K181 Gen start conversion

[Wheelhorse#1 1,829]

Hello all

Was wondering what it would take to convert a K181-S to a generator start model ? 
Does the flywheel need to be replaced or is it as simple as bolting a pulley to the flywheel or is something more involved?

[953 nut 59,889]

If your flywheel has the threaded bosses to bolt the pulley to and the flywheel cover has a large enough opening you shouldn.t have any problem. The S/G bracket will bolt up where your starter is attached.

[squonk 43,775]

You would need the brackets to mount the generator. You also may need a shroud for a generator engine as the starter hump may interfere with the gen. Also voltage regulator.

[Wheelhorse#1 1,829]

Thanks for the responses.

This is what I’m looking at at replacing.It’s a 1971 Briggs 8hp.It still runs but has a bad rod knock ,smokes like a freight train ,needs major work/rebuild.It’s been rebuilt 3 times in its life already.

It looks like everything bolts up about the same place as the kohler but not sure if bolt pattern is the same.Im guessing it will be different bolts etc.

 

Edited January 3, 2022 by Wheelhorse#1

[pfrederi 18,644]

I am converting a second bendix K-181 to a S/G right now.  If you want to reuse your current air shroud it will not allow you to mount a battery in the tray you have to hack off part of the bump out.  It doesn't interfere with the S/G itself.  If you find a S/G air shroud you will have to take the ring gear off your flywheel.  In addition to the bump out for the bendix nose there is an add on space for the flywheel ring gear on Bendix air shroud.

 

 

 

Edited January 3, 2022 by pfrederi

[pfrederi 18,644]

This is what I had to cut on my first conversion where I used Bendix air shroud.

 

 

[Wheelhorse#1 1,829]

2 hours ago, pfrederi said:

This is what I had to cut on my first conversion where I used Bendix air shroud.

 

 

 

Very helpful info.So it looks like it’s best too use the original Bendix shroud rather than having to mess with the flywheel.

 

Also wondering if the S/G motor on the Briggs will mount onto the Kohler mounts are in same location anyway.

Guess I won’t really know until I start disassembling/reassemble all the parts. 
 

This pic is where the mounting bracket is on the Briggs.I’m guessing there will be some modifications, it couldn’t be that easy😬

I really like the old school S/Gs, it’s worth it for me to do the extra work.

Thanks for your help.

 

 

[pfrederi 18,644]

I would guess  (emphasis GUESS) that sine Delco made the generator for many engine manufacturers the unit other than direction rotation and provision for saddle mount  regulatror (tapped holes in the housing) would be the same.  You would have to round up Kohler lower bracket and two upper ones. 

 

The lower tabs on the genny are 8" outside to outside and the top mount tab is 180degrees off the bottom one

 

Some pics of the JD S/G I am putting on a K181

Edited January 3, 2022 by pfrederi

[squonk 43,775]

Removing the flywheel gear is simple All you need to do is spit the gear with a hacksaw or cut off wheel.

 

If you can wait until June, I'll have my engines at the show in PA. I can probably get them to Maryland if you don't go

[Wheelhorse#1 1,829]

36 minutes ago, pfrederi said:

I would guess  (emphasis GUESS) that sine Delco made the generator for many engine manufacturers the unit other than direction rotation and provision for saddle mount  regulatror (tapped holes in the housing) would be the same.  You would have to round up Kohler lower bracket and two upper ones. 

 

The lower tabs on the genny are 8" outside to outside and the top mount tab is 180degrees off the bottom one

 

Some pics of the JD S/G I am putting on a K181

Great work.

Good to know about the mounting brackets.Briefly looked on the flea bay, there’s a few out there available and not too pricey.

thanks for your help !

[Wheelhorse#1 1,829]

28 minutes ago, squonk said:

Removing the flywheel gear is simple All you need to do is spit the gear with a hacksaw or cut off wheel.

 

If you can wait until June, I'll have my engines at the show in PA. I can probably get them to Maryland if you don't go

 
Squonk

No hurry, lots of other projects around here to keep me busy.😉I’ll run that old Briggs till she decides she’s had enough.

Oh ,Ill be at the big show this yr.with WHs in tow this time.