Kx121-3 engine dilemma/questions

[OSU Fisher]

Hey there, first time poster but have read plenty on here. Know there’s some knowledgeable guys on the forum. Have multiple Kubota things but my question is regarding my 2012 kx121-3 mini ex. It’s been burning some oil for awhile but only really noticed some smoke on cold start and then oil levels very very slowly dropping. Well it got ran a little low on some pretty steep timber/trail work and unfortunately did some damage. It still is running fairly well for the most part and doesn’t have any loss of power. Obviously still smokes on cold start but off and on now hazes a descent amount during operation. Can smell oil burning and definitely has blow by. The machine has 3700 hrs on it but is a full cabbed machine, 6 way blade, and overall is in really really good shape so don’t want to scrap it. Well cared for (except the low oil thing) haha and not beat up. So… debating what to do. I have a shop and can pull the engine. Do I do that, and attempt to rebuild it? Not sure how hard these motors are to do? Try and send it off to someone? Not sure who. Try and find a rebuilt one online? Buy new engine from Kubota? Or keep on running it like we have been this summer and see how long it lasts?! What’s everyone’s thoughts.
Also I’m confused on what exact model I have and what work as replacements or what kits to buy. I know there’s a guy on here that can probably help me decipher what engine I have with all the serial, family, model #’s etc. I included a few pics of machine and engine badges. I believe the machines serial # is 73870 but will verify that.

thanks in advance

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Don't keep running it, you'll do more damage than good.
That's a V2203-M IDI engine.

You could rebuild it, they are not that hard to rebuild.
Or you could find someone to rebuild it.
I've done quite a few of them.
Costs will run you from $1k to $6K depending on what parts it needs and what labor costs are.

There are several versions of the V2203's, some IDI versions and some DI versions.
With a little rework both will work for you.
The DI's are a little newer design and start easier than the IDI versions.
They are more common and easier to get.

Here are a few examples of the DI versions, they are typically out of truck refrigeration units.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/406125346268

https://www.ebay.com/itm/406340315031

This is an example of a IDI engine:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/365805448324

 

[OSU Fisher]

Don't keep running it, you'll do more damage than good.
That's a V2203-M IDI engine.

You could rebuild it, they are not that hard to rebuild.
Or you could find someone to rebuild it.
I've done quite a few of them.
Costs will run you from $1k to $6K depending on what parts it needs and what labor costs are.

There are several versions of the V2203's, some IDI versions and some DI versions.
With a little rework both will work for you.
The DI's are a little newer design and start easier than the IDI versions.
They are more common and easier to get.

Here are a few examples of the DI versions, they are typically out of truck refrigeration units.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/406125346268

https://www.ebay.com/itm/406340315031

This is an example of a IDI engine:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/365805448324

thanks I was hoping you would chime in with your knowledge. I agree, running it isnt best unless I planned to junk the engine. I’m in Oregon. I had called around to places to have it rebuilt (most were a long ways away) and prices were all over the place. A lot seemed over priced. I’m sure I could rebuild it skills wise. The issue for me is finding the time. I do need the machine so am wanting to get a plan together. I get nervous with used motors as I want something to last. I did not know you could possibly swap a DI engine in there either. I feel like having mine rebuilt as long as quality parts are used by a competent person might be the most affordable route?