8hp Koehler

[Jay Wellwood 28]

So, my new to me 856 started initially when chocked, then sputtered and ran sporadically.  Checked that the fuel line was not clogged or otherwise impacted.  Used starter fluid to restart and got the engine to run on tank gas.  Placed in gear and the engine seemed to lug a bit, but still ran - not what I would expect.  Certainly not capable of going up a slight incline.

 

So, looks like I'm in for some work.  Note to self - things that are shiny may still require some polishing to get to work properly.

 

Tractor came advertised with a new head gasket, ok.  This seems more related to carb work/overhaul/rebuild and possibly renewing the entire engine electrical system to achieve what I want.  Cables to the choke and throttle are well worn and are in need of renewal as well.

 

First step - read thru the 8hp koehler rebuild thread (great details).  Noted a link to a carb page (haven't began to attempt to digest the information).  Is there a good (aka koehler carburetors for dummies) source that you can recommend?

 

Looking for information as well as assembling new parts to start the rebuild/renew process.  New cables would be a good start...

[WHNJ701 4,165]

check your carb float it might be "sinking"

[AMC RULES 37,196]

This is the premier Kohler engines for dummies information site.

http://gardentractorpullingtips.com/index.htm

 

You'll find lot's of useful carb info in here too...

http://gardentractorpullingtips.com/carbfuel.htm

 

  Good luck in your  endeavor.  

 

 

Edited December 30, 2018 by AMC RULES

[clueless 3,248]

If it starts and runs but not good, carb is the first priority. If you looking for the education and experience pull it, clean it up and rebuild it. If you just want it to work you can buy a new carb on ebay for under $30 dollars. I have bought three on line, other than one having a different type thread pattern for the fuel nipple they all work fine.

[stevasaurus 23,281]

These Carter "N" carbs are real easy to rebuild.  The kits are on E-Bay and you can use a can of carb clean to clean the body...if it is not to dirty.

 

[WHNJ701 4,165]

if you buy a repro Chinese carb just watch they have plastic floats, the one I had lasted about 15 minutes before the tab broke off the float 

[stevasaurus 23,281]

See the adjustment screw in the left in this picture??  It is the Screw on top of the carb.  Gently, bottom out this screw while counting the turns.  Back the screw all the way out and spray it with carb clean.  See the 2 holes in the shaft of this screw??  Make sure they are clean...carb clean and a very small piece of wire.  Put screw back in and gently bottom out.  Then back out the same number of turns.  Should be 2 turns.  Start up and let warm up...turn that screw about 1/4 to 1/2 turn in each direction while listening for the best engine RPMs...put screw at that point.  Sometimes this is all that is wrong and you may not have to clean the carb.