Jump to content
Sparky

K-181 head(s) Commando-8

Recommended Posts

Sparky

The (original) head on my Commando-8 has a bad head gasket AND the spark plug hole is stripped. In my shed is a messed up Kohler K-181 with a good head that was originally on a 1974 B-80. 

  My question is...are these heads the same? The good head is 6 years newer but not sure if there were manufacturing changes made .

  Thanks!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
woodchuckfarmer

I think there the same. You will pull the other head and compare them.       Wayne

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
squonk

Should be the same. The weather is warm at your house now Mike so I would run out there right now and pull it! :teasing-poke:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
stevasaurus

They are the same Mike.  When you order parts from Kohler, they only show 1 K-181.  :)

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
Sparky

Thanks guys! Once we get outa the single digit temps I’ll get into the shed and pull the donor head. 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
Sparky

Finally getting into this repair. The head is off the Commando’s K181 and I was shocked to see NO HEAD GASKET!! This can’t be right can it? 

130063F0-F8CF-4C1E-9AA2-71441D5CA952.jpeg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
squonk

I had a 301 with no carb base gasket that ran. Anything is possible. 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
Sarge

That's only the second Kohler I've ever seen missing a head gasket - not sure how the heck anyone would do that , either intentional or otherwise but it's pretty odd. I'm surprised there isn't more damage showing to the top of the block and the head around the cylinder hole areas, crazy. The one I saw had traces off copper gasket spray - looks like they didn't even attempt to do that one this one...ugh.

 

Sarge

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
Sparky

  Ok....without my glasses I woulda bet the rent there was not a gasket. Turns out there was one! I’m not the most experienced tinkerer and I’ve never seen a smooth one like this. I’m used to the ones with a “rougher” surface like in the pic.

  Learned something today!

 

2B854FBB-F145-4EBF-9135-035D2C60D52F.jpeg

5C626FC5-0D60-4D27-8A93-54891A8D7CE7.jpeg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
Sarge

LOL - I have seen those and thought the same - it's common aftermarket replacement type. The one I ran into literally had NO gasket, just spray copper seal and some incredible compression as a result - until it blew the seal and half destroyed the block and head as a result of being ran with the leak - it cut the head and damaged the top edge of the bore badly - that one got scrapped as there was no repairing it . It was eye-popping to the machinist , a sleeve wouldn't even fix the damage on the block, even with a new head.

 

Sarge

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
Sparky

  So yes, the newer head was a dead ringer for the older head! She is all back together now and seems to be running great. I wasn’t a fan of the chrome stack on a “patina” machine so before I fired it up it got a light sanding and a few coats of hi-temp black paint....much better B) !

82A82E8B-8F26-4E1D-BD27-1A8D791AF259.jpeg

  • Like 2
  • Excellent 3
  • Thanks 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
JimmyJam

Nice! Keep 'er running strong again! :greetings-clappingyellow:

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

×
×
  • Create New...