312-8 Repower Update

[CCW 1,206]

During the fall of 2022 my 1987 312-8's engine begun experiencing oil consumption and the summer of 2023 the problem deteriorated with black exhaust emitted from the muffler. I began exploring the options available to me. Should the engine be rebuilt by a local company specializing in tractors of all sizes or send it to a member here on the forum. Possibly to a local man nearby who discouraged me from doing so because of the difficulty of getting a small engine machined in our area. This all led me down the path looking for a new tractor. Price and size came into play. All new tractors are much larger in size and I really like the size, power and functionality of my current WH with its plow, RD mower and other modifications I have made.

 

Not having any interest in rebuilding an engine all of the above pointed me to replacing it. Starting on craigslist I found a 14 horse Kohler, but with uncertain specs to be a replacement. After calling Kohler tech support they suggested contacting Repower Specialist in Eugene, OR. Checking their website I found an engine kit for a WH 314-8 using a Honda GX630 with all the hardware and wiring needed to do the swap. I decided to go that route. Final cost was near the same as a new Husqvarna that was a possible replacement except much larger.

 

Engine kit is ordered, arrives and the installation process begins. First problem is new engine mounting plate does not bolt onto the WH frame. With @ebinmaine's and @Lee1977's help I determine the correct hole locations and create a cardboard template. Speaking to RePower tech support they provided a shipping label to send my mounting plate and template back to them to have new holes drilled and threaded. All at no charge. Altered plate arrives and bolts to the frame without any problems. The Honda is hoisted onto a dolly which allows me to slide the engine onto the frame. Have to take care of this 70 year old back.

 

PTO bearings have their grease renewed and the bell is reassembled on the shaft. Wiring is completed with just one error causing the safety switches to be activated so the engine would not start. I selected the wrong wire from the wiring block. Swap wires and engine cranks, but will not start. The problem is the Honda has a fuel shutoff solenoid and the wiring of the 312-8 does not accommodate this feature. RePower has a work around and sends me a custom wiring harness to provide power to the solenoid that allows fuel to flow. Engine cranks and fires up. Wonderful sound.

 

Today my tractor was put back into service cleaning the yard. A bit more work has to be done to reinstall some of my customized feature, but WH life is good.

 

The original build thread is linked below for anyone interested as well a link to my review of Repower Specialist.

 

Original Build Post

 

Review of Repower Specialist

 

[ri702bill 7,346]

So far, so good. Fuel shutoff solenoids are well known to cause an annoying issue - it is a spring loaded device that when the key is off, it "jams" the needle into the seat. If left that way over the winter, the first startup in the spring, the solenoid retracts, BUT the needle does NOT..... Seen a few...... FSO solenoid is redundant to the tank shutoff.......

[Red-Bovine 289]

IIRC I had issues with the fuel solenoid early after installing the GX630. I replaced it and all is good since, over 10 years.

[ebinmaine 63,218]

Excellent to hear your mo-chine is being put back into service. 

Glad to have helped too.  

 

Like you, Trina and I have a solid belief that these older tractors are a PERMANENT piece of EQUIPMENT, not just an old mower etc...

 

We choose the brand and vintage for many reasons.  

 

 

[kpinnc 10,784]

3 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

solid belief that these older tractors are a PERMANENT piece of EQUIPMENT, not just an old mower etc...

 

Well put sir!