SmilingBob 11 #1 Posted August 7, 2023 (edited) I am thinking of replacing the stock Nelson muffler on my 1979 Wheel Horse C141 with a Jim Kemp stack. My reasons for doing so are: 1. I like the look of a stack 2. The stock muffler cooks the hell out of the paint on the hood 3. The stock muffler makes changing the points a pain in the butt Looking for input from those that have done the mod. Any tips on getting the stock muffler off without screwing something up? What Additional parts would be required to install the stack? SmilingBob Edited August 7, 2023 by SmilingBob Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 9,363 #2 Posted August 7, 2023 (edited) Bob - Welcome! Jim makes a quality product. You will need to remove the short nipple that threads into the engine - a longer one will get the exhaust away from the hood.. The easiest way is to hacksaw or Sawzall it off with a straight perpendicular cut about 3/4" away from the block. That gives you some material to use the locking pliers on. The next step is critical - you need to cut two slots INSIDE the wall of the pipe stub - to be able to split it and crush it.. Work slowly - do not cut into the engine block!!! Two cuts, about a half inch apart. Once the cutting is done, use a hammer and chisel to gently tap the small cut piece up off the threads. Even if you "Roll" it up and it does not break free, that is OK. Use the locking pliers to crush the stub away from the threads in the block. Done properly, you can unthread it easily. Set the engine to top dead center to close the valves, remove the stub and clean (or chase) the threads. Gently blow out the debris. You need a 90 degree elbow - but, the new exhaust needs to have a mechanical bolt-on brace to support it. Hard to find, but a 1" x 3/4" x 1" run reducing tee has the 1" thread for both the muffler and the new nipple. The 3/4" thread at the bottom allows you to thread in a plug that you drill & tap a 5/16 or 3/8 hole thru - that is where you attach you homemade support brace - other end mounts to the engine block, NOT the frame... Not having a 14 HP Kohler - I assume the exhaust IS one inch NPT, not larger...what I told you works on a 8 HP K181. Edited August 7, 2023 by ri702bill 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites