Kirk Engines, Inc.

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.

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. All I ask is that you don't put me on a "mass mailing" list, don't forward a chain mail letter to me, don't send jokes (I've seen them all), or send large picture or video files. Legitimate questions are always welcomed.

• 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.
• Fill out the contact form. 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 you and us extra.
• We ship via the 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.

This website now features a new look and better functioning with most popular web browsers, thanks to a complete re-do. Please let me know if you experience any problems.

New Product News

We're proud to now offer the Facet Solid State Electronic Fuel Pump. These are perfect replacements for those unreliable mechanical pumps that both Kohler and Onan used. This is a compact unit, easily installed, and will offer consistent and dependable fuel delivery for your tractor.

Flatheads Forever!

Dave Kirk

Don't rebuild or replace that expensive and unreliable mechanical fuel pump when you can update to this! The Facet Electronic Fuel Pump (sometimes referred to as the "cube" pump) is the most reliable and compact alternative available today. Perfect for any lawn and garden tractor application, this pump offers a 7 GPM flow rate at 1-2 psi delivery pressure, just right for Kohler and Onan carburetors. The tailored output pressure will not override the sensitive float needle seat force, a common problem when using automotive-type electric pumps. Both inlet and outlet ports are tapped for 1/8" pipe thread fittings (not supplied).

The solid state design ensures longer life when compared to other electric and mechanical pumps. It eliminates hot weather vapor lock problems and faster engine starting in cold weather due to virtually instant fuel delivery as soon as the key is switched on...no more extended cranking just to prime the carburetor bowl! Easily installed with instructions supplied. For 12 volt negative ground electrical systems only.

Facet Electronic Fuel Pump price each - $53.00 plus $9.50 Priority Mail Shipping

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This high-quality instrument has been custom designed specifically for the K-series Kohler single cylinder engines using battery ignition. Made to our exacting specifications, this tachometer is calibrated to function on the 1 ignition pulse per every 2 revolutions that these engines produce. Housed in a steel container with 2.125 inch diameter black bezel and glass face, this instrument is the same physical size as the ammeter used in most tractors. The easy to read 0 - 4000 rpm scale has been selected for covering the K-series engine operational range perfectly. It is designed to be installed in the instrument panel of your tractor. Full installation including wiring takes about 1 - 2 hours. Detailed instructions are provided.

This tachometer is totally self-contained...no additional modules or devices are required for it to operate. It is equipped with a back-lighted face (replaceable bulb) for viewing at night. Hook-up is simple: 1 wire to (+) side of coil (power), 1 wire to (-) side of coil (pulse), 1 wire to headlight switch for light, 1 wire to ground. It will operate with any of the ignition systems offered here as well as the stock battery-breaker point-coil system with no alterations required.

This is a commercial quality instrument made by a large manufacturer of gauges for off-highway equipment. This means that a high tolerance to vibration and shock is a standard by which these products are designed to withstand. Accuracy has been verified to be within +/- 2% of actual engine rpm. Inherent damping is a necessity with such a low-frequency signal - this means that the tachometer needle sweeps gently with rpm changes, taking about 3-4 seconds for full deflection.

A tachometer is a very important instrument for a tractor - whether it is a weekend mow machine or a stock-class puller. Knowing engine rpm allows the best performance to be obtained from your engine under any condition.

Prototype shown installed on my 1250 Cub Cadet

Analog Tachometer for Kohler Single-Cylinder Engines price each - $80.00 plus $5.00 USPS First Class Shipping

Download the Installation Instructions and Wiring Diagram for Analog Tachometer

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Referred to by some as a "cheater cam", this camshaft profile has been popular in quarter-scale, stock class puller engines. It is fully legal due to valve lift being below the tech limit of .330 inches. However, inlet and exhaust duration plus overlap have been extended to allow better top-end performance with little sacrifice in low-end torque. Good idle qualities are still retained. Stock Kohler valve springs and lifters may be used.

These camshafts are reground from stock cores on a dedicated cam grinding machine. Surfaces are then carburized (hardened) for durability. I can personally attest to the quality - I've been running one of these cams in my hot rodded K301 for 9 years (approximately 400 hours), used for typical lawn-and-garden applications. Valve lash never changes and performance is stellar!

This part is sold on an exchange basis only. You must send in a serviceable camshaft core to purchase this part. "Serviceable" is defined as a used Kohler K-series single cylinder camshaft complete with working compression release, no chipped or missing gear teeth, and minimal wear on breaker point cam.

Do not send in the older style, 2-piece ignition advance camshaft in for regrinding. In most cases your core will be reground and returned to you. Please allow 2 - 3 weeks for turnaround.

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

Performance Camshaft exchange price each - $75.00 plus $13.00 USPS Priority Shipping

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Breather cover allows remote routing of breather gasses, keeping exterior of engine clean. Unrestricted passage lets engine breathe more freely, 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 shipping

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The PointSaver™ 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 the PointSaver™ 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 0.75 in. case size is easily concealed for "stock" look. Made in U.S.A.

PointSaver™ Classic price each - $28.00 plus $4.00 First Class shipping

Click Here for Technical Explanation of a Transistor Ignition System

Click Here for PointSaver Instructions and Wiring Diagram

Click Here for Product Testimonials

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Finally, we've found a supplier for this important component. Don't install a PointSaver without replacing breaker points - old, oxidized and pitted points handicap the operation of the module right from the beginning. These are the genuine article, made to Kohler's high quality standards. Part number is 47 150 03-S which fit all Kohler K-series single and twin-cylinder engines.

Genuine Kohler Breaker Points price each - $11.00 plus $3.00 First Class shipping

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The PointSaver is now available in a 6 volt, positive ground version for those older tractors equipped with this type of electrical system. All the benefits of the PointSaver Classic as described above apply to this new module. Use with your existing 6 volt coil and discard the condenser. You'll like the greatly extended breaker point life that this system affords, along with improved starting and running quality. Perfect for Ford 8N tractors and Model A automobiles.

6 Volt Positive Ground PointSaver price each - $28.00 plus $4.00 First Class shipping

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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 floating points!

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), K341 (16 hp) single cylinder engines, and K482 (18 hp), K532 (20 hp), K582 (23 hp), and KT17/19/21 twin-cylinder opposed engines. Please specify your engine model when ordering. Full installation instructions provided. Made in U. S. A.

PointSlayer™ PTI System price each - $75.00 plus $4.00 First Class Shipping

Click Here for Installation Instructions

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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 - $42.00 plus $11.00 USPS Priority Shipping

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The reliable Bosch Blue gets even better with a PointSaver™. All the benefits of this high-energy coil are better utilized with a semiconductor-triggering device. PointSaver™ 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.

The Ultimate Ignition System price each - $70.00 plus $11.00 USPS Priority Shipping

Click Here for Product Testimonials

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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 $11.00 USPS Priority Shipping

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For all twin-cylinder opposed Kohler and Onan engines with battery and coil ignition, the New Dual PointSaver™ consists of our special Dual SuperCoil combined with the classic PointSaver™ 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 price each - $88.00 plus $11.00 USPS Priority Shipping

Click Here for Product Testimonials

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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 450F, 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 $3.00 First Class shipping

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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 bolts 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 First Class shipping

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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 1/4 - 20. Replaces original perfectly.

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

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

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

These three-lobe 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 $4.00 First Class shipping

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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 $1.50 First Class Shipping

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Why not dress up your tractor with this nice set of foot tread screws? These are bright stainless steel, button head socket screws with stainless washers that will never rust or corrode. And if you ever need to remove them, it's a snap - only tool required is an Allen wrench. They won't rust in place like the original mild steel, slotted head screws did. This set consists of 8 screws and washers, enough for both right and left side foot treads.

IH Cub Cadet Stainless Foot Tread Screw Set price - $6.00 plus $3.00 First Class shipping

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Here is a practical accessory that not only improves the looks of your tractor, but it eliminates annoying rattles as well. The Hood Edge Strip is a soft, flexible, textured black vinyl plastic edge trim with a metal core. It easily installs in minutes - trim to exact length and just press into place. Sold in 28 inch lengths which fit virtually all models of IH Cubs. For other tractor brands requiring different lengths, I will custom cut to the dimension you specify. Reupholstering your seat? This trim is an exact replacement.

Hood Edge Strip price each - $6.00 plus $3.00 First Class shipping

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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 - 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 - 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 $3.00 First Class shipping

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Have you removed balance gears from your K-series engine and discovered that it now vibrates with newfound gusto? Or have you thought about buying a newer, twin-cylinder tractor just to get rid of the single-cylinder shakes? This modification will greatly reduce transmitted vibration, making your K-series engine run noticeably smoother, restoring both your faith in Kohler and the feeling in your hands and feet.

A 50% RBF (Reciprocating Balance Factor) is a good compromise in reducing transmitted vibrations from a single-cylinder engine. For reasons unknown, Kohler engineers under-balanced these engines (only 29% RBF on the K301) such that they transmit unnecessarily high unresolved reciprocating forces about the vertical axis. Installing the Crankshaft Balance Plate Kit restores a 50% RBF to the engine, making for a much reduced vibration signature. The improvement in crankshaft balance yields lower main bearing loads contributing to longer engine life, reduced transmitted vibrations, and greater operator comfort.

This inexpensive kit requires simple and straight-forward machining of your crankshaft which can be done at a local machine shop in usually less than one hour. Or, if your personal shop is equipped with a lathe and drill press, you can easily do it yourself. No further balancing of the crankshaft assembly is required if installed per the instructions. The kit consists of a precision formed, high-quality steel Balance Plate, two grade 8 mounting screws, and detailed instructions. This modification is for Kohler K301, K321, and K341 single-cylinder engines only.

Crankshaft Balance Plate Kit price each - $20.00 plus $4.00 First Class shipping

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Here is an easy to install upgrade that greatly improves the steering on IH Cub Cadets. These high quality heavy duty rod ends feature chrome plated ball-on-sintered bronze bearing construction, lubricated for life for maintenance-free operation. The large surface area is many times that of original equipment rod ends, allowing a vast increase in life and reducing "slop" in the steering system - permanently!

The kit consists of 4 heavy-duty rod ends (2 for tie rod, 2 for steering rod) 4 nylock nuts and washers for ball studs, and 4 jam nuts and washers for the rods. Combine this kit with the Cub Cadet SuperSteer kit and experience a new dimension in ease of steering and handling.

StockHeavy-Duty

I guarantee that you'll never have to replace these parts again for the life of your tractor. For all IH Cub Cadet garden tractors and other brands using 3/8 X 24 threaded rod ends.

Heavy-Duty Steering Tie-Rod End Kit price each - $50.00 plus $6.00 Priority Mail Shipping

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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 1/2 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 First Class shipping.

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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 needle-punch 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 a pair of ordinary 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 $6.00 Priority Mail shipping.

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This is a brand new, steel float bowl that will replace your original, aluminum bowl perfectly. Plated in bright cadmium, it will not rust or corrode and is much more dent-resistant than the original. Looks great too. A must for any rebuilt carburetor.

Float Bowl price each - $7.00 plus $4.00 First Class shipping.

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