new..help with k181

[ptracy70 2]

good evening, what are some of the must dos when buying a used kohler k181.also it has no compression,i took off the head and everything is moving like it should be.so i was going to get new head gasket, but was wondering what you guys or gals do automatically when getting a used engine.thanks.

 

[Ed Kennell 35,767]

Possible causes of no compression are;

1. If the head gasket is leaking,   you should be able to see the leakage path on the gasket, head, or block.  replace the gasket and check for compression.

2. The valves are leaking.  Check the sealing by inserting a strip of paper under the valve head.  The paper should get tight if the valve is sealing.  Check each valve at 4 places.

3. The rings are worn or broken.  replace the rings and possibly the piston.

 

[ebinmaine 63,110]

6 hours ago, phil t said:

it has no compression

None. Nothing. Nada?

 

Or just really low?

 

Remember that most Kohler engines have ACR. Auto compression release.

 

 

[953 nut 51,656]

The best way to find areas of compression loss is to do a leak-down test. This consists of bringing the piston to top dead center (or a bit past for Kohler because of ACR) and applying air pressure to the cylinder (head secured to the engine) to see where air is being expelled. Lots of videos of it in the internet.

You can look over this tutorial by @prondzy, it is excellent and will show you what to look for as you dive into this project.

 

[The Tuul Crib 7,332]

The first thing l do when get a used

motor is to pull the head off and have a look in side. 

to

 

[oliver2-44 8,852]

5 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

Or just really low?

 

Remember that most Kohler engines have ACR. Auto compression release.

 

 

You cannot use a regular compression test gauge since these have ACR.  The leak down test mentioned above works good.