Kohler K181 valve clearance

11 years ago

The engine would run perfect for maybe 30-45 minutes, then start sputtering like crazy. Drained gas, thinking maybe it had some water in with it, no water seen. Cleaned and rebuilt carburetor, nothing changed. New points and condenser, again, no change, did notice some leakage from the head gasket, checked for flatness, was off about .005". Resurfaced head, new gasket, same thing. I decided to check valve lash, exhaust valve is .018, which is about pefect. Intake valve also.018, Houston, we have a problem! Setting is for .007"...There is no sign of valve being ground off any, there is no sign of carbon on the valve seat, lifter also shows no sign of being ground on. What could cause this? Worn lobe on camshaft? The amount of lift seems fine, over a 1/4", so I cant imagine the cam is worn terribly. Any ideas?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

tomplum
11 years ago
Sounds like someone needs a can of Kohler Valve Stretch (part number BR549) It isn't unheard of. Properties of the different metals cause stretching and shrinkage. I would just re-cut the seat, or have the valve ground then adjust and there you go.
snuffyinatl thanked tomplum
snuffyinatl
Original Author
11 years ago
LOL does Harbor Freight sell that??? I am trying to locate a shop that has a valve seat cutter...all I get is blank looks....Lordy I hope I don't end up buying one....
Related Professionals
Wilmington Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Columbus Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Danbury Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Davenport Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Kalamazoo Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Pullman Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Wichita Landscape Contractors · Kalamazoo Landscape Contractors · Salem Landscape Contractors · Olympia Landscape Contractors · Monroe Tile and Stone Contractors · Lawton Tile and Stone Contractors · Petersburg Tile and Stone Contractors · Seattle Tile and Stone Contractors · Ottawa Tile and Stone Contractors
tomplum
11 years ago
A new valve would be cheaper than that! $eat cutters cut into your pocketbook as well. Or, if someone can grind the valve. Sometimes those stems are small for old valve grinders. Heck, if you were careful- you might be able to reface it inna drill press. Rig up a guide and follow it with a piece of carbide or grinding stone. Lap it in w/ some basic clover compound .
gator_rider6
11 years ago
Yes you need HF engine I got 4 with 4 extra oz. oil in engine over tilting runs old engine. Till in 3 rd notch of depth gauge.