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Here it is all done

here is a point eliminator for guys who didn't know! just one wire and a ground and you can eliminate your points if there is an internal problem! kohler part # 257 57 10s Also here is some updates we ordered for a customer: http://www.kirkengines.com he ordered the billet covers pretty nice!

A fellow Wheel Horse owner once said to me, "These are Lifetime tractors". He was right.

Had the time to mess with the C-160 this afternoon. I towed it into the garage and removed the hood for easier access to the engine. Starter was rusted tight, so I disassembled it, cleaned it up and reassembled it and it worked. Had to put a coil and condenser on it. Wired it up, put the battery charger on it, and adjusted the points. Cranked it and had good spark! Shot a little gasoline into the carb, jumped the solenoid, and the sucker fired right up and died. Got my spary bottle of gasoline and kept it running for a couple minutes just spraying fuel into the carb. Will work on the fuel system tomorrow....Should be driving around in a few days!

Dr. Furrburger, 100 K I would say give that money to me and let me Parlea' that into something really nice like an Early Retirement Account. ~Duke

Got the frame final sanded and ready for paint. And also got the shroud, some brackets and the hood sanded and ready for another coat of primer and the final sanding.

JD: I bought one last week and painted the muffler, changed the oil and put a new plug in it! A 1990 to 1993 model but that same basic tractor as yours! I always thought these models were a little more "tinny" than the earlier Wheel Horse tractors (I mow with a 1975 B-80 model like Marv's and 36 inch rear discharge deck). I am now converted though and find these classic 312's to be a great working tractor!

Just finished the mid season work on 3 tractors. 2 more to go. This is the wifeys machine. New oil and grease job and power washed the deck. Rebuilt the carb and bushed the throttle shaft. Man, its a different tractor now. Starts right up and purrs like a kitten at idle. The throttle shafts goes bad so slow , you just don't notice it until repaired. Oh, and 2 new deck wheels from the show. Anyway, she can mow like the wind now.

Can't wait to meet you again next year.

She says it's to improve our prosperity... I said good, because we're light around here.

Thanks folks for the compliments! To get about any Horse presentable, except for the real basket cases, only requires a plan, not that much money, and some persistence. When I bought the 312, I felt it was basically a decent ride. I tried to focus on the major things when I was looking at it. How was the motor and tranny? Unusual noises, odors, stains, etc. I try not to get too wrapped up with appearance items, as they can often be replaced easily, and inexpensively, at least on the newer tractors. After I determined the machine would most likely get me through the mowing season this year, and nothing appeared to be seriously amiss, I bought it and brought it home. When home, I developed a three-step program: Near-term, Mid-term, and Long-term goals. Near-term: Wash completely and get a good close look at EVERYTHING. Service all fluids (replace), check tires and inflation, grease and lube all points, check belts, air filter, and examine deck. To get the 312 up to where it mowed pretty good required replacing the blades. Outside of the maintenance items, the blades were the only real expenditure. By the time the first photos in this thread were taken, all of the previously mentioned tasks had been done. I now had a mower that would likely get me through the season. Didn't look all that great, but it was serviceable. Mid-term: This was actually a pretty simple list to compile; do everything except the engine overhaul and body/repainting/new decals. The mid-term items can be strung along as time and funds permit. Dust caps missing? Steering wheel button gone? Put a little dough back, and get in touch with Glen Pettit. Leveler rod on deck missing and replaced with all-thread, give Kelly a call. Try to do a little something every week. After a while, it begins to add up, and your machine really starts to look good. I wanted taillights, so one afternoon, I went down to the local auto parts purveyor and picked out a set of side marker lights for about $8. An hour or so of wiring later, I had lights. Stupid little things broke or missing can be really aggravating, and make a tractor look like crap. The steering column missing, missing headlight bezels, missing knobs, etc. Most items I have replaced only cost a few dollars each. The two most expensive single items I have purchased for this tractor are the blades at $42, and the seat at $55, the rest was nickel and dime. Lastly on the mid-term items, get your tractor CLEAN! I mean clean. Then polish/wax, whatever, to make it gleam. My 312 is a worker, but I figure if I keep it as near spotless as possible, I am more likely to make sure I keep the important things maintained and in good order. Besides, I just find it more enjoyable to get on a machine that I can be proud of. No need to go over the long-term items, as they have already been covered. Suffice it to say that, any long-term tasks are ones that... well, take a long time to do. Engine, tranny, and bodywork fall into this category. SO there you have it, my three-step program for a nice tractor, and on a budget to boot.

So, I can't seem to sleep, so I float around the forum and find this topic, and I notice I've been mentioned, and that I should throw in the group photo pics that I have! Thanks, Steve! My dad normally takes a good picture when he's given a camera! I'll let him know that you approve! I'll post up all the ones we took so that maybe we can find a nice full picture!

one per thousand yackety yack. All this and still yackin'. I guess people from Illinois have the gift of gab, who didn't know that!!! Wouldn't have it any other way

The 522xi is an awesome tractor. I got one and wanted to sell it because it was just soooo different from all the other wheel horse that I had. I am so glad that no one took me up on the offer! I love it now! The most comfortable tractor that I have ever had! Good luck with yours and enjoy it!

I didn't have any snap rings to fit that worn out thing so I cranked this out before work. Mowed tonight.. Son of a Baptist that thing mows a lot better!

And here is how she looks now. These photos were taken this past Saturday. I have gotten all of the loot I garnered from the Big Show installed, the new steering wheel button and shift knobs from Glen Pettit (thanks Glen!), and the near NOS seat. The seat is exactly like the original, sans the horsey logo. I had just washed and waxed too. Quite frankly, I am very pleased. Even my neighbors are pretty impressed at how good it looks, and are surprised it is almost 30 years old.

Hello, my name is Jamie and I'm from Aberdeen, MD. I used to think John Deere was best, then I married a Wheel Horse girl! Her mother bought a C-125 Automatic at the direction of her farm-raised father, and now we get it! It's in pretty good shape, hasn't been used a whole lot in last 10-15 years or so due to everyone having to move frequently. It has spent its whole life in a shed, up until last year when its current problem started happening. Its been getting water in the tank which causes it to not start, and since I'm new to tractors in general I figured it was something more serious so I gave it to a buddy to diagnose. He had it since last October, figured out it was the water issue probably due to a cracked gas cap and sitting in the rain for a while. He was able to get it started, then he fell off the face of the earth until we finally went over his parents house and picked up the tractor, which we thought was fixed, just this last Saturday. We couldn't get it started to drive it on the trailer, so we used a come-along and winched it on (I could never find the screw responsible for decoupling the transmission to push by hand). We figured out that water had gotten into the gas again and tried to drain it, blow out the lines, and put in fresh fuel but the grommet that holds the fuel cut-off valve broke we tried to remove it. So now I need a part in addition to getting the water out of the system. Sorry for the long post but I hope to find answers here.

I'm going to start a restore on a B-100 soon and I liked the color of the Rustoleum Regal Red I used on my last restore, except for the fact that I feel its still soft and vulnerable to scratches. It seems it has never dried and hardened. I used rattle cans and I was thinking about getting a paint gun for this job. Is that a good Idea/worth it? Mostly because I want to mix in hardener. Is their a certain kind I should use with this paint? Will it dry faster/harder also? I also like rustoleum because the price and availability. Also would you recommend a glossy clear coat?

finally put the 60 inch deck on my c-160 auto, wow,, what a great cut

Well I have had 5 or 6 520's and they were in varying condition but I did get one in nice shape and well maintained at a very reasonable cost ( nowhere near those prices ). I didn't waist any time getting there to pick it up either. It just happened to be a 520-8 with a 48" deck. New paint and decals was pretty much all it needed but alas, I really had no use for an 8 speed so I sold it and not for anything like $2500. The others were either basket cases, broken rods or valve seat popped out and most had the dreaded electrical problems. To me there is nothing like a 520H with that 60" deck when you have 4 acres to mow.

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Humm... all I ever cooked was rubber with mine.

Not familiar with the 252 but you needed to put in the same amount you took out. If you didn't, your going to have problems. If the manual states the vent plug should be removed, then by all means, remove it. One of the reasons you may not be getting anything into the reservoir is trapped air and the vent plug is most likely there to burp the system as you add fluid.

Have read your posts, and examined the photos you have put up on your recent acquisition. That is a fine, one-owner tractor there. Noticed the repainted muffler right away. Want to repaint mine, but haven't found a new gasket yet. Went down to NAPA, and they said it wasn't available???? Surprised me. As for being "tinny", I have considered actually using a micrometer and comparing the sheet metal between the newer tractors and an older one. Outside of the tin, there is about zero difference in frames, trannys, etc. I have wondered that the tinny feeling may be only the fact that the hood area is so much larger on the 3-500 series machines, thus has more flex. I am pretty sure the belt guard and fender pans are all the same gauge of steel. In the day, even Wheel Horse must have felt the new hoods were flimsy, as they added the "V" brace behind the grille.

If I had 100 grand to throw into the wind I'd find the nicest AC Cobra kit car that looks the most like the real deal with a 427 4 speed that I could find, and drive it EVERY day. I might even have some left over to do a little more shoppin...

Please enjoy these pictures! We took them in random order, and all over the place, please don't be offended if we missed your site or tractors or anything, I just tried to get a bunch of pictures of different tractors, and a lot of the show! Oh, and if you see yourself or anyone you'd like to point out, please go ahead and do so! Enjoy! Click on the pictures to enlarge them!

JD, I have now moved the B80 into the refurb stall. It has earned that since it is 37 years old and has done a LOT of work. Marvin

I use an electric impact and I have vice wrench set from harbor freight the heads on the wrenches are thin enough to fit the nut under the blades works perfectly http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=service+wrench+set

Check out the ball at the end of the shifter. it may be worn flat on one or both sides.

There is an adjustment nut and dog screw on the front of the case that puts pressure on the shift lever. Remove the top shift plate cover and the bottom cover to gain access. Loosen the lock nut and tighten the dog screw down. Back the dog screw off a quarter turn or so. Test the shifter for tightness. When you have it to the point is shifting smoother , tighten the locking nut. Someone with more experience may be able to better describe the process. Sent from my tractor seat.

Been there, done that. If you do this a lot (like more than once). invest in a small tire changer from Harbor Freight. They are approx $39 and less with the coupon. Otherwise, I am told by another RS member that Walmart tire centers can mount these small tires. You can buy tire "spoons" which are essentially round ended levers to prevent the tube puncture problems. BTW, the preferred way to mount a new tube in a tire is to put one side of the tire on the rim. Buy a valve installer tool (again at harbor freight) and feed it thru the hole in the rim and attach it to the valve. Push the tube into the rim by hand and pull on the valve tool and the valve will feed nicely thru the the hole in the rim. Now, using either the tire tool or tire spoons, proceed to get the remaining side of the tire onto the rim. Even with the harbor freight tire installer tool it is challenging and there is a learning curve. Lubrication of the bead as suggested by others is needed.

Well Things are going fantastic in my wheeling and dealing. I purchased the 418-A for 500$ And since I had no need for the deck, (even though is was a very nice 48 in lovely shape) I decided to punt it on. So I listed the 48 inch deck, with the belts, and mule drive all for 225$ And mercifully the first person who looked at realized what a great deal it was, and didn't even try to haggle at my asking price of 225$ So now I am into the 418-A for only 275$ So now I begin my search for a Snowblower attachment. I called 25-30 prospects and was about to settle on an older single stage,in need of some sanding,and paint, and missing the side extensions,which wasn't to expensive of an item to track down. But the one redeeming item it did have was the height adjustable wheels on the side,which I had been eager to try out,because I had been wearing out my skidplates,and had to add steel onto with a welder. (By the way quickly before I forget to ask, can the adjustable wheel set up be added to a model that didn't come with them from the factory? ) Anyway, back to my Snowblower hunt. One of the first emails I had sent but had not gotten a reply from answered! By far the nicest of the many I ad looked at. It's a 93 or 94 with the tall chute,and the gear driven chute rotator! And he had all the parts,factory manual, and an extra pair of bearing which can be expensive from a dealer,as I found out last winter replacing ones for my 312-8 So I raced there first thing this morning and grabbed it! What a nice guy to chat with. Lots of knowledge. So just like the guy who bought my mowing deck, I didn't haggle at all when it was so reasonably priced at 150$ All I need are a set of cast iron wheelweights. I have beautiful complete set of 4 Wheelhorse chrome hubcaps. If anyone wants to swap for a set of cast iron wheelweights P.M. me. If I don't hear from anyone soon,I put them up in the classified section. So I am sitting with a 418-A and a beautiful Snowblower for 425$ Scotsman

I have even put the small parts in labeled Ziploc bags for you. Oh and I have lots of this is what it looked like pictures. lol

You know we're all there for you Terry if you ever need anything. Great seeing you again and I hope for the best. Mike

A time-less Classic!

Neil, it was great to meet you and Carolyn and a pleasure talking with you. Hope you can make next years show.

I got blocked out in most of the group shots except Bob Maynard's and Stratostar250's.....being tall doesn't always have its advantages.... . Mike............ Another way to look at it John......I walked and drove all over those showgrounds for two days and in all the pics posted of the show I show up in one picture taken by Stevasaurus (thanks Steve!)........you meanwhile are in everybody's picture thread (often more than once) and in a few videos! I drug my father to the show this year, who has no interest in collecting or tinkering with any brand of tractor, and of the 12 or so pics he took one of em IS YOU AND YOUR BIG RED BEAST! You and your monster GT-16 are famous! Mike..........

Let's see....30 years old.....that would require about 6 big box lawn mowers (if you baby them)...... let me do the math here......... Looks good jd.

I was great meeting you! Glad to hear it was worth the trip!

Ditto! But you need a pair.

Neil, it was great meeting you and Ms. Carolyn. I have to believe you had a good time, hopefully well enough we will see you again next year!! Also looking forward to a picture of you in that Smokin' hot White Wheel Horse hat at the steam show!!! Take care my friend

So I guess my question is, why would anyone spend $100K on a car, when in the end it only takes you from point A to point B?

and with all of that blueberry wine and shine in us.....

You can invite the Red Cross and have a blood drive...see if we all really DO bleed Wheel Horse red. Of course with the sun and heat, might have some fainters. Hoping to make the show next year!

After thinking about what one car I would buy I came to the conclusion that one car wont do it all. So I think I would roll down to the Chevy dealer, find a hungry salesman and buy a 2014 Vette for around $59,000 and a 2014 Silverado Double cab 4x4 Z-71 for $39,000. Now you have the cool performance 2 seater and a great all season vehicle that would carry 4-5 people and be able to yank a trailer. Just my opinion.... Mike............

It was quite the pleasure Neil to meet you and your lovely wife Carolyn. Neil you are a class act, and Red Square is very fortunate to have you as a Moderator.I am certainly hoping and praying to see you again next year. My doors in North Carolina will always be open to you. Van

2-3 months ago in Merry Old England.. Neil: Honey, lets go on Holiday in June. Carolyn: Great! To the Greek islands? Neil: No, to the states. Carolyn: So where are we going in the States? Neil: To a tractor show in PA. Carolyn: Oh no, they have those nutters there in the states too?!? but isnt there a lot of crime in the States? Neil: Oh thats just on the telly...

chev0545, I think the first thing to do is find out what parts of your deck are noisy -- spindles, belts, wheels, PTO? Could be a lot of things, do you have any clues right now, anything that sticks out in your mind? Have you been good about keeping the spindles lubricated? Which belt did you replace? Do you have an owner's manual for the deck?

Some better photos of the mower. The other side is mint, they must have dragged this side against something all the time. It looks better than in the pictures. Started mocking up the mount. Trying to use some old Wheel Horse parts I had laying around. Where I've got the old Mid-Attach upside down, I'm going to have to fabricate something. The mounting point needs to be about 6 inches higher. It'll take some work but it should turn out real nice.