Fuzz 20 #1 Posted September 3, 2019 (edited) Just picked up a 1967 wheel horse lawn ranger 107. It’s in great shape just needs some TLC to get the engine running again. I plan to fully restore it. Any sites, tips or tricks y’all have learned along the way would be great. It doesn’t have the original engine. It is an older 8hp kohler that I’d like to keep with it. It fits the style of the tractor and close in age. I believe it’s a 1976 motor. Thanks Edited September 3, 2019 by Fuzz 9 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZXT 2,401 #2 Posted September 3, 2019 Nice looking machine there! As for your request for a good website - you're already on it! Best place around for advice and finding parts. If someone on here doesn't have what you need, they'll know someone who does. From the looks, that Kohler is older than 76. Definitely no great loss that the 6 HP Tecumseh is gone. The Kohler is a far better engine. The paint on the rest of the tractor is perfect for a patina look. They're only original once! I'd leave it alone and enjoy it, but to each his own. Keep us updated on your progress! 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 73,015 #3 Posted September 3, 2019 @Fuzz As stated above you've already found the best possible site to help you with your questions and parts. Great bunch of people here!! How bout some more pics from different angles? A close-up of the tags and someone will tell you all about that engine too. Nice find on the tractor. Good luck and keep us posted! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rjg854 12,258 #4 Posted September 3, 2019 @Fuzz you've come to the right place for any concerns you may have, don't be afraid to ask. That's how any of us first learned about Wheel Horse. And yeah, 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,339 #6 Posted September 3, 2019 (edited) to the best tractor site on the planet we call Edited September 3, 2019 by The Tool Crib 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 5,841 #8 Posted September 3, 2019 Fuzz As stated above this is the place to be. As for restoring We all go thru that. But it is yours. Enjoy it for what it is and enjoy the ride. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 60,377 #9 Posted September 3, 2019 Here is a link to a thread that member @dclarke did on a nice restoration of a Lawn Ranger. By the way, today is Denny's birthday. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fuzz 20 #10 Posted September 3, 2019 2 hours ago, ebinmaine said: @Fuzz As stated above you've already found the best possible site to help you with your questions and parts. Great bunch of people here!! How bout some more pics from different angles? A close-up of the tags and someone will tell you all about that engine too. Nice find on the tractor. Good luck and keep us posted! I’ll add some more pictures when I get home tonight. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fuzz 20 #11 Posted September 3, 2019 5 hours ago, ZXT said: Nice looking machine there! As for your request for a good website - you're already on it! Best place around for advice and finding parts. If someone on here doesn't have what you need, they'll know someone who does. From the looks, that Kohler is older than 76. Definitely no great loss that the 6 HP Tecumseh is gone. The Kohler is a far better engine. The paint on the rest of the tractor is perfect for a patina look. They're only original once! I'd leave it alone and enjoy it, but to each his own. Keep us updated on your progress! I am undecided on the paint. I agree with you it’s only original once. I do like the way it looks now and I think I may keep it that way for a bit. But part of me wants to see it repainted looking sharp. I don’t know. I’ve got plenty of time to decide what to do there. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PeacemakerJack 10,743 #12 Posted September 3, 2019 you definitely have found the best place on the net for all things Wheel Horse. Concerning the finish on your machine: it is a decision that you have to come to on your own. It is only original once, yet there is something to be said for a well executed refurbish. Whichever way you decided to go, we got your back. If you decide to make sure all mechanicals are in tip top shape but want to preserve the Patina, there are great methods outlined on this forum. If you decide of an “every nut and bolt” restore, there are lots of great threads including the one above that can answer many questions before you even ask them. If you need help located a lost or broken part, you’ve come to the right place. I like your vintage horse and can’t wait to see what you decide to do with it—welcome to the community! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 11,989 #13 Posted September 3, 2019 It can be a tough choice between fresh paint or original patina. I tend to lean towards fresh paint but the older girls I have not weren't original when I got them. Hey @rednos does that steering wheel look familiar? I met Jim (rednos) a few days ago and looked over his large stash of NOS parts. He has a steering wheel like that and I told him I thought it might be for an older Ranger but I wasn't sure. I think I am now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 67,084 #14 Posted September 3, 2019 @Fuzz! I recently did a build using a 753’s sheet metal, a Charger 12’s chassis and C-101’s 10 horse Kohler. Against my better judgement, my wife convinced me to wet sand and clear coat the finished product. It’s a great way to preserve what you have but get a nice smooth sheen at the same time. I guy named Bud we met at th Portage, WI show this year used a matte clear to keep a satin type finish on his, that was pretty sweet too. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tractorhead 9,212 #15 Posted September 3, 2019 Reartyres looks great. cool Photo Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fuzz 20 #16 Posted September 3, 2019 Here’s a couple pictures of the motor. Where can I get a carburetor and any idea of the year? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 73,015 #17 Posted September 4, 2019 By doing a Google search of the spec number I come up that it's an eight horse that was originally made for Gravely. One of the other folks might be able to narrow it down to more of an exact year. Why is it that you need a carburetor? Is yours damaged? You would be far better off cleaning and rebuilding an original Kohler carburetor then buying a replacement. Very easy rebuild to do. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fuzz 20 #18 Posted September 4, 2019 8 minutes ago, ebinmaine said: By doing a Google search of the spec number I come up that it's an eight horse that was originally made for Gravely. One of the other folks might be able to narrow it down to more of an exact year. Why is it that you need a carburetor? Is yours damaged? You would be far better off cleaning and rebuilding an original Kohler carburetor then buying a replacement. Very easy rebuild to do. Nothing moves on the current carb. It’s locked up. I could probably get things freed up and rebuild it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 73,015 #19 Posted September 4, 2019 1 hour ago, Fuzz said: Nothing moves on the current carb. It’s locked up. I could probably get things freed up and rebuild it. That would be the way to go if you can. Have you disconnected the linkage to verify that it is actually the carburetor that is frozen? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
seven 202 #20 Posted September 4, 2019 Leave as is ... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZXT 2,401 #21 Posted September 4, 2019 I stole this picture from another website as I was digging around trying to find how to date old Kohlers. If the info on this page is correct, then it looks like your engine is a 1987 model. I figured it would be much older, but having a 10 digit serial # means that it's fairly new. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fuzz 20 #22 Posted September 12, 2019 Hey guys anyone know what this piece is? It’s off the kohler K181T Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 73,015 #23 Posted September 12, 2019 That's your ignition condenser Somebody else will have to tell you what it does... Something to do with dampening high voltage pulses... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RandyLittrell 3,906 #24 Posted September 12, 2019 (edited) If you go on ebay and type in Kohler k181 carburetor, You will find a bunch of carbs under $20. I would buy one of these to get it running, then rebuild your original. Then you will have a spare if you have carb troubles. I vote to get it mechanically running well first, then clean it up good and work it a bit to see if you want to leave it or restore it. Randy Edited September 12, 2019 by RandyLittrell 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fuzz 20 #25 Posted September 12, 2019 1 minute ago, RandyLittrell said: If you go on ebay and type in Kohler k181 carburetor, You will find a bunch of carbs under $20. I would buy one of these to get it running, then rebuild your original. Then you will have a spare if you have carb troubles. Randy I order ordered one last week. I have that one. I’ll have to get that condenser too and probably some points. Working on removing the flywheel to clean the points and magneto now. It’s getting gas to the carb but no spark 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
