Cub Cadet Collectors dot com

Unless you guys can suggest a poor-man's solution, it looks like I am going to need a ring compressor to put the piston in my 129 (12hp Kohler)

I am assuming that such a device comes in various sizes and I sure don't want to end up buying something too big or too small.

Can someone point me in the right direction of a suitable ring compressor that is within a pauper's budget ?

Thanks for reading and all help is appreciated.

Harbor freight sells a ring compressor that should fit most Kohler pistons. As I recall less than $10.

JMotuzick wrote:Harbor freight sells a ring compressor that should fit most Kohler pistons. As I recall less than $10.

Good old Harbor Freight ... Thanks ! I will check that out.

>>> A few minutes later:

I just hung the tape-measure across the piston --- in a scientific manner --- and it shows 3-5/16 diameter.

Here is the Harbor Freight offering:

https://www.harborfreight.com/4-inch-pi ... 97709.html

The reviews on the Harbor Freight are actually better than those of the others I have found.
If I understand the reviews, the Harbor Freight should fit.

I also found these three possibles open for suggestions and advice:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000P0VTAK/?c ... _lig_dp_it

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FC2154Y/?c ... _lig_dp_it

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013FNA1C/?c ... _lig_dp_it

I was surprised that the Lisle had such poor recommendation; actually, none of these three have impressive reviews; there are just as many naysayers as those that said okay.

I’ve used hose clamps when my compressor broke.

For K-singles, I used my fingers to squeeze them in... but that's just me....

I borrowed one from Auto Zone.