Jrain 276 #1 Posted May 19, 2022 I am helping a friend out who has a B-80 , apparently the starter drive gear needs to be replaced , their is only 2 teeth left on the gear , the starter actuates in and out and spins ,it also looks like every thing aligns and fully engages correctly , my question is, what and why would this happen , also as far as getting a replacement drive gear or drive kit to install ,where would be a good source to get one , Kohler engine SPEC 181s 30461d , I believe it is a 1974 B-80 4spd ( model # 1-014 is all I can see on the ID tag. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 15,518 #2 Posted May 19, 2022 New and used K181 starters can be had on eBay pretty reasonably. My last new K241 starter was only around $50. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,350 #3 Posted May 19, 2022 It is my understanding that the Bendix assembly is out of production and NLA. As @rmaynard mentioned, aftermarket complete new starters (made in the "offshore" facility) are available - search the Forum past postings - I recall there being issues with the fit on the K181 engines with the location of the holes; they are a direct replacement for the larger block 10 HP and up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,350 #4 Posted May 19, 2022 46 minutes ago, Jrain said: my question is, what and why would this happen If the Bendix drive is dirty, the linear motion is sluggish, allowing the starter to spin with the drive only partially engaged. Then bad things happen... 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,639 #5 Posted May 19, 2022 @Jrain what ever you come up with , use a dry graphite lubrication spray with it . makes it work easy with no mess. pete 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,162 #6 Posted May 19, 2022 8 HP starter is different than 10 HP and up. Bolts that mount it are above the starter as opposed to under it on the big blocks. I have a spare one here if you need it 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jrain 276 #7 Posted May 19, 2022 1 hour ago, rmaynard said: New and used K181 starters can be had on eBay pretty reasonably. My last new K241 starter was only around $50. I did look at everything I could find as far as aftermarket e-bay , amazon . nothing I saw had 16 teeth on the gear . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jrain 276 #8 Posted May 19, 2022 1 hour ago, rmaynard said: New and used K181 starters can be had on eBay pretty reasonably. My last new K241 starter was only around $50. Nothing I see comes close to what I have , is a small starter and has 16 teeth on the gear , every thing I see is 10 tooth Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 15,518 #9 Posted May 19, 2022 https://www.ebay.com/itm/154422008536?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=Mx77oG4hR8q&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=OWdPjXY-SfK&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jrain 276 #10 Posted May 19, 2022 1 hour ago, rmaynard said: https://www.ebay.com/itm/154422008536?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=Mx77oG4hR8q&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=OWdPjXY-SfK&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY Thank for the link , that might work but , shaft looks a bit long ,also I can see possible issues with that bracket design . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jrain 276 #11 Posted May 19, 2022 Thank you to all once again for all the info and help ,and A Special BIG Thanks to Squonk for getting me the part I needed . 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
