Newbie Questions

[Stepney 2,354]

Hello, I'm Spenser. I have recently acquired a small Wheel Horse B-80. I had a few questions to ask your opinions about. My neighbor worked with old tractors his whole life, and says I should use Forty Weight oil in the engine, when the book says thirty. What do you think? I know not to use detergent. Also, is it a good idea to use lead additive? I have had many classic Briggs and Stratton WI's and remember that they ran better like that, same goes for the Pony. I also heard Marvel Mystery Oil works well. And, how often should I grease the mower spindles? It is a 300 series 42 inch Recycle.

One more thing, where can I find the serial listings, it is serial number 70347, model 50347.

Thank's in advance, Spenser.

[bowtiebutler956 650]

I use 30w in mine. I use detergent oil in mine as well. I believe your K181 which was made in the 70's was designed for detergent oil, or at least thats what I've always thought. I also have a B-80, but I have a K301 12hp in mine now. Here is a pic. Oh, I just realized your new here. Spenser!!

Matt :flags-texas:

[Stepney 2,354]

Beautiful B-80! Thanks for the information and replying so fast.

Spenser.

[KC9KAS 4,744]

:WRS:

I use straight 30 wt oil in my GT's

[rmaynard 16,349]

According to the Kohler manual for the 1977 B-80, use straight 30W oil when the temperature is above 30°F, 10W-30 or 10W-40, 30° to 0 °F, and 5W20 or 5W30 below 0°F.

Having said that, I use straight 30W year round.

[AMC RULES 37,203]

Have any picts of your tractor to share Spenser?

[dsholler 54]

I have no idea if there is a recommended interval for greasing the mower spindles, but they do say to grease all the parts of the tractor every 25 hours when you change the oil. So as long as you have the grease gun out.. might as well do the mower deck too. I also use that opportunity to scrape the crud off the bottom of the mower deck, sharpen the blades, and I paint it with the used oil from the motor (seems to keep the grass from sticking as well as any other coating I have found, and has the advantage of already having been paid for..)

[GlenPettit 1,717]

Older engines tend to loosen up and burn a little oil, that's why some people use the heavier 40w oil (cheaper than 'stop leak' products), but 30w is best.

Grease the spindles every time you sharpen the blades, sharp blades work better (cut easier, cleaner grass blade cut = healthier grass), especially with a recycler deck, maybe sharpen/grease every 15-25 hours of cutting (stones & dirt dull blades quickly).

I couldn't find anything on your serial number?

P.S. - It's a very smart man that reads the instruction book.

[Stepney 2,354]

Thanks a lot, I have one other question. I'm looking at a clutch on Ebay. Would a 312 manual clutch fit on the B-80? Mine is blown. If not, could I just use the old B-80 collar on the 312 plate?

Here is the one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Clutch-off-312-Wheel-Horse-/280975190392?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item416b6d2978

Spenser.

[Kelly 1,033]

Yes the clutch plate will fit as will the PTO bell, the rest will not be the same.

[Stepney 2,354]

Thanks a lot!

Spenser.

[Stepney 2,354]

By the way, I would post pictures, but I cant figure out how.

[tommyg 154]

Spencer, if you click on "more reply options" in the lower right of the reply box, you'll see an option to attach files. Pics can only be 1 mb in size, so you might need to scale it down if you use a high resolution camera. From your cell phone, you should be fine.

[Stepney 2,354]

Better yet, here's a video.

[Wheel-N-It 2,976]

NICE!