856 with K181 Fuel pump and head issue

[Jshoe1972 1]

I have been having trouble getting my mower started initially. I have to use either or I have been taking out the spark plug in putting gas in the cylinder. Once it started it will restart.  I replace the fuel line in carburetor and went to start it and screwed up my spark plug and stripped it. I guess I need to find a new head or fix the spark plug threads. As I was looking at the manual I saw that I should have a fuel pump which you can see in the attached picture is not there it is covered up with the plate. I’m also having Trouble getting it to crank over. I make sure the battery is charged, I can hear the starter turning but it does not seem to engage most of the time. If I hook the charger to it and apply a regular charge rate it will were I can hear the starter turning but it does not seem to engage most of the time. If I hook the charger to it and apply a regular charge rate it will wirrrr at a faster rate and never turn over the engine.

1. what should I do about my heads spark plug threads?

2. Is it normal to have the fuel pump removed is that my problem with getting it started initially?

3.  Any recommendations on the starter issue?

 

[Racinbob 11,931]

I'm thinking heli coil for the spark plug. I don't think it's normal to remove the fuel pump but you likely will be fine with the tank that high. The starter baffles me. It doesn't 'engage' but rather is directly connected to the engine. You sure the belt isn't broken? 

[Ed Kennell 42,009]

    I am also a little confused.    Like Bob says, the  starter is connected to the engine by a V belt, so if the starter is turning and the engine is not turning, the belt must be loose or broken.  Take the belt guard off to see what is disconnected.

 

And yes, under good conditions , these tractors with the fuel tanks located above the carburetor will run without a fuel pump.

But if the fuel is restricted by a clogged screen, petcock, or elbow in the bottom of the fuel tank, the carb will not have enough suction to pull the fuel through the obstruction while starting.

Remove the fuel line at the carburetor inlet and make sure the fuel runs freely when the line is held at the same elevation as when it is on the carb fitting.

 

You will have to remove the head to repair the damaged spark plug thread.    Take the head and spark  plug to a machine shop to get this fixed.

You will need a new head gasket to reinstall the head.

  If you do this, we can help with the procedure to decarbon  and flatten the head and block surfaces and with  the head bolt torque procedure.

 

Good luck, and to the

[bottjernat1 2,194]

Welcome to the group!! Sounds like the belt for the stater generator to engine needs replaced or tightened up. It takes a 31 1/2 v belt. I just bought a 856 that didn't run i got it running fixed a lot of stuff on it and now have it for sale. I would adjust the belt for your starter generator or buy new. I bought a 32 inch v belt working just fine. The head issue i would just ask around it will be much easier to just replace the head. Head gasket is around $10 online The fuel pump try running carb cleaner threw it i don't know if you can rebuild them or not. I know you can buy a new style(plastic) threw kohler or online. Heck if you where close to me i bet i have a head and i have a few fuel pumps. I am in avilla indiana. 

Edited April 6, 2020 by bottjernat1

[bottjernat1 2,194]

Here is some of the online fuel pumps https://www.google.com/search?q=k181+fuel+pump&rlz=1C1GCEJ_enUS834US834&source=lnms&tbm=shop&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjRjub9mtToAhWMbs0KHf7iC_EQ_AUoAXoECA0QAw&biw=1745&bih=886

[bottjernat1 2,194]

Something else i also noticed it might be part of the issue. The starter generator adjuster bracket is backwards! Mine is the first photo see the adjuster slot it should look like this. the second is yours. It might not be a big deal at all. i know most of the old horse i have worked on they are setup with the adjuster slot to the right.

Edited April 6, 2020 by bottjernat1

[wallfish 18,108]

The above suggestions should get you there but add doing a proper points gap (which is also the timing) which can do wonders for easier starting and better performance. Use the search feature above, top right corner of any page here and search "static timing" to use that method of setting the gap as just setting to .020 is not always the correct timing. Add to all that a good and thorough carb cleaning, not just wiping out the bowl with a rag and change the fuel filter which is much more critical with gravity feeding the fuel.

[Jshoe1972 1]

I can hear something in the starter turning but it usually does not turn the engine.  Sometimes it turns the engine and starts.

[rjg854 12,203]

My 854 will do that every once in a while,  I think it gets stuck on the compression stroke 

[Racinbob 11,931]

Pulley keyway. 

[Pullstart 66,776]

If the timing is off a tad like @wallfish suggested, it’ll kick like a mule on the compression stroke.  Replacing the belt with a good rubber one (not a Kevlar lined) will help your matter greatly.