cranman51 39 #1 Posted April 13, 2016 Greetings friends......I just picked up a 1973 8 8speed.....Identical to my Commando 800 except for the tranny and the engagement lever for the pto. I'm not sure about this, but I have in stock a K 301 series 47186 12 hp Kohler I've had on the shelf for 25 plus years...never started.I picked this up from a school small engine program that had it donated to them when a small engine rebuilding and dealer went out of business. I just recently got hit with the Wheelhorse bug and realized what I had. The Commando 800 has a brand new K- 181 S 30461 D so I don't want to mess with it, but what is the feeling here about hotrodding the 8? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 11,978 #2 Posted April 14, 2016 I like the idea. It's not really hotrodding but just a power boost. It's really a simple swap. Some minor changes to the PTO, maybe the control cables and that's about it. That is assuming the K301 has the proper specs. The right side motor mount holes will hang outside the frame. The correct oil pan will have tapped holes so you can run the bolts up from under the frame. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
can whlvr 994 #3 Posted April 14, 2016 I'm all fror more power,i had an 8hp before and I personally feel it under powered for quite a few tasks,put the 12 in her 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JAinVA 4,638 #4 Posted April 14, 2016 Racinbob raises a good point.Make sure the base pan has tapped holes so that bolts can be inserted from the bottom.Don't run it very long with only two bolts in the exposed ears.If the base pan is tapped you are fine.If not then you should get the right pan or tap the one you have.JAinVA 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
N3PUY 1,031 #5 Posted April 14, 2016 Will the 8HP PTO fit on the K301? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cranman51 39 #6 Posted April 14, 2016 The 301 doesn't have the tapped holes.......also doesn't have a starter provision.......I guess I'll save this one in case I blow up my 310 8, and swap parts? Thanks for all the input! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 11,978 #7 Posted April 14, 2016 (edited) 1 hour ago, N3PUY said: Will the 8HP PTO fit on the K301? Yes, with an exception. When I swapped a K181 for a K341 it was just a bushing swap. Edited April 14, 2016 by Racinbob Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
