Kohler k181 8hp Surging Sometimes

[71_Bronco 1,072]

So I was tweaking the carb on my K181, which is in my Commando 8.

 

As per the manual, i adjusted the high speed needle under load (deck running). I got it to run nicely and smooth when it is cutting grass.

 

When I was turning around on my driveway between passes, I noticed it would surge a little. My driveway is slightly downhill. So between the downhill taking the load off the trans, and the deck cutting air, it would take the load off the engine.

 

With the load off the engine, it would surge. Once I turned back onto the grass and put the load back onto the engine, it smoothed out.

 

Is this okay / normal? Or do I have some more fine tuning to do? Or do I need to clean the carb?

[adsm08 2,789]

I am by no means an expert on this one, but surging or hunting for speed as the load changes is one of the few times the book said the governor may need reset. It's a pretty simple procedure, may be worth a shot.

 

Cleaning the carb can't hurt either. Especially if you have been using ethanol laced fuel, instead of clean stuff.

Edited June 16, 2019 by adsm08

[troutbum70 857]

My 8 horse kohler in my commando 800 does that some also and I am thinking it has to do with timing/point gap, but have not had much time to go over it and  prove me right.

[wallfish 17,656]

You may have high speed needle adjusted too rich since this just started to happen after making adjustments

[953 nut 58,446]

        Could be some fine deposits in the carb. that a little Seafoam fuel conditioner would cleanup.

[71_Bronco 1,072]

Unfortunately, I dont have an ethanol free place around me, at least close. I can buy the cans from Tractor Supply though, which may not be a bad idea since I dont even use a full tank per mow.

 

I use 93 octane (high test) and I put stabilizer and a fuel system cleaner in the gas.

[richmondred01 2,292]

Like Walfish said. Sounds rich. Pull the carb, soak it overnight and rebuild the carb. Inspect the throttle shaft. It may be worn and letting too much air in. Start there before messing with the governor. 

Then inspect and recap points and plug. Replace if required. 

[stevasaurus 23,117]

Pull out your high needle valve from the top of the carb.  Notice the small holes in the shaft (needles on the right)...one near the top and another near the pointed end.  Take a small wire and some carb clean and poke and clean the holes.  Put the valve back in...gently bottom out and back out 2 1/2 turns.  start horse and make the fine adjustment.   7 times out of ten, this is the problem. 

 

 

[71_Bronco 1,072]

I apologize for not updating this thread sooner, I didnt realize this was almost a month ago.

 

Anyways, I pulled the high speed needle, and the holes were fine and the needle looked okay, no issues. I put it back into the carb with the 2-1/4 turns out as the manual states

 

I had previously reset the governor arm, so that is all set.

 

I went to start it up today to mow, and it ran perfectly. I didnt have to mess with it at all. No surging issues at all.

 

I think I may have had it too rich, as I had to mess with the needle a lot previously, and it was pretty far out of the carb compared to where it is now.

 

Thanks again for all the help!