Hard starting WheelHorse

David_V · Mar 14, 2012

My 1973 WheelHorse C81 with an 8HP Kohler that won't start without using puffs of starter fluid until it warms up. Once going it restarts easily. The fuel pump is working fine. The spark plug is clean.

I rebuilt the carb awhile ago. That may be the problem.

Any hints?

joe csuti · Mar 14, 2012

If this is the orig eng and hasn't been rebuilt,1st thing to do is a compression test or leakdown test(prefered)problem may be worn cyl/rings causeing low compression when eng cold,sticking valves due to carbon buildup on stems,leaking valves due to carbon buildup on valve/valve seat,leaking head gasket.

David_V · Mar 14, 2012

Thanks. I'm pretty sure it has not been rebuilt. I'll do a compression and leak down test.

joe csuti · Mar 14, 2012

A few other possible cause's-worn valve guides,carb loose or gasket leaking air where carb bolts to eng,hi-speed needle set too lean

David_V · Mar 14, 2012

The carb leaking or set wrong is probably it. The thing ran fine until I rebuilt the carb. The screw on the bottom of the carb was leaking, so I rebuilt the whole thing. I'll check the carb/engine gasket too. Spraying the starting fluid around that area should pick up any leaks.

Thanks. It's a great little tractor when it runs. No mower, but it tows a little trailer where my Husky riding mower cannot go.

wisbaker · Mar 14, 2012

When doing the compression test remember the K181
might have ACR (automatic compression release) so
you have to turn them backwards or some darn thing
to get an accurate reading

Anonymous-0 · Mar 14, 2012

You said the tractor ran fine before you worked on carb. So your problem is in carb. You will have to check settings and specs of carb.

David_V · Mar 15, 2012

(quoted from post at 20:50:08 03/14/12) You said the tractor ran fine before you worked on carb. So your problem is in carb. You will have to check settings and specs of carb.

have, several times. I have the Kohler manual for that engine, I guess I'll just have to keep trying to adjust it right. It wouldn't hurt to do those other tests too.

wisbaker · Mar 15, 2012

Float level set low? How did you clean the carb
when you rebuilt it? The nice thing about those
old Kohlers is they are easier to work on the a
Briggs or Tecumseh and the procedures are the same
from a K91 to a K341. I'd guess a low float level
If I remember you turn the carb upside down and
adjust the float so it's level with the surface
the bowl seals against. Or you got something dirty
in the carb or maybe ethanol in you gas attacked
something. Once you get it warm how well does it
idle? If it won't idle or run at low speed I would
guess float to low.

David_V · Mar 15, 2012

Ah.... I did not set the float level and it does not idle at a reasonably slow speed. Maybe I'll get another rebuild kit, clean it better this time and set the float as you suggest. It did have some gunk in the bowl and other parts from gas sitting in it for a few years before I bought it. Also, it's not as "fast" as it used to be.

oldtanker · Mar 17, 2012

David, go to kohlerenginnes.com and down load the repair manual for the K series engine for free. All the specs for setting the card are in there plus a trouble shooting guide.

Rick

David_V · Mar 17, 2012

I already have that manual, and it has been well used. It's just this carb that has be stumped.

Greenday · Mar 17, 2012

Sounds like possible bad head gasket or warped head. After engine warms up head and gasket expand and seal up.

David_V · Mar 17, 2012

If that were so, it should show up on a compression test. I'll borrow a tester and see.

Greenday · Mar 17, 2012

Let us know what ya find. Dave

Hard starting WheelHorse

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