5 Things You Should Do To Your Kohler K Series Engine Right Now | Kohler K Series Engine Maintenance 

Hope you found this video helpful! As always if you have any questions about your vintage cast iron small engine or vintage garden tractor you can always reach out to me directly by email, phone, or our website. Ask for Norman! I help every single person who contacts us whether they are a customer or not. Our mission is to Save the Tractors! Like, Subscribe and Tell your Friends!

I’m a 15 year old kid I’m not your usual kid as normal kids play video games everyday but that’s not the point I’ve got this John Deere 112 electric lift that I’ve had for years and it sat outside and was run down but he motor and e-lift and e-pto/clutch still works I think it sat for 11 years and I finally got the thing restored last summer lol thank the lord and it’s a beast of a tractor with it’s 12h Kohler my great grandfather got to run it one more time after it was done before he passed so that was a real blessing

Add a 6th step. Remove and clean out any build up of grass, dirt, and other foreign debris (mouse nest) from behind the blower housing.

if only every equipment owner cares about their machines like this guy wonderful job

Perhaps the most thorough and informative instructions I've seen on YT. Thank you Norman. I'm also a recent customer.

I think you should be teaching at a Vo Tech because you really have a knack at getting your instructions across in a real world easy to comprehend manor! I am getting ready to replace head gasket that blew on a k 181 gravely engine and your video walked me thru what I will be encountering. Every so often I find someone like yourself on You Tube who really stands out in their ability to teach ! You are top tier in my opinion! Thanks a bunch ,I am sure you are inspiring a lot of folks to try their own maintenance!

Very informative Norman, one of your best! I've bought a carb and points/condenser from IST...always topnotch service and product. Been an easy winter on my Gravely 5665 with a Kohler 301, less than an hour run time in the Boston area, just about time to do end of season maintenance and put her away until next winter.

British bloke here - this video is brilliant! I've just picked up a Wheel Horse Commando 8 with a K181S - we obviously don't have many of them round here so this video is a great help is chasing down my no spark issue and general servicing. Thanks a lot. Also, having looked at your website, I may now have to buy a load of stuff!

Awesome video, this will be super helpful. Thanks for taking the time to walk us through the maintenance of a forgotten engine.

Just got a new to me 1991 Crafstman LT4000 with the Kohler OHV 14hp engine, just needed some buttoning up and love and it runs amazing! Going to be perfect for mowing the 2 acres we just purchased and plowing our driveway in the winter after I find a plow! Great videos!! Subscribed!!

Thank you Norman for your great video. I am a Mechanic for our farm and have many engines that I maintain. Currently I am working on a K301.

This video was very well done. I'm impressed. I'm pretty sure I just saved three 200 series John Deere riding mowers from the junk yard. They were at an auction, they were selling as a block of three, and I was certain they would be bought for parts and the rest would be junked. So I went as high as $600 for three, non-running tractors. They all have the rugged Kohler engine and are identical except for engine size. I am in the process of getting the 212 with 46 inch deck running. Thankfully by cleaning the contacts and gently tapping the starter with a stick, it cranked over. I had to slobber oil on the choke cable to get it loosened and then it started with NO SMOKE. Hallelujah. It had sat a long time because the mower deck pulleys were rusted and seized on the belts. I had to pry them off with a screwdriver!. Some fine grade sand paper should clean those up. I estimate I have an average $200 in each tractor, the new belts came to $91, air filter and paint added another $40 so I figure I'm going to have an operational 212 for less than $400. It even has one new tire with the little nubs on it! With a smoke free engine! I really got lucky because once pried free of the rusted on belts all the blades spin free and easy. I suspect the owner sent it to the repair shop, they gave him an estimate for repairs that was pretty high so he either dumped the tractor and left or traded it for a newer John Deere. His loss, my gain. I wasn't afraid of buying the old girls because they have a frame like a tank and the local dealer told me he could get parts for ANY John Deere. Can't beat that. The other tractors are a 210 with 38 inch mower and a 214 with no mower, it has the big dirt style tires on it. I look at the thin metal on new tractors and I know those old 200's will be a good deal for me because they are RUGGED.

I just bought a carb from you so this is a huge help! Thanks!!!

Great videos again. Thank you. I have a k-161 that needs this treatment. It’s been soaking in pb blast for about 3 weeks so it’s probably ready to dig in. 👍

Thanks for this video, I just ordered a carbrator from you 2 days ago and was wondering if they was present. Well you answered my question in this video. And I have learned so much from your videos. Thanks for the info and great products I have purchased from you. And I have told many folks about your videos and website to purchase things for a rebuilt on their vantage tractors.

Awesome video Norman, thanks. David from Tennessee here.

You all are awesome. Thank you for what you do.

Having just picked up a neat old John Deere 216, this might just be my new favorite channel & website. Thanks for the great video!

I have a Wheelhorse ,1984, with a 12 hp K series engine I bought 3 years ago. I simply cleaned the tractor of squirrel nests, changed the oil, a new battery and it's been my work pony ever since. I don't agree with the advise to change out the carb. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I have cleaned up many carbs with lacquer thinner, reassembled and they still work perfectly. The rest of your advise is good, but not necessarily always required. Thumbs up for a well presented video

Excellent video. Many thanks for helping us, "the new to the Kohler" bunch. I "inherited" 3 of the wonderful old Kohler engines in an ebay auction. I wanted an older John Deere 200 series because I saw one in action and was impressed with its ruggedness and the fact I can still get parts for them. I accidentally found an auction on ebay and was watching the bidding. For 3 non-running, non inspected garden tractors. The dealer in Ohio had offered them with no reserve. I found out it is a HUGE dealership. I suspect he didn't want his mechanics spending time on those old tractors when they could be earning big bucks on heavy agriculture equipment. They were a 210 with 36 inch mower, a 212 with 46 inch mower, and a 214 with no mower and agriculture tires. I watched the bidding creep up by 10 or 25 dollars at a time over a period of two weeks. I finally get fed up and just decided what my maximum bid would be. I settled on $600 since I knew I would be getting numerous used parts. I placed the bid and forgot about it certain I would be out bid. Lo and behold, I got email telling me I had won and needed to pick them up in two weeks. WOW! So, I rented a U-haul 6x12 and went after them. I used graph paper to figure out placing them sideways I could get them all on by placing the one with no mower in the center. (NOTE:It would have cost more to drive to Ohio, pick up the trailer and haul it back to WI, than to get the trailer in WI and haul it both ways. The drop off fee was greater than a two day rental from WI.) I found your site and started on the 212 first. With your help I managed to get it running. But the mower deck screeched like a banshee so it came off and I had to install all new bearings and belts. It ran great for a season, then the starter would spin, but not engage. Then the corrosion get the best of the wiring and I had to remove and clean ALL the wiring connections. The ignition switch was corroded on the inside! Then the carburetor started acting up, since I had been too cheap to order a new one from you. It was leaking air around the shaft. I found a used one at a local shop but the choke lever was all wrong. So I used a scrap of metal and JBwelded it on. I have to be frugal, I'm retired and living on reduced income. The 214 will start and run if I feed it gas so it needs the fuel pump replaced and the gas line cleaned out. Will start on the 210 soon. I will b doing all the items you recommended on the other two before I put them in service. I just got lucky with the 212, didn't do any of those things. LOL I really appreciate your site and the fact you see value in these older tractors, they really are worth saving. Compared to my MTD 18 horse the John Deere 212 is a beast! That old 12hp has more power than the new 18hp, go figure that!

This video was very helpful thank you for all you hard work and amazing content !

Just picked up a Gravely 8179 that was repowered with a Kohler K321a. Great info here. I’ll be ordering some parts before spring

As always, a clear and informative video. This makes me more confident about working on my Kohler engine. I guess I've got some work to do!

I have owned 3 classic cubs with K-Series engines. As soon as I got them I administratively replaced the carbs with IST carbs, no issues. The one time you DONT want carb issues is when your looking at 3' of snow.

Very simplified easy to follow instructions on exactly the same engine I am working on excellent, some people like to show their intelligence more than they need to and confused the shade tree mechanic that could do that hands-down explained the way you did

nice work,even mentioned the back and forth strategy the K carb bolts .solid work brother and good advice with no bullshit love it thanks

Thanks so much for this video - What great info for reviving my 1975 JD.

Une fois de plus, Génial 😁 Thanks Norman

Love those old k series Kohler's have owned 6 over the years. The old saying they don't make them like that anymore definitely holds true, absolutely built like a tank huge ball main bearings huge crank and beefy rod.

Norman you have a wonderful channel & web site. I will be using you in the future. Folks you take care of these old Kohler engines & they will take good care of you.

I had an old k181 that i turned the head down in my lathe and years later i welded the spark plug hole to mill and drill where i wanted it. It ran great and i just sold it after owning it for 25 years. It was .030 over as well when i was done with it. A work horse year after year

I am loving this video. I just restored a john deere 210 and omg the website and parts is spot on. I can't wait to use it. You bed I can't buy a snow blade of of it

Hi Norm, That was a really good video. Look forward to the next one.

I really like this guy. He is really helpful when it comes to advice about the part you may need. I have a Jim Dandy Economy and a 72 Sears Suburban 15 to restore and will need the help and parts

Thanks for the tutorial. I have a K181 8hp on my Gravely that needs some love.

Thank you this really really helped me do a tune-up on my 129 I really appreciate it a lot of good information 🤟👍👍

Great job I like to do all the same things when i get one in to tune up.

DUDE GREAT VIDEO- LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!

Excellent video! I'll be heading to your site shortly for a new carb 👍

Always learning from you. Great video

Some good info... I found a barn find on my 10 hp Kohler. The lady I bought it from she said it's been sitting in same spot for 25 years... looks brand new after cleaning up, just can't wait hear it run.... I got it for go kart for kids... but I'm not sure on it..for 25$ can't beat it

Thank you for your videos and helpful information. If needed, it seems the head should be removed and the cylinder and valves inspected before the other repairs.

Well done on the video. You're a natural. Thanks for posting.

I'll definitely be hitting up your website. Hopefully this weekend I'll be picking up a k231 for my 65 case 130

Love those K and M series Kohlers! Really like the video's!

I like to take my Kohler heads to the local machinist and have them milled flat. It usually only takes .005 or .010 to get them cleaned up and flat. An old small engine mechanic also taught me to paint the head gasket with aluminum paint and install the head gasket and head before it dries. Also, maybe I missed it but I do not think you talked about retorquing the head bolts after running the engine.

Norman Great video and thankyou for your information and help, soon there will be a great K341 and Work Horse running well in France. Gooday

Have to check the block for warpage too, these get real hot by the exhaust port+valve then warp as you can see in your photo where the headgasket was failed/failing. Also checking the valve guides is pretty important too, simply wiggling them at full lift is all you need the do to make sure the play isn't excessive.

i bought alot great parts off you points condensors coils gaskets connecting rods im very happy with all parts =)

you need to add one, change the oil, correct 10w 30 check manual.. replace fuel filter...flush fuel tank. great video

I got my kit from you all and it's worked out great

Man, I was intimidated by replacing the points, as I've never done it, but thanks to your instructions, I was able to replace and adjust it, and it runs so much more smoothly now. I put a Bosch 00012 coil on there, too. Who knew that a VW part would work so well on a tractor engine?

I remember everyone going the other way on the JD 318 and now your bringing back points lol.

Good job showing the 5 things, PS have a good one.

very informative thank you ..made my k321 run mint again

Love these engines.

I have a 66 and 67 Sears Suburban with Tecumseh HH120 and HH100 ,Timken roller bearings on the cranks and stellite valve seats . Love the old stuff !!

Nice tutorial. I have several Briggs that I have to get to first then about 5 Kohlers, 1 may be too far gone. Will be at your website for parts in a month or so. See you then stay well, Joe Z

Great video, didn’t know you sold parts also. I have a 1974 Cub Cadet 149 that I am restoring. I will definitely check ur web page out - thanks Norman!👍🏻

While I agree with 90% of this video, I wouldn’t replace the carburetor if you’re capable of rebuilding one. The original Carter/Kohler carbs are excellent. I rebuild every carb on my K series engines and I’ve only had 1 or 2 that were too far gone to be rebuilt. Keep an eye on the bushing at the top of the throttle shaft and you’ll be fine. Replace it if necessary.

Awesome video !!!!

Great informative video man!🤘🔥🔥🔥

Good ideas, love my old kohlers and the GTs they come on especially john deere 200 series machines. Not a great fan of the briggs as a general rule. Nothing really wrong with them, I just feel like kohler did the carb and ignition better

Spark plug. Great video

Excellent info. Thank you.

I've had many of these k-series. Keep oil breather clean! This breather can wear the rings out when clogged. Backpressure/blowby.

Bought my Cub Cadet 106 about a month ago, previous owner knows his stuff and had already changed the oil and replaced the points. I refuse entirely to replace brand new points on an engine. It's carb also works fine, and I rebuilt it to make sure it was clean. Lastly it's condenser works just fine, although a bit rusty, and I see no need to replace the condenser if it still works fine. However checking the combustion chamber is a good step, as is checking the valves on it.

My wheel horse is straight piped. It sounds good.

you should add a segment on doing a hillbilly valve lap job with sandpaper...with commentary on what to look for in deciding when to buy new valves versus rehabing old ones. really enjoy your videos...keep em comin...

Well done video. Thanks for not over-explaining the job. Very good information here. I love the old K series motors and own a couple smaller ones. Built with American pride to last forever.

Nice job Norm 👏 👍

Original points compared to today's, no comparison. Clean your original tungsten, provided that they are not FUBU. Regap after using very fine Emery paper, carb clean. You'll go through 4 or 5 condensers before a good stock set of points. Checking the resistance of the coil is also helpful. Good tutorial.

Always used HARDENED washers with the head bolts. The underside of the head of the bolt will dig into soft washers.

I got a neglected k341 that smokes pretty bad. I got a head gasket and breather parts from you. Hopefully a clean up and valve adjustment will help me out. I already did the points and a fresh oil change.

Picked up a Jacobsen Chief with a Kohler K241. Runs sweet.

Excellent video thanks👍🤠

Man I have a new Holland s-14 and a ariens s-18h both have Kohler engines and these things are unstoppable I have plows on both and have rototiller and 1 bottom plow also no problems since I got them and rebuilt them both were sitting in woods with moss growing on them lol love these things

thanks for the info and post

just picked up an old K91 on a wacker plate compactor

Great video. I'll be shopping at your website in a month or two. My Wheel Horse GT14 and 1973 14hp no name run great but after a hard winter this year I want to treat them both to a good service like you just did. Might not do new carbs as they run fine but will certainly do the rest along with good carb cleanings just for good measure. I would also like to modify my GT 14 throttle from the pull out knob to a lever. I figure you could probably help me out there too. Unless you Have the original knob throttle that will actually stay when pulled out with Out having to use a spring clamp on it. It Doesn't Turn and lock like They're supposed to.

Very helpful thanks!

great job thank you i really learned

Hi, thanks for the video, I performed all the suggested maintenance on my ariens S14 lawn tractor (Kohler 321s) and it solved some issues I was having. I bought all the gaskets and the new carb etc from Isavetractors... Unfortunately now I am leaking oil from the breather valve cover. the gasket face seems plenty smooth. It is possible I over tightened the breather valve cover so I will try replacing that.

Your timing is perfect. I'm about to start working on my horse tiller with the 8hp kohler k181 (pretty sure that's the correct model) thank you for sharing your knowledge!

good stuff!,,well done.

Awesome dude thanks.

You know what i think is good to change is the oil to synthetic 10w30or40 usualy opening screw some will rich fuel if ever wasnt getting enough leaving them together and trying good oil has worked well for me grit sand blast the valves file down valve clearance the points are good to change although if you leave old ones you keep timing carefully sand between the points you have to take out valves cover in sand where it seals spin it to clean seat then clean of sand and put springs on

Best video ever thanks

Great Kohler video for this engine, glad I stumbled on your channel. I am in the process of rehabbing a 10hp K241 engine. As a DYIr have worked on several small engines but this one is my “largest/oldest” hp small engine to get back to daily use that will be used to run a Lincoln Welder/Generator. When I got the engine, the fuel tank had fresh varnish smell in it and previous owner told me engine had not run in at least 15yrs. I took the air breather cover off, shot starter fluid in the carb throat, and the engine fired off for 5 sec so that told me, after a carb rebuild, this thing will be back in running shape:-)

Thank you for this information. Without breaking open the engine can you think why the points plunger isn’t moving when the crankshaft id rotated?

Great Video !! Thank you

Great video! I replaced the carburetor but this unit had just the base plate for the air cleaner ( no other parts) ...Is there a spacer between the carburetor and the base plate air cleaner? The new carburetor choke hits against the base plate of the air cleaner Preventing it from closing. Help

Have you ever had an issue with the mechanical fuel pump? Mine quit working. Bought and installed a new one and that didn't work either. So I put in an electric pump. Kind of like the electric pump especially at the beginning of the cutting season, you know priming the system. Much easier on the starter. I really have to check the points on mine. The tractor is an 85 and never really done anything to it except changing the oil and clean it and that sort of thing. Believe it or not I have an old homelite chainsaw that I got new when I was about 14. I'm now 63. Have never done anything to it other then changing the spark plug. I used it a few years ago and after 3 pulls it started right up!! I do make sure to drain the gas out of it, same with the tractor. I just drain the gas out of the carburator.

Constructive criticism here... A Gravely fan so I know Kohler engines. I completely agree with these five issues that should be done with every engine. The videos only weakness is that they should demonstrate how to adjust valves using two wrenches and showing all the steps. While the mystery of the crankcase ventilation system is given 5 minutes no time is given to how to adjust the valve and I assume that this video is an attempt to reach out to newbies who are trying to do their own small engine repairs. That said...I love I save tractors!!

❤❤❤❤❤❤💯 thanks for posting 👍

thank you for you're video

With engine in the tractor of my 212, there is a support piece of metal in the way to access the screws in the points cover. I learned by loosening the bolts in that plate. I could jam a rod of metal in there and lift it enough for my screwdriver to slip under the plate and access the screw in the cover. By using a screwdriver with a strong magnet I was able to retrieve the screw. But putting it back in was hard with the flat tip driver. So I took the screw to a hardware store and got a Phillips screw with the same threads. That at least stayed on the tip of the driver for reassembly.

Nice vid. I like the presentation. The info was helpful as well. I just bought a 782 cub cadet yesterday. The governor runs away all by it's self without touching the throttle. I have to manually adjust the governor to keep it running without over reeving the engine. Do you have a vid that goes into more detail on fix repair and/or replace the governor on a 17hp Kohler? I've tried searching a vid on just the governor, but failed to find the right vid so far. Any help from anyone would greatly appreciated.

As I watch this, I'm having flashbacks from 40+ years ago when I worked in a K241 from a Cub Cadet tractor. I think the tractor was '66 vintage. I guess the designs hadn't changed too quickly.

Good video, but I will start by removing the head first. There is no point in investing in points, carburetor, etc, if the engine is shoot or need rebuilding. Also, if you need to lap the valves, you will need to remove the carburetor anyways for access... As others have point-out, and new carburetor is only required if the old one is worn-out or have been temper with (which often happens). Thank for the video.