kohler k181s starting issues

[The Maddox]

hey everyone, got some issues with my first older mower. its a 1970 john deere 110 with a k181s engine. to make it easier im going to put the problems in the order they happen haha

First problem: turn the key and the engine turns and turns and turns, but will almost never start up. like it isnt getting a spark. when it does start it runs great but im terrified to turn it off, seeing as it probably wont start back up

problem 2: after trying repeatedly to start it(and failing), it decides that it doesnt want to do anything at all. and i mean nothin'. the only thing that moves is the battery gauge

problem 3: oh boy, i finally got it running this is gunna be great!!! 5 minutes in it turns itself off. seems like its bogging itself out or running out of gas. sometimes i can catch it by either A: shaking the battery or B: pressing the clutch for about 30 seconds. but half the time im not able to catch it.

this is my first mower and im already in love with it. i just want it to work properly. can anyone give some advice and help me get this antique back on the lawn?

 

[ILENGINE]

We may need to start with a compression reading. Most if all your problems can be linked to low compression, so lets start there.

 

[The Maddox]

so compression was a great place to check. especially since the threading for the spark plug was almost non existent. stratches done the cylinder and everything else. i think im going to just purchase a new engine. where would i find a k181s?

 

[ILENGINE]

No replacement for the K181 available, no short block either. About the only option would be to have somebody that knows what they are doing to overhaul the engine.

 

[cashman]

If it's got the battery ignition coil (mounted externally), that might be your problem? Make sure when you turn the key to ON position, the + terminal on the coil should have 12v if that's the way it's equipped?