means the “Blue” draws more current (for a hotter spark) but can be used as an exact replacement coil using stock condenser and breaker points. No additional ballast resistor required.

Comes complete with plated mounting clamp and removable spade terminals on both primary posts. And it’s finished in the classic electric blue paint that lets everyone know you’re running the best! For use on all Kohler K-Series single cylinder engines equipped with battery ignition.

Bosch “Blue” Ignition Coil price each: $38.00 plus $10.50 USPS Priority Shipping.

Eliminate ignition blues with a genuine Bosch Blue


The Ultimate Ignition System – PointSaverTM Plus Bosch “Blue”

The reliable Bosch “Blue” gets even better with a PointSaverTM. All the benefits of this high-energy coil are better utilized with a semiconductor-triggering device. PointSaverTM is ideally matched to the electrical characteristics of the coil yielding the most dependable, accurate, and highest energy system available for your single-cylinder engine at an affordable price.

Save on shipping costs when ordering this system compared to individual component purchases.

This product is presently not available.  Please check back often.

Click Here for Product Testimonials


The engine likes it!


Dual SuperCoil for Kohler and Onan Opposed Twins

Why pay over $120.00 for a factory replacement coil when this high quality part is available for less than half the price?  The Dual SuperCoil is made especially to our specifications and is wound with a high resistance primary of 3.2 ohms (same as the Bosch Blue).  This gives a higher secondary voltage than the stock coil for improved performance, yet is not detrimental to breaker point life.  No external ballast resistor is required.  Epoxy-potted windings yield maximum resistance to vibration.  Made in U.S.A. by a major coil manufacturer. 

Dual SuperCoil price each: $60.00 plus $10.50 USPS Priority Shipping

Shock therapy for your engine!


New Dual PointSaver Ignition now available!

For all twin-cylinder opposed Kohler and Onan engines with battery and coil ignition, the New Dual PointSaverTM consists of our special Dual SuperCoil combined with the classic PointSaverTM module. This provides much improved spark energy to each plug when compared to the stock, double-ended coil. It is economically priced and easy to install.  This system is a must for pullers who demand optimum high rpm performance from their engine, or the everyday user who wants improved starting, running, and fewer tune-ups.

New Dual Ultimate Ignition System - module plus Dual SuperCoil:

This product is presently not available.  Please check back often.

Double your pleasure with a Dual!


High-Performance Ignition Wire

We’ve teamed up with a manufacturer of ignition wiring components to offer this highest quality sparkplug wire for small engines.  The wire consists of a 19-strand, tinned copper conductor (rated at zero ohms resistance per foot!), insulated by polyester reinforced tape that’s covered by a silicone jacket.  Offering safe operation up to 450 ºF, this wire is ideal for all air-cooled engine applications.  The minimal resistance provided by a metal conductor assures the highest electrical energy transfer from coil to sparkplug.  Length is 16 inches and fits virtually all single and twin-cylinder Kohler and Onan engine applications.  Comes fitted with a 90 degree spark plug boot and straight coil boot. This complete wire assembly replaces the stock part perfectly and costs less too.  Put the finishing touch on your ignition system by installing this important component.

 Please note – Furnished in 16 in length with yellow-colored insulator only.

 Hi-Perf Ignition Wire price each: $8.00 plus $1.50 shipping.

 Caution – Stampeding Electrons!       


Attention Cub Cadet Quiet Line owners…

Tired of repairing or replacing that expensive aluminum muffler baffle frame casting that always cracks?
Fed up with welding, replacing, or otherwise tightening muffler parts that always seem loose?
Can’t stand those annoying rattles that you can’t trace down?

There now exists a fix – the Muffler Crutch.

This quality, heavy gauge steel brace takes the load off the overhung end of the muffler and transmits it into the engine block fastener, relieving the stress on the baffle casting. No more cracks or rattles. Simple installation – just screws into existing holes. No drilling or welding necessary. Supplied unpainted. For use on Kohler AQS models K241 (10 hp), K301 (12 hp), K321 (14 hp), and K341 (16 hp) single cylinder engines only. Made in U. S. A.

Muffler Crutch price each: $20.00 plus $4.00 shipping.

Strut your stuff


Nylock Air Filter Wing Nut For Kohler Engines

A loose air filter housing allows dirt to enter engine. Don't take a chance - replace that stock, stamped tin fastener with a heavy duty, high quality, self-locking wing nut.

These are die cast, bright cadmium-plated nuts with a nylon insert to ensure secure retention. They look nice too. Thread size is ¼ X 20. Replaces original perfectly.

Nylock Air Filter Wing Nut price each - $1.50 plus $1.00 shipping.

Sometimes you feel like a nut. Buy one while you do!  


 

Attention Cub Cadet Quiet Line Owners - Deluxe Side Cover Retainer Knobs

Ever feel those factory-supplied thumb screws were just not up to the job? Here is the perfect replacement.

These three-lug knobs are molded in black phenolic plastic and are large enough that you can get a real grip on them, even with gloves on. Very practical and they look great too. Sold in sets of two each with bright plated fender washers included. For the hydro purists, these match the hydro lever speed limiter knob exactly.

It's a nice, quality upgrade that your Cub Cadet deserves.

Side Cover Retainer Knobs price per set - $5.00 plus $3.00 shipping.

The knobs that IH forgot


   

Breaker Points & Cover Retaining Screw Kit

Ever try replacing breaker points then drop one of those factory supplied, slotted head screws down into the depths of the tractor, never to be found again?  This handy kit will greatly reduce the chance of that happening.  It consists of four socket head cap screws (Allen screws) and lock washers.  By using an Allen wrench, the chance of dropping these is greatly reduced.  Plus, more tightening torque can be applied, lessening the chance of loosening in service.  For all Kohler single cylinder K-series engines.

Points & Cover Screw Kit price per set - $2.00 plus $1.00 Shipping.

Frustration Elimination


 

Magnetic Oil Drain Plug for all Kohler K-series Engines

Next best thing to a full flow oil filter!

The single cylinder Kohler K-series engines are splash lubricated. As no oil pump is used, there is no easy way to adapt an oil filter. Thus, stray ferrous metal particles remain suspended in the oil until it is changed. These contaminants can damage both plain and rolling element bearings, shortening engine life. A magnetic drain plug will attract these harmful particles and prevent them from circulating, thus protecting bearings and keeping oil cleaner. It's like having a perpetual oil filter - simply wipe off particles during an oil change, then reinstall.

These plugs are fitted with a powerful ceramic disc magnet, offering high strength with large surface area. You'll be amazed at how much metal they collect between oil changes, especially on freshly rebuilt engines.

Size is 3/8 X 18 taper pipe thread, commonly used on many small engines. This plug also fits Kohler AQS (Quiet Line) engines that use a flanged 3/8 X 18 straight thread plug. You'll find the taper thread eliminates leaks and there's no finicky gasket to replace.

Magnetic Oil Drain Plug price each - $3.00 plus $1.50 shipping.

Be kind to your Kohler - keep its oil clean


Crankshaft Balance Factor Modification

Those that remove balance gears (from engines so equipped) usually complain that their engine vibrates more at high rpm settings. This modification restores the reciprocating balance factor that the balance gears contributed, without the unreliability associated with these components. The modification consists of machining a flat on the PTO-side counterweight and then attaching a plate to this surface with two, grade 8 countersunk screws. The reciprocating balance factor is increased to approximately 50%, resulting in much less vertical shaking force. Also the dynamic couple (due to counterweight thickness asymmetry) is virtually eliminated. The end result is a noticeably smoother running engine without the potential disaster that “grenade gears” can cause.

This modification is for Kohler K301, K321, and K341 engines only. Recommended for engines never equipped with balance gears as well.

Balance Factor modification to customer's crankshaft: $120.00
(Customer pays for additional shipping costs both ways, about $12.50 each way, via USPS Priority in their Flat Rate box)

Vanquish Vexing Vibrations!


Cub Cadet SuperSteer Upgrade Kit

Ever wish you had power steering on your IH Cub? This simple modification will lessen steering effort immensely by reducing friction. The stock steering box uses a grease-lubricated washer that rides against the housing, taking all thrust loads. This kit replaces the friction-causing washer with a ball-thrust bearing, a clever retrofit discovered by Donald Mayes. As these parts are external to the steering box, this is one of the easiest modifications to perform, taking about ½ hour to complete.

Kit consists of a NICE 605 ball thrust bearing, precision steel shim washer, and quality Nylock jam nut. Instructions on installation and adjusting are included. For IH Cub Cadets models 70 through 169, 800 through 1650 Quietlines, and all 82 series.

Super Steering Upgrade Kit price each: $12.00 plus $4.00 shipping.

SuperSteer - Take a turn for the better!


The Battery Mat

The scientific method to protect your tractor from destructive battery acid leaks.

Here is a very clever product that is now available for lawn and garden tractor applications.  Made of a super absorbent polypropylene needlepunch felt, The Battery Mat contains powerful neutralizing agents that render leaking or spilled acid harmless.  Due to the compliant nature of the material, Battery Mat also provides a cushion to the underside of your battery, lessening destructive impact forces and thus contributing to longer battery life.  Furnished size is 7.75 by 8.25 inches, large enough for all small tractor batteries.  The Battery Mat is easily trimmed to size using a utility knife and straight edge, or regular scissors.

Don’t take a chance on nasty battery acid ruining your paint job or rusting your battery box!  Let The Battery Mat protect your valuable machinery.

A Patented, Made in U. S. A. Product. 

The Battery Mat price each - $4.00 plus $2.00 shipping.

A Malox moment for your tractor


Here are several articles pertaining to Kohler engines and Cub Cadet tractors that may be of interest.

KILLER KOHLER Part I

KILLER KOHLER Part II

KILLER K241 Part III

Tachometer Installation on a 1250 Cub


That's it!  Please check back often for new products that may appear.

Please contact us to place order.

 

Entire web site Copyright © 2004-2009 Kirk Engines, Inc.
All rights reserved.


Last updated: 6/22/2009