Kohler 12hp starter

[dunk50 6]

I am new at this so I have to ask a lot of questions. Is a starter for a 312-8 odd or really expensive. Found a 312-8 they say runs well but missing the starter. If it's not really expensive I may give it a shot.

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,527]

You can get starters for them used for less than $50 on ebay or you can buy new aftermarket starters fro about $75.

[dunk50 6]

Thanks, that's not anymore than I would expect. Guy says he took it off to have rebuilt and couldn't afford to get it out of the shop. Wanted to know what I was getting into. Thanks Steve

[Duff 206]

You won't be sorry getting a 312-8!

Duff :notworthy:

[big mike 13]

Ahhhh good ole South Bend!.....home to somebodies hero, Charlie Weis

Check Craigslist,there are some repairables and parts tractors for sale in Niles.....maybe there is a parts donor in there for you.

[dunk50 6]

I have a good parts tractor but the problem is I want to restore it also. For now just need a starter. This is the 312-8 that followed me home.

[rickv1957 74]

After market starters are reasonable,Rick

[sorekiwi 761]

I have a good parts tractor but the problem is I want to restore it also.

Thats the problem we all have!!

[dunk50 6]

Alright guys, I don't know if this is good or bad but I picked up the 312-8 today. NO starter but other than a flat front tire it seems solid. I have definitely seen worse. 1st thing I am going to have to do is sort out the wiring and get it started. I stopped on the way home with it and picked up the rebuilt starter. Shop gave it to me for $60 so I paid it and went home. Installed starter and a battery and it cranked but would not start. Checked the plug and no spark. I need an owners manual and hopefully it will have a wiring diagram. Downloaded one for my other tractors but can't find where I did it. Also is there a thread for trouble shooting a no spark scenario. I will be looking for some photos and manual as I though it would be similar to my 160 or 416 but it's really not. This has the key start that has the position for off / run / start but hitting start doesn't do anything. There is a push button next to the ign. switch that looks kind of like an add on but I am not sure. At any rate, I am supposed to turn key on and the push the button to start it. May need some help from of my new found buddies in lower Michigan to get started on this one. For now, where can I get a manual!!! If you look close at photos you will see the push button next to the throttle lever.

[Buzz 502]

According to the Toro site they made 26 models of the 312-8 from 1985-2001. Which one do you have? It probably has a safety switch or two that are keeping it from starting but with the wiring messed up, maybe not. Anyhow...... here's the engine manual to get you started:

http://www.kohlerengines.com/onlinecatalog/pdf/tp_2379.pdf

Now if you're looking for a wiring diagram Toro makes a 523 page Electrical Demystification Guide that you can download here:

https://lookup3.toro.com/request/request.cfm

Put # 73428 for model and # 8900001 for serial number. Should keep you busy for a couple of minutes . Good luck.

[rickv1957 74]

That was or is that time period tractor downfall,to much electrical safety devices that corode over the years and quit working,I have a couple myself,but still are good tractors,Rick

[dunk50 6]

Thanks buzz an rick, I have the motor manual, and I'm not good enough to go through the 500 page demyst, however If I can come up with a tractor manual that is close I think I can figure it out. My c-160 manual has a short / brief schematic in the manual. I would like to have the tractor sn. / model / spec number but it's just a sticker under the front part of the seat and it's not readable. Is there a way to tell if the Kohler is original and what it came in??? Looking for a miracle here but I am looking. After reading ricks post is it possible to just eliminate all the safeties and go straight to ign switch. ????

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

Based on a what I see in the pictures, I'm going to say that you have a 1986 312-8 which would either be model # 21-12K802 or 21-12K803.

Here's a schematic from the 1986 manual:

That should get you started (literally). :notworthy:

[dunk50 6]

That's the one!! Thanks TT

[dunk50 6]

I just did a good once over on the ID tag and it's not going to happen. Nothing readable. Is there any other way to tell definitively. I can take more photos if needed. My question TT is what is the difference between an 803 and 802, or should I not worry about it and just any part from one of these models will work. The motor does not appear to be a Magnum to me. At least it does not say it is.

Engine is 12HP K301S Spec 47828 SN 1602047603

Also 14 X 24 WH garage going up. Yahoo

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

The engine spec number is correct for a 1986 312-8 (47829 is for a 312-A which had a chrome air cleaner cover) and the serial number dates it to 1986.

It is definitely a K series and the last year they were used on the 312 models. It can't be a 1985 if it has an engine built in 1986 and a 1987 would have had an M12 Magnum, so it looks like you're stuck with it being a 1986 model.

As far as the difference between the "02" and "03" suffix - I'm not sure what that might be. It could be something as simple as a decal change to meaning a model built for a different region to a "who knows what". :notworthy:

[dunk50 6]

Soeeee an 86 it is. Uhhhh, is that a good thing???? :notworthy: