Need some engine rebuilding advice, please

[JDSnyder 0]

I am reconditioning a Kohler K181S and learing as I go. Most everything in the engine is within spec except the tappet gap setting. The specs give a range from .006-.008 intake and .017-.019 exhaust. Intake is .015 and exhaust is .023. What happens if the gap is too wide. I can see if it were too tight it would prevent the valves from closing all the way. Can I get by with leaving them as is? My reconditioning consists of new rings, gaskets, seals, points, condenser, and lapping the valves. Thanks for any help. Jeff Snyder

[Tuffy 1]

Absolutely set the tappets. You have already done the greater tasks; setting the tappets is a rounding error so why not set them correctly!!??!

[Dutch 4]

I have no “hands on” Kohler experience. The following is just my opinion. Since you’re installing new rings, you may as well make the valves right. Excessive valve clearance will produce noise, has the potential of “mushrooming” valve stems, will rob the engine of power, and accelerate wear. Check for worn cam lobes or worn tappets. According to the manual, valve - tappet clearance gap on a K181 is adjusted by grinding the valve seat, face and/or stem. It should be a relatively inexpensive machine shop operation. Kohler K series larger than the K181 use adjustable tappets. Maybe some experienced club members know if the adjustable tappets will fit the K181 block.

[PatRarick 1]

If there is too much valve clearance,it is almost the same as having the camshaft out of time. It takes longer for the tappet to reach the valve before it opens. In addition, the valve will not open far enough. On the intake side, that results in a loss of power, as not enough of the fuel/air mixture is pulled into the cylinder fast enough. On the exhaust side, the exhaust is not expelled fast enough. That will result in a loss of power. If the clearance is great enough, the exhaust will not be completely expelled, and the engine may overheat. Pat