cant find a valve spring compressor for my k181

[horseman with no horse 48]

ive looked looked high, ive looked low, ive looked too and fro, and yet to find a flat head compatible spring compressor locally. anybody got any suggestions? maybe i can make one out of a c clamp?

[ri702bill 9,619]

Check the Jungle site - they have a Lisle Small Engine Valve Spring Compresser for sale. An automotive C-shaped overhead valve compressor - with the ratchet lock - is what I use.....

[rmaynard 16,404]

Amazon 

 

Lisle 23300 Small Engine Valve Spring Compressor https://a.co/d/3HgUpNR

[ri702bill 9,619]

[953 nut 60,723]

I use an old Craftsman "C" type valve spring compressor I've had for over fifty years, works well.

[pfrederi 18,775]

or one like this

 

[horseman with no horse 48]

getting further in the process, making sure to get the breather gaskets, and i was wondering about valve seals? 

https://www.rehlkoenginesparts.com/oemparts/a/koh/61857321855d461d14599d90/camshaft-valves-4-2-51-tp-2045-b

 

 

here's kohlers breakdown for my exact spec number of k181 and number 4 and 13 look like seals but i cant find the part number anywhere.

[oliver2-44 10,825]

I am not aware of any Kohler K series engines that use valve seals 

[Gasaholic 311]

10 hours ago, horseman with no horse said:

 

 

 

here's kohlers breakdown for my exact spec number of k181 and number 4 and 13 look like seals but i cant find the part number anywhere.

Ain't none. The horizontal shaft L-Head engines didn't need them. (Oil follows the path of gravity, y'know?) Ive rebuilt everything from K-91 to K582 K series , only ones I ever saw using valve seals (Sometimes) were the twin opposed, but otherwise they never had, nor used them. 

[pfrederi 18,775]

4 and 13 are valve rotators

 

Your variant is #51  you do not get them and there are no seals...

 

 

[horseman with no horse 48]

[horseman with no horse 48]

whelp i got the valves out. the exhaust has a very good sized ridge in the spot on the stem that rides the guide in the block. im definitely wanting to get a new valve. on the subject of replacing guides..... how difficult would that be?

Edited yesterday at 03:45 AM by horseman with no horse

[horseman with no horse 48]

or is that valve stem wear not gonna reflect on the guide?

[lynnmor 7,905]

That may not be wear, check a new valve to see if it has that undercut.  Replacing valve guides is usually a matter of having a punch with a pilot of the correct size and pressing or hammering it out.

 

Edited yesterday at 05:40 AM by lynnmor

[horseman with no horse 48]

sadly i have to buy a new valve anyway lol i ground the stem to like 24 thou and im not willing to lap it any longer. im more concerned about the guides. if you dont think its wore then im happy. also whats the best way to take material off the stem to set the lash?

[horseman with no horse 48]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BLSPJBT4?smid=A3QEAIM7YYCNN4&psc=1

[horseman with no horse 48]

will this work?

[Retired Wrencher 5,937]

On 8/23/2025 at 4:49 AM, rmaynard said:

Amazon 

 

Lisle 23300 Small Engine Valve Spring Compressor https://a.co/d/3HgUpNR

I use the same one, Bob. Done many valves with it, and of course the brand name speaks for itself :quality.

[Retired Wrencher 5,937]

3 hours ago, horseman with no horse said:

will this work?

When it comes to Valves, I try and stick with Kohler brand Valves as much as possible.

[Retired Wrencher 5,937]

Also I would like to add I picked up band sander from Harbor freight. It’s about 1 inch wide with multiple grit bands. Like 120 grip up to 400 grit.  I took a small piece of 2 x 4. Drilled a hole in the center and clamped it down on the table. The hole is just a little bit larger than the valve stem and I gently turn it while it’s making contact with the sandpaper comes out well just my .

[953 nut 60,723]

7 hours ago, horseman with no horse said:

on the subject of replacing guides..... how difficult would that be?

The Kohler engine service manual that you can download on here has a good section on replacing valve guides.

You should get some good tips out of @prondzy's thread on engine rebuilding.

 

[lynnmor 7,905]

6 hours ago, horseman with no horse said:

whats the best way to take material off the stem to set the lash?

 

I use a surface grinder to keep the end square to the stem and control the exact amount removed.

[horseman with no horse 48]

im not trying to spend 40 dollars on a valve and a guide if i need it. would there be a reason why that valve would fail or not work?

[horseman with no horse 48]

i was thinking just drill a self tapper in, double nut it and slide hammer it out. maybe drill them thin first. that is if they even need replacing.

[horseman with no horse 48]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/284981337067?_skw=230710-S&itmmeta=01K4QWVG5ZZC1TRPMJD2WQGCGB&hash=item425a361beb:g:jRQAAOSwWcpjMf0~&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA4FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1cJLWY%2BQXBM%2Bdtm6B%2F%2Bp8Zu1Xy9XMpoh9jCQAwXqxzJ5HKb1J%2FNxN31Qa5WN4Z2wxPeYg3hDUWMJhb31HVvm%2ByIVm0HyuI7x33HJf8rRVteelPb3yVQZOdn%2BKN1r0ozB5Ai4fHZU6ZX1Kc3NnJfnI37u8XcXSL66%2FtyoxRtGlwlPNxferQNHiiEoU4HX1bsvZZvpEU1f4K2alZfL7qeQqueCCI%2BnJEALTp3XuMDA%2BkB8lu3TWWz5SdEytyJkzik8HuikxrqaZkgbAXDXjuKGaBg|tkp%3ABFBMlIPu_KVm