According to The Spruce, a lawn mower should last 10 to 15 years. But of course, if you practice good maintenance, yours should last you even longer.

Part of your routine maintenance should be checking for worn-out parts. Proactively getting replacement engine parts will reduce the wear and tear on your mower.

Now, you may be wondering about how you can get the right Kohler engine parts for your equipment. If you want to buy engine parts online, then it can be daunting to sift through your options and ensure you've done everything correctly.

Read on to find out how you can source quality Kohler components.

OEM vs Aftermarket Parts: What's the Difference?

First, you should know the difference between original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket parts. OEM parts are made by Kohler or authorized suppliers, while aftermarket parts are produced by third-party manufacturers.

Although aftermarket parts can be lower in quality, this is not always the case. Choosing a reputable company like DB Electrical is a win-win situation.

You get high-quality products at competitive prices. You'll save a significant amount of money, especially if you're keeping up with routine maintenance.

Identify Your Kohler Engine Model, Spec, and Serial Numbers

Kohler makes quite a few engines, from small residential ones to heavy-duty commercial ones. So don't skip the crucial step of getting your model details correct. Otherwise, you probably won't get compatible parts.

Where to find the identification labels will depend on what type of equipment you have:

• Walk-behind mowers and small equipment: Engine shroud or air filter housing
• Riding mowers and tractors: Blower housing or valve cover
• Generators and commercial engines: On the side of the engine block or valve cover area

Here are the things to write down:

• The model number, which is the general family of the engine (e.g., KT740, CV224, CH730)
• The spec number, which breaks down specific configurations (e.g., KT740-3031)
• The serial number, which is unique to your engine

It can be useful to take a picture of this information so it's easily accessible.

Use Kohler Parts Lookup Tools

You can always find accurate part numbers by directly searching on Kohler's website (now known as Rehlko). The benefit of doing this is that they'll give you exploded views, which show you how the parts assemble. There are also substitution notes, where Kohler recommends updated part numbers or revised designs for engine performance enhancement.

However, there are other resources you can use too. For example, at DB Electrical we have an easy-to-use search box on our home page.

Find Reputable Places to Buy the Parts

You should always buy from reputable shops to ensure you're getting top-notch Kohler parts. You can always buy directly from Kohler's various dealers, but you may not always have one around, and the prices may not be the best.

Your other options are to use trusted online retailers or local small engine shops for aftermarket parts. If you're after the former, then DB Electrical is who you need. We've been in business since 1981, and we're the largest internet seller of starters and alternators to individual customers.

Know the Common Parts You May Need

Knowing the common parts you may need ahead of time can be handy. That way, you can be prepared whenever you perform Kohler engine maintenance.

Here are the ones that should be top of mind, and what their approximate maintenance intervals are:

• Oil filters: Every 50-100 hours, or every season
• Air filters: Inspect every 25 hours, replace every 100 hours
• Spark plugs: Annually or every 100 hours
• Fuel filters: Every 100-200 hours
• Starter motors: Replace if starting issues persist
• Carburetor kits: Rebuild every 1-2 years or as needed
• Coil/ignition: Replace if spark failure occurs
• Belts: Inspect regularly, replace if cracked or slipped

It can be beneficial to keep a maintenance kit handy. Kohler often has comprehensive tune-up kits that are very convenient.

Tips for Vetting Aftermarket Kohler Parts

You may be wondering how you can tell if you're getting a high-quality Kohler part. These are the things to consider.

First, check the compatibility. Use your engine model and spec number to cross-reference part numbers.

Then, read product reviews. Look for:

• Verified purchases
• Detailed reviews with photos
• Recurring positive feedback on longevity

Lastly, and most importantly, research the brand. In general, you should avoid brands that have minimal online presence or consistently poor reviews.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

We've already said earlier that you shouldn't guess your engine model, as this will surely lead to wrong part orders. But what else should you avoid doing?

First, you shouldn't ignore the spec number. This can result in incorrect carburetor kits or filters. Don't buy in bulk without cross-referencing part numbers, either.

Always keep up with maintenance schedules, too. If you neglect them, then it can shorten the engine's lifespan and increase repair costs.

Red flags to watch out for are:

• No model or spec fitment listed
• Extremely low prices
• Poor packaging
• No branding
• Negative reviews on performance

Create a Parts Inventory List

Creating a spreadsheet can be a lifesaver if you maintain multiple engines. You should include:

• Each engine's model, spec, and serial number
• Commonly replaced parts
• Last service date and next due service

Based on this information, you can stock basic maintenance items and restock annually based on usage.

Get the Right Kohler Engine Parts

If you want to avoid mishaps, then you'll want to get the right Kohler engine parts on the first try. To do this, you'll have to properly identify your Kohler engine model and specification number. From there, you can cross-reference the parts across different platforms to ensure you're getting the best deal possible.

Ready to shop Kohler engine parts? Then check out our selection now. We at DB Electrical offer same-day shipping if you place your order by 2:00 pm EST, and shipping's free if your order is over $50!

Related Articles

6 Warning Signs Your Kohler Starter Requires Replacement
Upgrade Your Vehicle With Top Replacement Starters