Burnerman 759 #1 Posted September 22, 2019 (edited) My son saved this Kohler from the crusher yesterday. Was on a Massey Ferguson tractor. No other info on the tractor. We got it running today. Just wondering what year it is. It’s in pretty decent condition, runs pretty nice and is gunna power his C85 now. I see in the service manual how to decode it but it doesn’t work. It’s only a 6 digit serial number and there’s no letter. A 7 digit would date it as a 77 but it doesn’t seem correct. It’s got a Delco Remy starter generator and a push button kill switch on the point cover. Plus this ID tag is on the head cover. My 78 K241 has the sticker on the shroud. Edited September 22, 2019 by Burnerman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,338 #2 Posted September 22, 2019 I dont think l have seen one with the starter generator on the front. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Burnerman 759 #3 Posted September 22, 2019 It’s all original. The coil is mounted in front of the points on the starter bracket. It all fits under the hood but he had to cut the front off the WH engine cradle. He made solid mounts for the front for now. He got the whole electrical system off the MF. The only safety interlock is a neutral switch. We’ve got to replace the battery cables and mount the gen light and headlight switch. A new battery and he’ll take it for its first ride. 😁 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
adsm08 2,283 #4 Posted September 22, 2019 The serial number on the engine in my 855 is 928047, so it is later than this one, with a number 807674 (If I read it correctly). That puts it some time earlier than 1965. I this thread from WFM: https://www.wfmachines.com/forums/showthread.php/24258-Kohler-K181-serial-numbers Post #7, the guy reports having a K181s with SN 808265 in a 1964, unidentified tractor. I'd guess you are looking at a 64. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Burnerman 759 #5 Posted September 23, 2019 44 minutes ago, adsm08 said: That puts it some time earlier than 1965. That’s what I’ve come up with also after a lot of googling! WOW! That’s cool. It has that “old” look but it must be a low hour engine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 9,992 #6 Posted September 23, 2019 The 30112A Spec number comes up as a Moto Mower. Those were early to mid-late 60's tractors. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Burnerman 759 #7 Posted September 23, 2019 My son says it was in a Massey Ferguson executive tractor. He called the guy at the scrapyard and he’s going to get the rest of the tractor off the crush pile tmw. He says it had a mower deck too. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHNJ701 4,165 #8 Posted September 23, 2019 2 minutes ago, Burnerman said: My son says it was in a Massey Ferguson executive tractor. He called the guy at the scrapyard and he’s going to get the rest of the tractor off the crush pile tmw. He says it had a mower deck too. massey executives are becoming uncommon to find hopefully you can get it. the decks are hard to come by too. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Burnerman 759 #9 Posted September 23, 2019 5 minutes ago, jabelman said: massey executives are becoming uncommon to find hopefully you can get it. the decks are hard to come by too. He’s going to get it tmw! He says it’s all there but the rear wheels. It all makes sense now. Moto Mower made the Massey Executive. Thanks All!! Hopefully another tractor saved!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 28,062 #10 Posted September 23, 2019 I sure hope that he is able to get it before it gets junked. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 63,300 #11 Posted September 23, 2019 How to date a Kohler... Well, first a Kohler has seen a thing or two about longevity so you really need to impress ‘er. I’d suggest courting it with some bribery of new points, then once it’s comfortable with your gentle touch try getting in to clean the carb. Suggestive lighting like workshop LED’s should do the trick, then you’ll having her purring all weekend long! 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 56,393 #12 Posted September 23, 2019 2 hours ago, pullstart said: once it’s comfortable with your gentle touch 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,338 #13 Posted September 23, 2019 3 hours ago, pullstart said: How to date a Kohler... Well, first a Kohler has seen a thing or two about longevity so you really need to impress ‘er. I’d suggest courting it with some bribery of new points, then once it’s comfortable with your gentle touch try getting in to clean the carb. Suggestive lighting like workshop LED’s should do the trick, then you’ll having her purring all weekend long! At what point do you give it a hug and a big kiss? 1 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHNJ701 4,165 #14 Posted September 23, 2019 Just now, The Tool Crib said: At what point do you give it a hug and a big kiss? no kisses on the 1st date. the father is a big dude and very protective 1 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AHS 1,479 #15 Posted September 24, 2019 Wow, a mid 60’s kohler! If it’s a ‘65, then its 54 years old... not bad for a kohler!!👍😄 That kohler beats all the dead Craftsman, MTD and Whites!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Burnerman 759 #16 Posted September 25, 2019 1 hour ago, AHS said: Wow, a mid 60’s kohler! If it’s a ‘65, then its 54 years old... not bad for a kohler!!👍😄 That kohler beats all the dead Craftsman, MTD and Whites!! It’s got some pep in it too! 3B40287A-F16B-4A1D-8EC8-BE98559BE839.MOV Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,338 #17 Posted September 25, 2019 Need to get some wheelie bars ! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,338 #18 Posted September 26, 2019 I just acquired two 8 hp kohlers and both are in decent shape.These little power plants are great and good go to engines. Im also working on two other big blocks 12 and 16 hp. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Burnerman 759 #19 Posted September 29, 2019 Saved! Shes a keeper. Engine needed a muffler ,a fuel pump (as the one on it was missing the arm and spring) and a set of points. But that’s it. Runs very well. The tractor needed new belts and a bath. My son found a steel tractor seat at the junkyard so now we can put her to work without damaging the deluxe seat. 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
