njdpo 8 #1 Posted January 19 hi all, Im working on a Commando 800 re-power and thought I would start a new thread. Ive got a few questions that perhaps some of you might be able to offer some advice on. i have removed part # 14-64 as seen on this web page ( https://www.jackssmallengines.com/jacks-parts-lookup/manufacturer/toro/riding-products/1972/1-0110-commando-800-4-speed-tractor-1972/p-t-o-clutch ) while trying to move it from the k181 to the M8 I notice the machining isn't the same between the two motors, and that part 14-64 (Rod & Plate Assy) fits nicely on the k181 (as the k181 machining is on a "single flat plane")... but moving it to the M8 quickly reveals a couple of issues. First the machining of the M8 does not have a nice "flat plane" like the K181 did, instead it is "stepped by .200 thousands of an inch. Looks like Im going to need to shim up that area of the block (by .200 thousanths) in order to get the bracket to sit securely (and squarely) on the block. The second issue is that the M8 is not tapped for the set screw that was installed on the K181 (thats not a problem). Bother I go finding / making a .200 shim - does anybody have any other ideas ? your thoughts and feedback appreciated. Thanks Dave. the pic of the filthy K181 block below shows that the machined surface is a "flat single plane", so the bracket fits squarely on the block. ' note the ledge on the newer M8 block - "stepped by .200 thousands of an inch RELATED LINKS Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 56,436 #2 Posted January 20 Gotta do what you gotta do to make it fit, make the shim. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
njdpo 8 #3 Posted January 28 I’m working on getting that part 14-64 (Rod & Plate Assy) moved over to the M8 ... the set screw is not the same size on the two engines - the M8 has a set screw 1/16 smaller than the k181 ... and this complicates things a bit as the clearance/fit in the slot seen in the 14-64 part is now sloppy. the fix was using a properly sized bolt (same length as the set screw on the k181, BUT - grind the head of the bolt to a nice round cylinder and size it for a nice fit in the slot on the 14-64 (Rod & Plate Assy). this was done by chucking the threads of the bolt into an electric drill and spinning the bolt head up against my bench grinder. (if i had a lathe I would have used that). I’ll head over to the hardware store and see if I can find a fat washer that will give me the .200 shim I need to mount the plate safely against the engine. will post a few pics once I get the shim ready for installation. - Dave Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
njdpo 8 #4 Posted January 28 (edited) and now for another Question i want to move the muffler from the k181 to the M8 and cant get it off. Its relatively new - and Its got a lot of life left in it. but shes stuck on the exhaust pipe real good ... does anyone have and ideas on how to get that muffler off ? I was thinking that maybe I could heat the threaded area of the muffler that is in contact with the exhaust pipe. Ive heard of someone say get the muffler hot and apply candle wax to the threads, the wax would possibly make it easier to get off ??? Any ideas and help tips for removing that muffler are greatly appreciated. see attached pics . - Dave Edited January 28 by njdpo Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
njdpo 8 #5 Posted January 28 and now for another question REGARDING - crankshaft lengths the crankshaft length on the: - K181 is 3 1/4 long - M8 is 2 3/4 long (roughly 1/2 inch shorter) am I facing any issues with the difference in crank length ?? (should have measured that up first i suppose). - Dave Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
njdpo 8 #6 Posted Sunday at 03:57 PM hi all - Anybody have any thoughts on the crankshaft length question (above) for me ? - Dave Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
