Kohler k181s Starter gear kit

[bwiesman78 14]

Hello.  Would anyone have a part number to replace the starter gear on my 1978 c-81?  Kohler k181s engine I believe the gear is a 16 tooth.  Looking for a quality part, thanks so much!

 

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,445]

If you have a 30700 spec number this page has the original part numbers

https://www.partstree.com/models/k181-30700-kohler-k-series-engine-basic-version-8hp-6kw/electric-start-cont-11-2-122-tp-2045-b-12/

[ri702bill 9,348]

Yeehah!! I don't pay that much for a complete running tractor..... with accesories!!!

[oliver2-44 10,686]

I’ve bought some on Evilbay for $20ish 2 years ago. Also google DB electric and see if they have any. 

[ebinmaine 72,413]

Check with our own vendors. 

 

@76c12091520h

 

@Jake Kuhn

 

 

Or CALL Lincoln at A to Z Tractor in PA 

[cleat 7,243]

22 hours ago, ri702bill said:

Yeehah!! I don't pay that much for a complete running tractor..... with accesories!!!

Parts Tree has got crazy with their prices.

I used to buy a lot from them but not any more.

[bwiesman78 14]

Thanks Everyone!  I decided to send it to a place in town that rebuilds them.  Should have it back tomorrow.  I also bought a spare starter made in Taiwan from DBElectric, but the gear teeth are about 1/8" shy of hitting the gear on the engine side.  Guess I will send that one back!

[Racinbob 11,919]

14 hours ago, bwiesman78 said:

Thanks Everyone!  I decided to send it to a place in town that rebuilds them.  Should have it back tomorrow.  I also bought a spare starter made in Taiwan from DBElectric, but the gear teeth are about 1/8" shy of hitting the gear on the engine side.  Guess I will send that one back!

 That seems to be a common problem recently. It's an easy fix. Put a 3/8" flat washer between the starter mount and the engine block on the PTO end. That sounds like it would cant the starter, look wrong and not work right but it corrected that same issue I had and I know that @Lane Ranger did the same thing his. It works. I have a thread on it but I don't have time to find it right now.

Edited July 9 by Racinbob

[bwiesman78 14]

1 hour ago, Racinbob said:

 That seems to be a common problem recently. It's an easy fix. Put a 3/8" flat washer between the starter mount and the engine block on the PTO end. That sounds like it would cant the starter, look wrong and not work right but it corrected that same issue I had and I know that @Lane Ranger did the same thing his. It works. I have a thread on it but I don't have time to find it right now.

That's a good idea, thank you for the tip!!

 

[Lane Ranger 11,394]

2 hours ago, bwiesman78 said:

That's a good idea, thank you for the tip!!

 

 

yes one washer behind the starter plate on hole furthest from the flywheel teeth.   Hard to believe that slight difference does the job but it does !

a few pictures attached 

[bwiesman78 14]

1 minute ago, Lane Ranger said:

 

yes one washer behind the starter plate on hole furthest from the flywheel teeth.   Hard to believe that slight difference does the job but it does !

a few pictures attached 

 

 

looks like you had the same starter too!  I just sent it back today.  Oh well, my oem starter has been repaired and I need to go pick it up.  $65 and he installed new brushes, cleaned it, and a new front gear assembly.

 

[Lane Ranger 11,394]

On 7/9/2025 at 10:58 AM, bwiesman78 said:

 

 

looks like you had the same starter too!  I just sent it back today.  Oh well, my oem starter has been repaired and I need to go pick it up.  $65 and he installed new brushes, cleaned it, and a new front gear assembly.

 

 

I am having my original K-181 starter off my B-80 rebuilt also!   Best to have a backup!