bottjernat1 2,194 #1 Posted January 20, 2020 Well i finally paid to be a member. Super excited i am always working on something garden tractor wise and i thought i would share what im working on now! Also I will be posting more videos on my youtube channel Nathan Bottjer in the near future. I have been doing how to videos on anything from car repairs,lantern showoffs,and garden tractor repairs. Come check out my youtube channel I have alot other videos check them out. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bottjernat1 2,194 #2 Posted January 20, 2020 (edited) I hear a rumor about being able to use a mazda bushing of some sort is this true? and does anyone have the part number? and maybe a photo of someone who has used this part! Edited January 20, 2020 by bottjernat1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bottjernat1 2,194 #3 Posted January 20, 2020 This commando v8 came from kentucky. My late dad craig bottjer bought it from a guy he worked with at walmart distribution in garrett indiana. Then my wife bought it from my dad back in 2006 or so i believe! It has not ran since 2014 it is always stored inside except this last couple months. i finally brought it home to get it going. This means alot to my wife he grandpa had one when she was a little girl. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 23,157 #4 Posted January 20, 2020 So is that V181 the same as a K181? Just laying on its side . I wonder if K parts would interchange with V parts. And thanks for being a supporter!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 66,767 #5 Posted January 20, 2020 Thanks for becoming a supporter! I know little to nothing that would be of help to you in this project, but that looks like a pretty stout front end... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bottjernat1 2,194 #6 Posted January 20, 2020 4 minutes ago, Sparky said: So is that V181 the same as a K181? Just laying on its side . I wonder is K parts would interchange with V parts. And thanks for being a supporter!! yes it is a k181 on its side. i have k181 gasket sets looks like everything will interchange the bottom oil pan is different Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildman 205 #7 Posted January 20, 2020 16 minutes ago, bottjernat1 said: 16 minutes ago, bottjernat1 said: yes it is a k181 on its side. i have k181 gasket sets looks like everything will interchange the bottom oil pan is different I think the crankshaft is also different 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bottjernat1 2,194 #8 Posted January 20, 2020 40 minutes ago, wildman said: I think the crankshaft is also different yes sir to account for the thing being on its side. This one ran great smoked just a little when parked. but 1 winter sitting and the next spring no spark. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ol550 830 #9 Posted January 20, 2020 1 hour ago, Sparky said: So is that V181 the same as a K181? Just laying on its side . I wonder is K parts would interchange with V parts. And thanks for being a supporter!! Most parts will interchange. Rod works with the dipper cut off. Carburetor will not work as the mounting is different. The governor shaft has a seal as it is near the bottom. Very unique oiling system as it is dry sump system. The sump is mounted where the pan would be on a horizontal engine. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bottjernat1 2,194 #11 Posted January 20, 2020 (edited) 2 hours ago, ol550 said: wow thanks a million for the photo!!!!! do you happen to have the parts list for this? i also need to replace the govner seal! i have lots of k181 kits but im sure that is not in there i bet. my late dad was a stens parts dealer for i have kohler gasket and seal sets Edited January 20, 2020 by bottjernat1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bottjernat1 2,194 #12 Posted January 20, 2020 "Anybody know what i can do for the front pin bushing? Has anybody used a different part? or does anybody have a part number so i may go get what i need. it almost seems to me like it was a solid rubber insert or something of that nature. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oilwell1415 563 #13 Posted January 21, 2020 Someone has probably already done the homework, but you just need some good measurements to look for in a bronze bushing catalog. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rfp55 33 #14 Posted January 21, 2020 I bought a Charger V8 awhile ago. First drastic need was front axle bushing replacement. The original rubber bushing STUFF was toast so I sleeved together two bigger pieces of pipe I had. Probably were 1/2" & 3/4" (maybe 3/4 & 1"). Assemble well greased, lock in by flange/ groove/ washer or something so it won't slide out. I won't be using so much it'll ever wear out. Just can't get by turning the steering wheel left and having the whole axle turn 4" right first. The bronze or brass bushing advice the best for long term. The engine has the sump on the back and is Pulse lubed by piston vacuum and pressure in the crankcase like a big crankcase breather with Reed valves. If you need to remove and replace the intake and exhaust valves for work - turn the tractor on it's right side to land the valve keepers. It's not very heavy. If you have taken the bottom pulley off you probably have engine out by now. And inspect the front cast subframe mount to channel frame area, they can crack there. They are unusual, to some extent unloved, but good little 500# tractors. There is an important KV181 service bulletin modification to drill out or check a hole under all the crankcase breather pieces. Casting flash mostly covered a hole there they have problems with. They're fun with a 36" rear disharge deck. Much tighter and easier turning compared to what I was used to, like the 16 - 20 HP horses. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bottjernat1 2,194 #15 Posted January 27, 2020 Ok so i wanted to add this i did some measuring this weekend on the front axle bushing on the commando V8. Here is roughly what i measured Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 7,214 #16 Posted January 27, 2020 (edited) What is the pin diameter? ( 3/4" ) I'm guessing the large diameter on the back side of the axle is sizes for a 1.625 bearing (1 5/8" as they worked in standard American sizes). Clean that out and get a good measurment. If the dementions above are right you can get a 3/4" ID x 1 5/8" OD bearing that might work.. I found one at Go Power Sports for $6.00 + shipping. = = shipping. Edited January 27, 2020 by Lee1977 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 7,214 #17 Posted January 27, 2020 (edited) = Edited January 27, 2020 by Lee1977 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bottjernat1 2,194 #18 Posted January 28, 2020 Update the guy i took the engine to said he got big fat blue spark out of it last night!!! Now if she runs I will have him put the new gasket and seal set i sent him on it and possible hone it out and put a new set of rings in it. just totally rebuild it. So excited this was my news when i opened my email this morning! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
