Southerncannuck 73 #1 Posted June 6, 2016 (edited) My new to me tractor and engine have no data tags (who does that?). I know that it's a C-125 and I assumed it was an early eighties model equipped with a Kohler K301. I get myself a new sparkplug, a Champion H10C that the manual calls for. When I get home I realize that the sparkplug in the engine is different. It's a Champion J8C. It's totally different. So now the question is what is this engine? It's a Kohler, that much I know and it's pretty big so I assume the horsepower isn't too far off of the standard 12 HP. Anyone have any tips on what to look for to identify this thing? It's not all that important but I hate loose ends. Edited June 6, 2016 by Southerncannuck Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 28,961 #2 Posted June 6, 2016 If the threads on the plugs are the same size chances are some one put the J8C in because that's what they had laying around. The length of the thread may be different between the two. Don't worry you will never hit the spark plug with the piston on a flat head.H10C should be the correct plug. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldredrider 2,553 #3 Posted June 6, 2016 What you have is a K301AS. The Champion H-10C plug is correct for that motor. Please paint that PTO and air cleaner a different color! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Southerncannuck 73 #4 Posted June 6, 2016 10 minutes ago, oldredrider said: What you have is a K301AS. The Champion H-10C plug is correct for that motor. Please paint that PTO and air cleaner a different color! I'm open for ideas. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldredrider 2,553 #5 Posted June 6, 2016 RED!!!!!!! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Southerncannuck 73 #6 Posted June 6, 2016 If that's the stock color I'll do it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Southerncannuck 73 #7 Posted June 6, 2016 (edited) Okay, I took another look. It appears that someone stripped the sparkplug hole at one time and applied a Heli Coil type fix to the problem. When I removed the old sparkplug the Heli Coil came out with it and left me with a too large hole for the new spark plug. These things really are like a box of chocolates. Edited June 6, 2016 by Southerncannuck Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 58,434 #8 Posted June 6, 2016 The 10, 12 and 14 HP Kohler "K" series all use the same nine stud head. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 28,961 #9 Posted June 6, 2016 You can install a new heli coil with out removing the head. You'll have to be careful breaking the installation tab off the new heli coil. Probably have to grab it with a pliers to break it off. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JAinVA 4,636 #10 Posted June 6, 2016 (edited) Southerncannuck, I have installed thousands of heli-coils over the years.The only reason that coil came out if the hole was tapped correctly is that it was not installed correctly.The insert needs to be 3/4 to 1.5 turns below the surface.This keeps the insert from unscrewing because it digs into the tapped thread.The last insert coil has to stop before running out of thread in the head for the same reason. In years past I have had to shorten heli-coils by cutting off coils(Dremel abrasive wheel) to meet these conditions. Hope this makes sense,Luck,JAinVA Edited June 8, 2016 by JAinVA 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Southerncannuck 73 #11 Posted June 7, 2016 On 6/6/2016 at 0:57 PM, oldredrider said: What you have is a K301AS. The Champion H-10C plug is correct for that motor. Please paint that PTO and air cleaner a different color! Is this PTO color better? 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldredrider 2,553 #12 Posted June 8, 2016 You have done well, grasshopper!!! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites