B-80 Kohler K181S is Surging

[chesbaycruiser 83]

So I'm having an issue with the B-80. After running it for several hours the other day pulling the TracVac, the engine started surging. It did this once before this summer after some heavy use, but it cleared up after some minor "tweaking".

I'd appreciate it if you could have a look/listen to the video and see if, based on your experiences, anything jumps out at you regarding possible causes/solutions. Not sure if it's a carb adjustment or something else.

All thoughts, comments & suggestions are appreciated!

Thanks,

Chris

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[Lane Ranger 11,681]

I had a similar acting K181 Kohler motor on my 1975 B-80 and found that I had a small hole in the carb bowl. I placed a different carb I had on and repaired the old carb and bowl.

I also had a new head gasket installed earlier in the year and had a very small break in the head gasket.

These contributed to a surging/seaching sound the motor made.

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[jhunsch 20]

Had the same thing on a 12 hp briggs , found 2 lose head bolts, and a small leak in the in-take gasket.

Jeff

[rmaynard 16,701]

First, I would check to be sure that the governor mechanism has not come loose.

If the governor is okay, make sure that the gasket on the intake between the carburetor and intake is not cracked, and make sure that the bolts are snug.

Set the needle valves to the factory settings and tweak them from there.

Because the engine is seeking/searching, and it seams to smooth out when you apply a little choke, I would say it is running a little lean. The main needle valve (top of carb) is probably gummed up and could use a good cleaning and readjusting.

Bob

[chesbaycruiser 83]

Many thanks for all the input. Will check the gaskets as suggested, and adjust the carb if required! Will keep you posted...

CB

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