M-18 Going in

[pfrederi 17,741]

Got to spend some more time working on it.  Great fun installing the tins. ( some of which will have to come off again to retorque head bolts). There are 34 screws involved.  Only 8 actually go int to block the rest just connect the various pieces.  Of course after 34 years the tins are bent and #1 rule get all the bolts started before you start tightening any of them...

 

Also have a problem with the exhaust manifold gaskets in the set I got (after market Kohler set is NLA as are many of the gaskets).  Didn't really notice a few months ago when I got them but there are 4 identical gaskets for the intake and exhaust manifold.  That just can't be right.  They are paper with a very thin layer of metal in the middle.  Doubt they would survive the exhaust heat.  The exhaust are still available but I hate paying as much in shipping as the gaskets cost.  Rummaged around my left over gasket pile and found a couple metallic looking ones that came for a K341   the line up and they are going in.  Cheap ones on the left...

 

 

[ebinmaine 67,605]

2 hours ago, pfrederi said:

Rummaged around my left over gasket pile and found a couple metallic looking ones that came for a K341   the line up and they are going in

Good choice I believe. 

I've been given/sold the same for exhaust gaskets too but never put them in. 

Didn't figure they'd hold up, same as you.  

 

 

 

[pfrederi 17,741]

Finally got it fired up today.  I had to put it back on the tractor as it wouldn't fit on my engine test stand with out making a bunch of changes.  Fired up instantly and nothing came flying out.  No oil spraying out and no major leaks that I can see.  Not perfectly smooth at full throttle but I don't think I ever really cleaned the carb.  Also the fuel is a year old.  Idles very smoothly.  Ran it for about 20 minutes so now back into the shop and pull it off the tractor so I can remove the back tins and re-torque the heads...Will clean carb also.