The Kohler K161 is a 277 cc (16.9 cu·in) single-cylinder air-cooled four-stroke internal combustion gasoline engine from K-series, manufactured by Kohler Co.
The Kohler K161 engine has an L-head (side valve) design and horizontal PTO-shaft. This engine can be equipped with Kohler or Walbro carburetor and magneto, battery or breakerless ignition systems. The K161 engine used paper air cleaner (oiled foam pre-cleaner was available as an option).
The cylinder bore is 74.62 mm (2.94 in) and the piston stroke is 63.50 mm (2.5 in). This engine produced 7.1 PS (5.2 kW; 7.0 HP) at 3,600 rpm of horsepower.
The breakdown of the engine code is as follows:
- K – K-series
- 16 – Approximate daisplacement (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;
General information
| Engine Specifications | |
| Model | K161 |
| Type | 4-stroke, L-head, single cylinder |
| Displacement | 277 cm 3 (16.9 cu-in) |
| Max. horsepower | 7.1 PS (5.2 kW; 7.0 HP) at 3,600 rpm |
| Max. torque (crank PTO) | – |
| Fuel system | Carburetor (Kohler or Walbro, fixed main jet or adjustable main jet) |
| Cooling system | Forced-air |
| Ignition system | Magneto or battery or breakerless ignition system |
| Lubricating system | Splash type |
| Starting system | Recoil or electric starter |
| Fuel used | Unleaded gasoline (octane number 86 or higher) |
| Fuel tank capacity | – |
Cylinder Block and Head
| Cylinder block | ||
| Compression ratio: | – | |
| Bore x Stroke | 74.62 X 63.50 mm (2.94 x 2.50 in) | |
| Sleeve internal diameter | 74.6252-74.5998 mm (2.938-2.937 in) | |
| Piston skirt outer diameter | 74.4143-74.3737 mm (2.9297-2.9281 in) | |
| Number of piston rings (compression / oil): | 2 / 1 | |
| Ring end gap | Top | 0.177-0.432 mm (0.007-0.017 in) |
| Second | 0.177-0.432 mm (0.007-0.017 in) | |
| Connecting rod small end ID | 15.8877-15.8953 mm (0.6255-0.6258 in) | |
| Piston pin outer diameter | 15.8673-15.8724 mm (0.6247-0.6249 in) | |
| Cylinder Head | ||
| Valve Arrangement: | L-head (sidevalve) | |
| Valves: | 2 | |
| Valve head diameter: | INTAKE | 34.925 mm (1.375 in) |
| EXHAUST | 28.575 mm (1.125 in) | |
| Stem outer diameter (standard): | INTAKE | 7.886-7.899 mm (0.3105-0.311 in) |
| EXHAUST | 7.848-7.861 mm (0.309-0.3095 in) | |
Tightening torque specs
| Tightening torque specs | |
| Cylinder head bolt | 20-27 Nm; 2.0-2.7 kg·m; 15-20 ft·lb |
| Flywheel | 115-122 Nm; 11.7-12.3 kg·m; 85-90 ft·lb |
| Spark plug | 25-30 Nm; 2.55-3.06 kg·m; 18-22 ft·lb |
Service Information
| Engine | |
| Max speed | 3,600 rpm |
| Valve clearance | |
| Intake valve clearance | 0.15-0.20 mm (0.0059-0.0079 in) |
| Exhaust valve clearance | 0.43-0.48 mm (0.0169-0.0189 in) |
| Oil system | |
| Oil type | API SF or SG |
| Recommended oil |
Summer: SAE 30W Winter: SAE 5W-20, 5W-30 |
| Oil capacity | 1.2 L (1.27 US. qt, 1.06 Imp. qt.) |
| Ignition system | |
| Spark plug | Champion: RJ8C |
| Spark plug gap | 0.65 mm (0.0256 in) |
What was this engine used for? I came across an old one and am thinking about restoring it.
Wheel horse tractors in the eary 60’s
Have one on a IH Cub Cadet lawn mower
Is your air cooled or water cooled? I have a kohler 2.5R marine generator that uses the k161 engine. I’d love to buy that engine from you.
Have one on a ’76 Wheelhorse and the output rating on that model is 8 instead of 7 horsepower.
looking for any information on Kohler model L 161 water cooled used on electric power plant