K161

[frogpond 1]

What would it take to change a k161 with pull start to electric start? I know that it takes a solenoid, battery, strarter switch. What else?

thanks

Kevin

[SousaKerry 503]

Flywheel, engine shroud? charging components under the flywheel. May be best to start with a blown electric start engine, sou you can transfer all the parts. You don't have to, but you can install a points ignition.

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

What's it being used for? :confusion-shrug:

[frogpond 1]

I am rebuilding a 633.

Kevin

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

What is the K-161 from and/or how old is it?

Are you planning on using a starter/generator?

If you use the heavy-duty starter button (looks like a dimmer switch) you won't need a solenoid.

[frogpond 1]

I don't know what it is from or its age. I do have the starter button. I also have a starter generator.

Kevin

[JUSS10 250]

if you have the starter generator, you will need the starter generator mount that bolts to the side of the block. you will need the flywheel pulley and possibly a new flywheel (not sure if it has the 4 bolt points on that are needed for the pulley) if it does have the mounting points for the pulley, you could probably get away with using the existing ignition system if it currently runs. that way you wouldn't need to add a separate coil for ignition and just let the generator charge the battery for starting purposes and for other electrical accessories.

i don't have any pull start kohlers anymore so i don't remember if they used points or not. if they do use points it wouldn't be too difficult to retro fit a dedicated ignition coil off the battery.

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

More food for though........

Is the block drilled & tapped for a starter or S/G bracket? (some weren't)

In addition to the S/G bracket for the side of the engine block, you will need two cylinder head studs, spacers, and nuts - plus the top bracket and the slotted adjuster bracket.

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Both magneto and battery ignition Kohlers have points, however condenser values are different between the two systems.

[CasualObserver 3,411]

Other food for thought.... obviously if you're switching it to electric start, you don't care about originality. Sell or trade the K161 and get an electric start K181. Plenty of guys would rather have that pull start engine.

[Ken B 3,189]

Other food for thought.... obviously if you're switching it to electric start, you don't care about originality. Sell or trade the K161 and get an electric start K181. Plenty of guys would rather have that pull start engine.

Bingo!

[JUSS10 250]

that's a great point. i have a 753 that was retrofitted with a k181 somewhere along the line. since you already have the generator, i bet you could almost break even going to a 8hp engine by selling that one.

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

A 633 should have a K-141. I'll take functionality over originality any day, but a 161 is 'wrong' on a 633 regardless of the starter configuration. :ychain:

[frogpond 1]

Well I guess that I will get with the program. Just bought a k141. Will install on 633 - complete with pull start. Thanks for the suggestions guys.

Kevin