Kohler 8 hp K181

[Hal Hadaller]

Kohler K181 Engine will only start with throttle in IDLE position. Valves have been lapped and set to the proper clearance. Exhaust valve compression relief working properly. New oil rings and honed cylinder. New head gasket. Carburetor cleaned and looks good. Idle and high speed mixture adjustments set up properly. Runs good once it is started. Had this problem with the Kohler before overhaul and same afterwards. I have an older Briggs that also has the same problem. If throttle is above IDLE it just will not start. Any info is helpful.

 

[Dieseldoc445]

Hal, I have a 14 HP Kohler engine on a Ford LGT14H and it is the same way. Only starts at an idle. I thought is was just the nature of the engine. It will start at off idle if it has been run for a while and is warmed up. Once it starts I can advance the throttle with no problem. It has six or seven cutting seasons on it since an
overhaul. Hope this helps you. Dieseldoc

 

[Anonymous-0]

perhaps the choke isnt closing all the way on start up?
just a thought.
good luck

J in Pa

 

[Point]

I have 2 kohler 181"s and a 341 and they do the same thing. Also I had 2 wisconsins and a briggs 23cfb that do it. Have no idea why because I have 2 other 181"s that start no matter where the throttle is.

 

[Butch GA.]

Hal I have 2/181's a 1970and1971 the same way. nature of the beast I guess

 

[frdmnn]

my cub model 70 has a k161 that will not start if the throttle is not pulled back to idle. it is far from being in tip top shape. i always thought it was because it was rode hard and put away wet.

 

[Hal Hadaller]

Thanks, guys. However, it does not fix the problem. Since this problem is somewhat wide spread, one would think that Kohler, et. al. would have found the problem. In my own mind, I think it has something to do with compression being too low. There does not seem to be a big difference in cranking with the spark plug in or out. The compression relief could be a factor and that maybe too much pressure is let out. Not sure how the cam is set up for this and maybe has some wear. I set my valves really close to spec but not any help. The relief is on the exhaust valve. If I ever get time and want to play, I may just remove the spring/cam and see what happens. Thanks again for your inputs.

 

[Bob]

So WHAT'S the problem... just start it @ idle.

That's what I do with the 6 or 7 Kohlers I have in Deere and MM LGT's.

 

[Trailer Trash Tractors]

It's the nature of the beast to prefer a certain throttle opening for starting.
My Kohler powered Gravely is almost VooDoo in that regard. I mark the throttle lever with a paint marker, when I find that sweet spot.

Early B+S, Kohler, Hor. = Just past Idle
Tecumseh Tractor = 1/3 throttle
Snow King = 1/4 throttle
B+S 11 = Almost full throttle

Your guesstimates may vary. Try to use level
surface, tank almost full, for finding sweet spot.

 

[Hal Hadaller]

It does not like to idle on a cold day so have to start several times. Leave the choke cracked a little. I also don't like other engines that have the choke on the throttle for full throttle. AS soon as it starts it is wide open or if one backs off on the throttle, no choke so it dies. Automatic chokes solve this but they have their problems also. Not a perfect world. Guess I could get out the push mower.

 

[Kentb of SWMO]

If battery ignition, Check the coil polarity. Negative terminal to the point. Most of the time though, if wired wrong they will not throttle up.

Kent

 

[lucas boy]

get a manual download at kohlerengines.com and start readin pal. lucas

 

[Rock_Picker(MO)]

This may sound dumb, but...........are you sure your choke is operating freely? My 110 was hard to start and I discovered the choke linkage was binding against the air breather housing, not allowing the choke to rotate properly. Put a few washers (shims) between the carb body and air breather and it starts great. FWIW.........RP

 

[stronics]

As one guy says, "it's the nature of the beast".
It is. At any setting other than idle there isn't enough vacuum to pull the gas through the carb. Air velocity my friend. Once the speed of the engine picks up then there is a good vacuum and it runs.
This is just basic engine knowledge.
David

 

[Hal Hadaller]

Get a manual for what. Most say that it is the nature of the beast. Nothing wrong with carb, choke, new rings, etc., or anything else, other than a bit old. A really simple engine and about as basic as one can get. But I would venture to say, that a NEW one would start in other than IDLE setting. Many engines will start in other than IDLE and many manuals for lawn mower engine say to use MID throttle. Also, the governor puts the most engines at full throttle until they start.