De-Carbonizing

[Matt G.]

You didn't take 40 thou off by hand...that would have taken you months. My manual says to run 87 octane. You do NOT need high octane gas in these engines, as the compression ratio is very low. The K301 is like 6.1:1 or something like that. If the S/G belt is slipping, it's not tight enough, or you need a new belt.

[Merk]

by CMA's129
I only run the 93 because thats what it says in the manual on page 10. run 93 or no less than 91.

Not sure which manual you are refering to....Can you provide a link?

Compression ratio in a stock Kohler motor is 7 to 1. Even with a head loaded with carbon you be lucky to get the compression ratio up to 8.2 to 8.5 to 1.
87 octane gas is good for motors up to 9 to 1.

Page 1.5 in a Kohler Service manual says the following:
For the best results, use only clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline with a pump sticker octane of 87 or higher.

by CMA's129
I belive it to be a little high now for when Im starting it up it seems to slip the SG belt a little at the top of the stroke.

Odds are your starter-generator belt needs tighten or replace. One other possiblity is the compression release needs adjusted.

[CMA's129]

I think the head was pretty well warped to begin with and mabey shaved before. Its down to where there is almost no lip left, nearly flush with the first fin.
My manual is the one that came with the tractor new part#1 084 322 R1. 4-74

[johncub7172]

The MMO works great. I have never had such terriable luck. I only use it in the gas, keeps those carbon deposits out, and looking like new. That gas they have today, I wouldent hit a dead dog in the a** with.

[ol'George]

Just as a caution,
Go very lightly if using a scotch brite pad on a rotary drill or die grinder.
They will take off sufficient material to cause uneven gasket surfaces,
causing the head gasket to leak.
A rotary wire brush is just as good @ carbon removal, and will not cause a problem.

[Merk]

by CMA's129
My manual is the one that came with the tractor new part#1 084 322 R1. 4-74

Is this the manual you are talking about?
http://ccmanuals.info/pdf/1x8-9%20&%...e%20Manual.pdf
I trust the Kohler manual more than the IH manual in this case. Kohler knows more about their motors than IH does.

by johncub7172
That gas they have today, I wouldent hit a dead dog in the a** with

I haven't had any problems with todays gas. The key to todays gas is how you store it, where you buy it and condiation of your motor.

[CMA's129]

no that is the service manual, I have that one to. The one Im refering to is the operators manual. I only buy american produced gasoline with no ethonol added around here it's kwick fill from united refineing. when I was out detroit way marithon got my money.

[CMA's129]

http://ccmanuals.info/pdf/1x8-9%20Operator%20Manual.pdf
its page 10 of this manual It says 93 leaded or no less than 91 unleaded.
I've ran 87 as well without any trouble. Until I read the manual.

[Matt G.]

That manual is 30 years old. From the current Kohler service manual:

[CMA's129]

Nah it's 38 years old it came with the tractor.