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Reload this Page Could use help K181 won't start
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  #1  
Old 04-03-2016, 03:22 PM
CubCadet86 CubCadet86 is offline
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Default Could use help K181 won't start
Hey guy's I have a cub cadet 86 with a k181 8hp Kohler. I cant get this thing going. It has new wiring harness, new points and push rod, new condenser, new Bosch blue coil, rebuilt the carb, new head gasket and plug gapped at .25.

It also has a new battery and voltage regulator.
It was running then throttled it down to idle and it died. Figured it was just the carb idle screw and gave it a couple turns but still nothing.

The plug has a good looking spark. I have the timing set perfect with the point just starting to open when the s mark is in the sight hole.

Tried using starting fluid and not even a hiccup.

Any of you gurus have any idea. Getting really frustrated.

Thanks
John
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  #2  
Old 04-03-2016, 03:54 PM
R Bedell R Bedell is offline
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Quote:
Tried using starting fluid and not even a hiccup.
Quote:
The plug has a good looking spark
Something is wrong here. You can't have both conditions.
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  #3  
Old 04-03-2016, 04:09 PM
J-Mech J-Mech is offline
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Likely isn't getting fuel. Just because it didn't fire on either (a bad idea to use) doesn't mean much. Starting fluid isn't what it used to be.

Does it have compression? Good spark is useless if it doesn't have compression.
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Old 04-03-2016, 04:32 PM
CubCadet86 CubCadet86 is offline
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Yea something isn't right.

What would a good compression number be? I will get a gauge and check that.

This engine has acr correct? Can you still get an accurate reading with that?

Thanks again. Determined to keep my Grandfathers tractor going.

John
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Old 04-03-2016, 05:31 PM
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Alvy Alvy is offline
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For a quick and dirty test you can put your thumb over the plug hole, it should blast pretty good while cranking. It's not popping out the carb is it? BTW I'm hoping you didn't break a rod, rare occasions it does happen.
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Old 04-03-2016, 06:01 PM
CubCadet86 CubCadet86 is offline
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Guy's

I put my thumb over the spark plug hole and felt a blast of air not sure how strong it should be.4

I put the plug back in and cranked it over with my hand over the carburetor and could feel a little air.hard to tell but definitely not popping out.

Next I took the plug out and did a compression test with a gauge I just picked up. It read about 37.5psi. Is it surpossed to read that low even with the compression release?

Thanks
John
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Old 04-03-2016, 06:37 PM
J-Mech J-Mech is offline
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The 8hp in an 86 should have a compression release. 36 seems low, but I've not ever checked to see what a 8 hp makes on compression. Bigger engines usually go a little higher.

Is it getting fuel?
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Old 04-03-2016, 07:47 PM
Merk Merk is offline
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Did the engine make a hissing noise before it quit?

It could be a head gasket.
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  #9  
Old 04-03-2016, 07:57 PM
CubCadet86 CubCadet86 is offline
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Looks like it's squirting fuel when looking in the carb while cranking. The head gasket is brand new. I just replaced it and it hasn't been run since I put it on.

John
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Old 04-03-2016, 08:07 PM
CubCadet86 CubCadet86 is offline
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I don't get it. It's getting fuel and spark and timing is correct. Should be doing something. I took the muffler off and I can't tell if it has fuel in it or oil in the elbow. Might be fuel from cranking. Should I pull the head back off.
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