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Garden Tractors Discussion Forum

Kohler K181 Engine - Low Compression

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Nate88

01-15-2007 12:12:20




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I have a mid 1970's Wheel Horse with an 8 hp K181S engine. Last year the engine started to lose power, so I check the compression and came up low. In trying to find the problem, I found the head was leaking around the gasket, so I tightened it up and got some additional compression, but not enough. I also found the spark plug threads are stripped out, so I know I'm losing compression there also. The last thing I noticed is during the compression stroke, the exhaust valve will rise slightly. Is this normal operation? Wouldn't this cause low compression?? Is there anyone out who knows if this is correct?? I'd appreciate any help. Thanks.

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chevy65

01-16-2007 08:39:05




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 Re: Kohler K181 Engine - Low Compression in reply to Nate88, 01-15-2007 12:12:20  
dont forget to check ur valve clearances
a tight valve will cause compression loss



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Nate88

01-16-2007 08:55:38




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 Re: Kohler K181 Engine - Low Compression in reply to chevy65, 01-16-2007 08:39:05  
I got to looking at the engine last night and need to ask the question. How do you adjust the valve clearance? I'm familiar with setting valves on an overhead engine, but not on valve in head. Where are the adjustment screws?? Thanks.



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Wrench Spinner

01-16-2007 14:39:37




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 Valve Adjustment in reply to Nate88, 01-16-2007 08:55:38  
Below is the adjustment procedure, Just be careful not to take too much off.



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El Toro

01-16-2007 05:21:27




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 Re: Kohler K181 Engine - Low Compression in reply to Nate88, 01-15-2007 12:12:20  
Your rings and a worn cylinder can affect your compression too. Good time to have the cylinder measured for wear, it may need to be honed oversize. I had to have that done on a big Toro Grassking mower. Had to have the block bored .020" oversize, crankshaft turned .020" undersize and the exhaust valve replaced. This was on a B&S engine. It sure made a difference in the compression. I use the pto pulley from my garden tractor and a long belt to start it. Too hard for a 74 year old buzzard like me to rope start it. Hal

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JT

01-15-2007 12:55:34




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 Re: Kohler K181 Engine - Low Compression in reply to Nate88, 01-15-2007 12:12:20  
What do you call "low compression" The old Kohler engines do not have high compression, compared to an auto, but they are prone having valve problems, you might take out the valves, grind the seats and faces, probably will help a lot, also need to put a heli coil in the head.



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Wrench Spinner

01-15-2007 12:38:51




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 Re: Kohler K181 Engine - Low Compression in reply to Nate88, 01-15-2007 12:12:20  

The K181 has a compression release on the camshaft so that is why you see the exhaust valve opening a little. Have a Helicoil installed in the plug hole then have the head re-surfaced and install a new gasket,Torque to the spec. and pattern below. Also check valve clearance, At TDC compression stroke intake .006/.008 exhaust .017/.019....

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Nate88

01-15-2007 14:36:14




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 Re: Kohler K181 Engine - Low Compression in reply to Wrench Spinner, 01-15-2007 12:38:51  
Thanks for the torque specs and torque pattern. I was planning on installing a helicoil, or just getting a new head. About 10 years ago my Dad and I ground the valves and seats. As JT said, it made a big difference. I think at that time we installed a new exhaust valve. Thanks for info. I didn't know these engines had a compression release.



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