Kohler K181 (8.0 HP, 305 cc) Engine: Specs and Review

Kohler K181 Engine Specs

The Kohler K181 is an 18.6 cu·in (305 cc) single-cylinder air-cooled four-stroke internal combustion gasoline engine from K-series made by Kohler Co.

The Kohler K181 engine has a horizontal PTO shaft and an L-head (side valve) design.

This engine can be fitted with Kohler or Walbro carburetor, battery, magneto, or breakerless ignition systems.

The Kohler K181 engine used a paper air cleaner (an oiled foam pre-cleaner was available).

The cylinder bore is 2.94 in (74.62 mm), and the piston stroke is 2.75 in (69.85 mm). This engine delivered 8.2 PS (6.0 kW; 8.0 HP) at 3,600 rpm horsepower.

The breakdown of the Kohler K181 engine code is as follows:

  • K – K-series
  • 18 – Approximate displacement (cu·in)
  • 1 – Single cylinder
  • Suffix (engine is available with the following options):
  • S – Electric starter;
  • T – Retractable starter;
  • ST – Electric and retractable starter;
  • EP – Electric plant;
  • A – Special oil pan;
  • C – Clutch model;
  • G – Generator applications;
  • P – Pump model;
  • Q – Quled model;
  • R – Reduction gear;

Kohler K181 Engine Specs

Kohler K181 (8.0 HP, 305 cc) Engine Specs

Engine Specifications

ModelK181
Type4-stroke, L-head, single cylinder
Displacement308 cm 3 (18.6 cu-in)
Max. horsepower8.2 PS (6.0 kW; 8.0 HP) at 3,600 rpm
Max. torque (crank PTO)
Fuel systemCarburetor (Kohler or Walbro, fixed main jet or adjustable main jet)
Cooling systemForced-air
Ignition systemMagneto or battery or breakerless ignition system
Lubricating systemSplash type
Starting systemRecoil or electric starter
Fuel usedUnleaded gasoline (octane number 86 or higher)

Cylinder Head

Valve Arrangement:L-head (sidevalve)
Valves:2
Valve head diameter:INTAKE34.925 mm (1.375 in)
EXHAUST28.575 mm (1.125 in)
Stem outer diameter (standard):INTAKE7.886-7.899 mm (0.3105-0.311 in)
EXHAUST7.848-7.861 mm (0.309-0.3095 in)

Cylinder block

Compression ratio:
Bore x Stroke74.62 X 69.85 mm (2.94 x 2.75 in)
Sleeve internal diameter74.6252-74.5998 mm (2.938-2.937 in)
Piston skirt outer diameter74.4143-74.3737 mm (2.9297-2.9281 in)
Number of piston rings (compression / oil):2 / 1
Ring end gapTop0.177-0.432 mm (0.007-0.017 in)
Second0.177-0.432 mm (0.007-0.017 in)
Connecting rod small end ID15.8877-15.8953 mm (0.6255-0.6258 in)
Piston pin outer diameter15.8673-15.8724 mm (0.6247-0.6249 in)

Tightening torque specs

Cylinder head bolt20-27 Nm; 2.0-2.7 kg·m; 15-20 ft·lb
Flywheel115-122 Nm; 11.7-12.3 kg·m; 85-90 ft·lb
Spark plug25-30 Nm; 2.55-3.06 kg·m; 18-22 ft·lb

Service Information

Engine
Max speed3,600 rpm
Valve clearance
Intake valve clearance0.15-0.20 mm (0.0059-0.0079 in)
Exhaust valve clearance0.43-0.48 mm (0.0169-0.0189 in)
Oil system
Oil typeAPI SF or SG
Recommended oilSummer: SAE 30W
Winter: SAE 5W-20, 5W-30
Oil capacity1.2 L (1.27 US. qt, 1.06 Imp. qt.)
Ignition system
Spark plugChampion: RJ8C
Spark plug gap0.65 mm (0.0256 in)

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Final Words

This concludes our discussion of the Kohler K181 (8.0 HP, 305 cc) Engine specs and review; however, if you have any questions regarding this article, please submit them in the comment section below. We will do our best to respond to you as soon as possible.

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