Looking for reasonable source for 35 yr old Kohler parts

[motofishman]

Inherited log splitter from father in law, it's from late 70's. Has 8 horse Kohler model#K181PT, spec # 30559d, serial # 9571382. I've got no spark, coil wire cap just sits on spark plug, it is original. Pull starter works/engages/grabs about 25% of the time. I've used it now for 2 years and it has been hard to start, change spark plug, clean carb, pull and pull and pull, then it works pretty well for the month or so I need it for about 5 cords. Parts I've found online are very expensive. Are there any used parts sources, anybody here love these old Kohlers and like to help folks keep them running? Thanks Tom

 

[Dieselshawn]

I've got a 1968 14 hp Kohler with a chevy 350 coil on it. Not sure what the original was as its older than me.

But it works. Powerful spark as its only firing 1 cylinder instead of 8

 

[7sleeper]

Not sure I understood your problem but if only the starter is the problem just take it off and start electric like so!





Works also with a cordless drill.

If the coil is really dead then it might be difficult, but the guys here usually have a tip on everything.

7

 

[ChoppyChoppy]

I tried that on the 11.5hp Briggs on my wood splitter. I about broke my wrist!

 

[nathon918]

I've got a 1968 14 hp Kohler with a chevy 350 coil on it. Not sure what the original was as its older than me.

But it works. Powerful spark as its only firing 1 cylinder instead of 8

coils dont care how many cylinders there are, you get the same voltage weather its 1 cylinder or 12...
you may have a higher output voltage coil than what was originaly on the kohler though

 

[Hddnis]

Short of checking ebay or a local yard care equipment junk yard you have to buy new, when you can find it. Good place to ask is forums where guys restore old lawn tractors and mowers. If they don't know where to get parts they know of a work-a-round.



Mr. HE

 

[Axfarmer]

I have a few of them, if you were closer you could have one!

 

[Bob95065]

Tom,



What kind of log splitter is it? I have a Lickety Log Splitter with a 8HP Kohler K181 like yours. If it is a Lickety the guy that bought all the parts when they went out of business isn’t far from me. He also has lots of Kohler parts. His name is Lowell Webb and he owns Webb Chainsaw. This link will take you to his web site: www.webbs-farmsupplies.com

You can find a free service manual for your engine here: http://www.kohlerengines.com/manuals/landing.htm Print it out, it is very handy.

A great source for used parts are garden tractors. I practically grew up on an International Harvester Cub Cadet 108 and I now use a CC 1000 that a neighbor gave me many years ago. I used it every weekend to mow their lawn when I was growing up in Illinois. Now I use it around my place in Felton ,CA.

Anyway, Don Vogt in Campbellsport, WI parts out Cub Cadets and may have what you need: https://sites.google.com/site/vogtsperformanceengineering/ I get parts for my tractors from him and I highly recommend him for use parts.

Ray Weaver also parts out CC’s: http://www.cubcadetcollectors.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=44

Google Cub Cadet Forum and you’ll come across about three boards. They all have banners of parts vendors at the top. Here’s some links:

http://www.ihcubcadet.com/forum/messages/4/4.html?1388986828
http://onlycubcadets.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=9
http://www.cubcadetcollectors.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=16&sid=78ad8dabf6f8a3cf03c62f80f8631fac

There are also sub-boards on these forums that deal with Kohler K-series engines. Hunt around and you’ll find what you need.

If you want to do the world a favor get parts from an old John Deere which also used Kohler engines. Preserve the Cub Cadets (decent garden tractors) for future generations. Let the flames begin!!! Just kidding.

Have you replaced the points lately? It sounds like an ignition problem to me. Changing the points and condenser is routine maintenance so I would start there. Be sure to static time it then use a battery and timing light for best results. My Cub Cadets start on ½ crank since I ditched my feeler gauges for a multimeter and timing light.

If you do replace or file the points be sure to time it properly. I had the timing advanced on my Lickety when I rebuilt the motor and I was having trouble starting it. I kept pulling and it backfired pulling the starter handle form my hand. It kept pulling until the rope snapped and I heard the handle wiz by my face and bounce off the garage wall. I hate to think what would have happened if I was standing a little to the right. I had strained some muscles in my hand and arm which hurt for weeks. Screwing up timing on a recoil engine is different than one with an electric starter.

Good luck and let me know if I can help. That engine is worth saving. It will last more than one lifetime if it is maintained. They are very heavy duty.

Bob

PS – Axfarmer, thanks to you I now have drool on my keyboard. I wish I lived closer to you. Nice collection of Kohlers!