briankd 816 #1 Posted March 10, 2019 was wanting to check and adjust valves on my K181 in my 857 before springtime use and was looking in the kouler manual and it says to check them and if not in spec either grind them to get the lash or replace them . been so long now since i been into this engine i thought they had adjustable tappets ? anyone messed with this lattley? i really don't want to have to tear it all apart for this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 14,888 #2 Posted March 10, 2019 No adjustable tappets. If they are too tight, the stems have to be ground. If there is too much gap, they either have to be replaced or the valve seats ground to allow the valve stem to sit closer to the tappet. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
briankd 816 #3 Posted March 10, 2019 (edited) 14 minutes ago, rmaynard said: No adjustable tappets. If they are too tight, the stems have to be ground. If there is too much gap, they either have to be replaced or the valve seats ground to allow the valve stem to sit closer to the tappet. yep that is what i seen in the manual . this has a strange noise under a heavy load from the exhaust like a crackling noise maybe like bacon frying . thought maybe an exhaust valve leak or really haven't looked close yet maybe a head gasket leak thanks Edited March 10, 2019 by briankd Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
moe1965 718 #4 Posted March 10, 2019 I recently had to grind my valves to make the adjustment. If you have to do the same take a little off at a time and re check. Very easy to take off to much 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 17,146 #5 Posted March 10, 2019 Got a little carried away on a KT-17 (also nonadjustable) The ticking noise is a constant reminder.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gt14rider 693 #6 Posted March 10, 2019 I rebuilt my k181 last summer and had to adjust valves, don't have a valve grinder, so used lapping compound and put suction cup off hand lapping tool on drill. Slowly forward then reverse, check, repeat. Took off 7 or 8 thousands. Again slowly, check. Also check valve guides. Valve guides are a pita to replace on k181 You my want a machine shop to do the job. I know this is not the way to do this but it worked. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
briankd 816 #7 Posted April 12, 2019 finally had time to work on this and valves are fine . just couldn't figure out why this noise it had under a load. inspected head gasket and it is good replaced the carb mount gasket and thought what the heck swaped the coil from my c-120 onto this k-181 cause i have a new one for it. coil on this k-181 probably might be original and wala this ran best it ever did hard to beleive i been useing it these years with the old coil on it must have been weak but it had good spark thanks for the help guys Brian 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
