tallen4392 67 #1 Posted March 22, 2017 Can anyone tell me what is up with this k181.. I drained the oil added 11/2 quarts of fresh oil put the machine on level ground i get no oil reading on the dipstick wipe it with my fingers nothing.. The book says 21/2 pints of oil anyone have any ideas ???....... Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 46,801 #2 Posted March 22, 2017 Drain plug back in? I would guess so or you might have noticed that mess. So if I did my math right you should be I/2 pint over what the book says and well up on the stick. . Somebody double check me on the math...I didn't take my shoes off. Have you got the right dipstick? Check it with a long rod or screwdriver to see how far up in the pan it is and let us know. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elkskin's mower junkyard 1,117 #3 Posted March 22, 2017 most m8s, k181, k161 take only 1 quart of oil. atleast all ones i see. i even checked the kohler manuals Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 10,286 #4 Posted March 22, 2017 I'm with Jim, you should be 1/2 pint over. 2 1/2 pints is correct for the K-181. I would also lean towards the wrong dipstick. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 46,801 #5 Posted March 22, 2017 Put up a pic of the stick laying next to a tape measure. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,230 #6 Posted March 22, 2017 Dip stick length is 6 7/8" measured from the bottom of the plug. The top of the fill line is 5 7/8" from the bottom of the plug. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tallen4392 67 #7 Posted March 22, 2017 Measurements r correct I am draining oil and will measure what comes out then go from there thanks for the info 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tallen4392 67 #8 Posted March 22, 2017 A little over a quart would be 21/2 pints correct ??? It says 21/2 pints 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 17,147 #9 Posted March 22, 2017 a quart + 1 cup = 2.5 pts 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 35,809 #10 Posted March 22, 2017 Is the fill pipe all the way in ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tallen4392 67 #11 Posted March 22, 2017 I fill it from where the dipstick screws into the block 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
benji756 341 #12 Posted March 22, 2017 by any chance did a po put a extension on the block where the dip stick screws in? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tallen4392 67 #13 Posted March 22, 2017 No i will get some oil tommorow and try it again Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SPINJIM 1,978 #14 Posted March 23, 2017 Is the K181 original to the Wheel Horse? If it is a replacement, it may have come off a piece of equipment with a deeper oil pan. Check the engine's full ID number and spec. number on the internet to see what equipment it came on. Some of the Kohler parts suppliers have a list of Kohler engines by spec. and equipment. When you drain the oil, If you get 1 1/2 quarts out of it , then a larger oil pan seems like the only logical answer. Jim 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 46,801 #15 Posted March 23, 2017 Good catch Jim Make sure you get accurate volumes ...about 48 ounces or 3.333333333 12oz EMPTY beer cans. Socks got holes in them today so used a calculator on that one! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites