adsm08 2,595 #26 Posted March 22 On 3/21/2025 at 11:20 AM, njdpo said: hi Pete - thanks for jumping in ... attached are a few pics with a tape measure for real numbers (rather than estimations). im hopeful that one of those mufflers would attach without me having to get that existing black pipe replaced. (that would be just one more thing to slow my roll to the finish line) If you haven't gotten that pipe out yet, get a good pipe wrench, or better yet one of these: https://shop.snapon.com/product/Pliers-Wrenches/17"-Pliers-Wrench-(Red)/PWZ2A (Yes, I know Snappy = not cheap, these are the best set on the market) and TIGHTEN it. If you can move it a little going to the right it should break it loose and let it spin right out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
njdpo 10 #27 Posted March 23 (edited) Hi Pete, thanks for stepping in again. This was helpful. STATUS REPORT: the tractor is up and running – the old muffler was cut from the k181 black pipe, removed the remaining piece from the inner threads of the muffler and moved it over to the M8 … Sorry about all that back and forth with the new mufflers above – but I’ve got other things I need to buy for the commando and the $55 for the muffler can be used towards a new seat (mine is trashed)… the comment about the pepper can muffler not being too loud on the 8hp k181/M8 motor is reasonable ... its not terrible - but it could be better ... Ill be going to Jacktown, PA in May... maybe ill find something (priced right) that can replace the pepper can... So if anyone knows where I can find a reasonably priced seat for my commando – please “chime in”… ON TO THE NEXT ISSUE: I was able to ride the tractor yesterday and I notice that the throttle is SUPER SENSITIVE. The smallest movement on the throttle lever equates to moving carb throttle lever to wide open ! Its really difficult to just mildly open the carb up just above throttle or half throttle. I could never let my son or wife use this machine in this state. NOTES: when I compare the old k181 and new M8 mounting positions and linkages they are identical ... I’m not seeing any obvious differences in the way the carb linkages are connected (they look identical) . I’m not seeing any obvious differences in the Governor connections (they also look identical) I’m wondering if this might be some type of governor adjustment related issue ? If anyone has any ideas please let me know … If anyone is aware of a good link on explaining how to adjust the governor on these engines – that would be greatly appreciated. Once again – thanks for your time, everyone’s advice has been super helpful. Dave Edited March 23 by njdpo Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 11,702 #28 Posted March 23 You need to download the Kohler service manual. Search TP-2379 As far as the throttle throw, every small block I've had has been like that. I do this to them and it really helps. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
njdpo 10 #29 Posted March 23 (edited) Hi Racinbob. when I was having a closer look, searching for obvious linkage connection errors ... I was specifically looking around at the linkages of the k181... and the m8 ... for some sort of long arm like your picture is showing ... but nothing ... circling back for another inspection - after cleaning up the severe oil and grime accumulations - I am spotting a difference now ... in a position that doesn't look very accessible ... unfortunately I dont have any pics on my phone that shows how that cable was connected on the k181 <sigh> the service manual you mention ( TP-2379 ) on page 6-27 that looks a bit like the pic you have... a bit ... did you modify yours ? Its not exactly clear from the angle of the pic... did you weld / braze it ? or small nuts/bolts ? - dave Edited March 23 by njdpo Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 11,702 #30 Posted March 23 2 hours ago, njdpo said: Hi Racinbob. when I was having a closer look, searching for obvious linkage connection errors ... I was specifically looking around at the linkages of the k181... and the m8 ... for some sort of long arm like your picture is showing ... but nothing ... circling back for another inspection - after cleaning up the severe oil and grime accumulations - I am spotting a difference now ... in a position that doesn't look very accessible ... unfortunately I dont have any pics on my phone that shows how that cable was connected on the k181 <sigh> the service manual you mention ( TP-2379 ) on page 6-27 that looks a bit like the pic you have... a bit ... did you modify yours ? Its not exactly clear from the angle of the pic... did you weld / braze it ? or small nuts/bolts ? - dave I added that upper arm. You won't find it in the service manual. I tapped the existing holes and used bolts as well as JB Weld. The back side had to be ground flat so the little round thingy can move. There's also clearance issues with the brass nut. Notice how far the bolt is off center. There's a second bolt that you can't see. I also ground clearance in the arm itself to keep it off the brass nut as it turns. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
njdpo 10 #31 Posted March 30 ok so i got it to a place thats really pretty darn good... Governer arm - I moved the linkage rod to the hole that would be CLOSEST to the governor shaft coming out of the motor. Making that length the shortest distance to the governor shaft. Throtte arm - I moved the linkage rod to the hole FARTHEST from the throttle shaft. Making that the LONGEST distance from the throttle shaft. (The idea that I went with here, was similar to changing sprockets on a motor cycle -and- IT WORKED ! I have a decent amount of throttle lever movement - without the throttle going full tilt on me. ) got the PTO bearings cleaned and lubed. I also swapped out the worn out walbro carb for a good working Chinese clone carb - that made a big improvement. I've got to say - I really didn't know how strong a fresh 8 hp k-series / m-series Kohler is. I would have done a replacement a LOT sooner had i known. with the new carb, adjusted throttle linkage, and recalibrated governor assembly the tractor pulls great going up the gullies around here (even above idle), you can hear the throttle being compensated as the load is increasing on the incline. One thing i also notice is when Im headed down into the gullies, the re-adjusted governor assembly is working hard at keeping the tractor from racing down on the incline (good stuff ! ). I decided to stick with that gas tank like this for a while - but admittedly its gonna suck if I have to work on the starter motor /solenoid assembly. I have another thread open where Moparfanforever posted a pic of his m-series in his wheel horse with the tank on it, but the solenoid was moved up to the area where the gas tank once lived. considering how much work it actually is to replace the solenoid (in this current configuration - I am starting to think mine needs to go "top side" where the tank once was). my old k181 has a pretty nice solenoid setup actually - different from the m8 in a few ways ... and im not really sure that setup could be moved over without getting creative because the shrouding looks to be different enough to make the change practical ... Ill post a few pics when I get home later . Dave. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
