Tankman 3,520 #1 Posted September 11, 2012 Largest garden tractor I've owned, a 14 hp Kohler WH 414-8, 1988. Seems to run hotter than my 12 hp Kohlers'. No temp gage but, hot air blowin' and just seems hot. No temp gage, how can one know if the engine is runnin' hot? No smoke from the exhaust. Air intake strong, air exhausting around the cylinder is fast 'n strong. How might one add a temp gage? Temp sensor fitting? Available brands? Suggestions? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dsholler 54 #2 Posted September 11, 2012 you could just get a laser temp sensor and check it when it is warmed up. My 414 blows a lot of hot air as well, but I always assumed that it was just a combination of the exhaust and whatever air circulation the flywheel creates under the hood. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,030 #3 Posted September 11, 2012 Vintage snowmobiles had a temp guage that the sensor was a ring that fit over the spark plug threads like a washer and it read the head temp, I have one for a twin cyl. snowmobile I found I've thought about putting on a tractor. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,520 #4 Posted September 11, 2012 I like the idea of a lazer temp sensor. Could be used on any engine. What temps should the engines be run at? 12 hp and 14 hp Kohler operating temps? Where do consumers purchase a lazer temp sensor? Brand names? :eusa-think: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,030 #5 Posted September 11, 2012 Temp guns can be bought about any where, hardware stores, auto parts stores, Sears, Home depo ect...... even Harbour freight, I have a Raytec and have had it for years, as for a temp I'm not sure. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JackC 617 #6 Posted September 12, 2012 Some say the oil used can make a difference? Better lubrication reduces friction which reduces heat. Reducing friction and heat will extend the life of an engine. Wonder if anyone has done a study? A laser temp sensor is a good idea to check the temps of the engine. http://www.lawnsite.com/archive/index.php/t-227520.html Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,030 #7 Posted September 12, 2012 I use the temp gun on my race car to check the temps of each header tube, if they are all about the same at about 2" from the head, I have the fuel mixture set right and everything else is working as it should, I use it to check rad temp and compare to the gauge, it is a very usefull tool , they are much cheaper now, I paid $150 for mine about 10 years ago. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,520 #8 Posted September 16, 2012 And what temp's might be acceptable, operating range? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
