Air cleaner mod for an 1872 w/Kohler Command

[Steve N Mi]

I searched for info on this before and read one reply were the rear of the black plastic cover was cut to clear the firewall. Now I don't find this old thread, probably using different search terms.

The PO swapped engines in this 1872 and the Kohler Command air cleaner is wedged in under the front of the firewall. Anyway if you have found a remedy for this so that the air cleaner can be serviced w/o pulling the firewall and still maintaining adequate air flow at the rear of the engine (maybe these triangular openings behind the carb are only for preheating the air to the carb) where air enters on the rear corners of the air cleaner please share your ideas with me.

I might get by in the Winter without checking the air cleaner often but when mowing season arrives - it needs service frequently.

[J-Mech]

The triangle holes in the air cleaner housing are so it's gets fed air that passed through the rotary screen on the flywheel. This does 2 things: Makes sure the air has very little grass or large debris in it, and 2.) should be feeding it cooler air, as opposed to air from the engine compartment which would be very warm/hot.

I think most guys cut the back off. There is another style of cleaner with a "snap strap" cover. You may be able to remove that style without mods.

[Steve N Mi]

Thanks, I will look for a "snap strap" cover or maybe someone can show me what one looks like and/or a place to buy one.

[J-Mech]

The 1864 Cub Cadet could have that style on it. It's the left one:

af.jpg


Still available from CCC, so it should be available through Kohler too. I'd check ebay.
Looking at it, other than the fact you could "rotate" it on, not sure it would help you much. I was thinking it had a shorter back on it. Looks like it doesn't. I'd probably just trim the one you have to fit, or go to a standard round style like the original Mag motor had on it.

[Terry C]

Still have to shorten the one on the left in the pic.
Put mine on a belt sander.