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Joe BenHayon

1990 312H

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Joe BenHayon

I acquired this machine as a complete non running tractor from a friend a couple years ago. Sat in the corner biding it's time to be the priority project. Finally pulled it out last month and started working on it. 

 

So... Charger on the battery and spun the engine. Sounded good. A little ether in the carb and it fired right up. Cleaned the carb, replaced the fuel line, checked the fuel pump, a little choke and part throttle, purrs like a cougar. 😁 The paint is/was oxidized a bit. Turtle wax rubbing compound brought shine back, but still has that patina that some people like. The seat was beyond repair, so separated from the pan and repainted it and had the foam recovered..

 

The transmission drive belt was good enough to test drive on, and I am happy to report the hydrostatic drive works like it should. 😁 Now just waiting new belts and test out the 42" rear discharge mower with mulcher . 

 

Question: The hourmeter shows 61.xx hours. I know this machine has sat in various garages for at least the last 5 or 6 years. Mechanically, I'm thinking it is right, but given the weathering from being outside, it seems low for a 35yo machine.

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ri702bill

Welcome!

Nice! That original seat with the hardened split vinyl would be a Butt pincher for sure...:rolleyes:

 

One way to gauge the actual previous usage of a tractor is to take a close look at the tires. How much wear on them? Any signs of the spiny protruding "nipples" from the molding process showing? Dry rot aside, they may look pretty new.

 

I scored a 702 parts tractor years ago. It sat outside for years on a dirt floor in an open lean-to. The rear Firestone Town & Country 6-12 tires had all those spiny protrusions and full depth tread! However, the tires are junk as the sidewalls has open slits from total dry rot - so bad the inner tubes were visible and protruding out.

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953 nut

:WRS:

Nice job on saving the seat, the new cover looks good. The '67 Chevy in the background looks interesting too. Considering the amount of time the tractor sat unused the hour meter could be correct if it working now, if it isn't working the fuse may be blown or the fuse holder became corroded.

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JCM
14 minutes ago, 953 nut said:

:WRS:

 The '67 Chevy in the background looks interesting too. 

Turbo-Jet 396  ??

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ebinmaine
3 minutes ago, JCM said:

Turbo-Jet 396  ??

 

You n' ya big blocks. :lol:

 

 

 

8 hours ago, Joe BenHayon said:

acquired this machine

 

 

:text-welcomewave:

 

 

8 hours ago, Joe BenHayon said:

Question: The hourmeter shows 61.xx hours. I know this machine has sat in various garages for at least the last 5 or 6 years. Mechanically, I'm thinking it is right, but given the weathering from being outside, it seems low for a 35yo machine.

 

 

It would be considered QUITE a find to catch a 35 plus year old machine with that low of hours. 

 

Likely?  Low probability. 

 

But possible?  Absolutely. 

 

As stated above check the machine over.  Look at the circuit for the hour meter for worn or corroding wires/ plugs. 

See the tires for tread wear. 

Look at the pulleys for wear on the sides where the belt would ride. 

 

 

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953 nut
10 minutes ago, JCM said:

Turbo-Jet 396  ??

:text-yeahthat:

396 or 427 based on the fender badging.                      :wwp:

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JCM

I suppose a 327 isn't out of question ?

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