1989 312-8 won't start

[SolarStallion 38]

Hi,

My 1989 312-8 Kohler 12 Magnum seems to be dead when I turn the key. I have read every post in this section trying to figure out what is wrong. It will start and run if I jump the solenoid. I replaced the solenoid but still nothing. I replaced 2 fuses and visually checked the pto and clutch safety switches and seem ok. The seat switch was disabled when I bought it 12 yrs ago. It has plenty of oil. I tried unpluging the wires on the relay and one wire was soldered to the case. I unknowingly pulled it off but resoldered it back on, not as good as it was. I don't know if it is the relay or safety switches or something else. I have a test meter but don't know what to look for. Headlights work and dash lights work.

[SolarStallion 38]

I fooled around some more with this. I took off the ignition switch and one of the contacts was all rusted. I filed off the rust and cleaned it up a little. I also tried to clean up the female conector. Put it back together and got it to turnover a few times but it is not working again.

I am thinking the switch may be corroded inside too. I will buy a new switch ebay.

I also bought a 312-8 parts tractor. Of course the solenoid did not match my 312 and the ignition switch does not match either. Seems the switch on the parts tractor does not have a 6th ground conection.

If anyone needs an engine and trans for a 312 I have one cheap.

[SolarStallion 38]

I bought a new ignition switch on ebay. I installed it today and it started right up.

[Kelly 1,033]

I missed this thread, glad you have it figured, and the other 312 is probably a K series engine with batt. ign. your magnum is magneto ign. they use a different switch.

[Saber 15]

What year did they switch to the mag?

I am getting ready to put an 87 12 hp in my son's 86 310-8.

The wiring is defiantly different.

I've looked at the yahoo groups and the dymistification .pdf but cannot find the diagrams for the 86 only the 87.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

Mark

[tunahead72 2,555]

What year did they switch to the mag?

I am getting ready to put an 87 12 hp in my son's 86 310-8.

The wiring is defiantly different.

I've looked at the yahoo groups and the dymistification .pdf but cannot find the diagrams for the 86 only the 87.

There's an operator's manual for the 1986 300 & 400 series models here on RedSquare, there's wiring diagrams near the end:

There's also a parts & service manual for that year. I don't see it here on the forum, but if you can get a hold of it somewhere (try Toro), there's diagrams in there for the individual off/start/run/charging circuits. It's part number 810405R1 -- anybody else have a copy they can upload?

The Magnum started in 1987 for most of these tractors, I think the 308 started earlier.

[Saber 15]

Thanks Tunahead!

Looks like I will need a new ing switch.

I'll have to do some searching to find out wich one.

Mark