thwh80 0 #1 Posted August 17, 2013 Good afternoon, This is my first post here and I'm sure far from my last. I bought a 312-8 a few years ago and have a few questions. I believe the old girl needs a rebuild. She has 768 hours on the Kohler 12 and from what I can tell has never been apart. It appears the previous owner wasn't very maintenance oriented, unfortunately. At any rate, here's what I've got.... Is there any way to date my tractor without the serial number? The previous owner decided to "freshen up" the old girl at some point and painted over the only sticker that really mattered....the factory data sticker. The last time I had her running, she would run decent until the engine got up to full operating temperature, then she would lose all power and while shutting down would spit gas out of the carburetor. She does smoke a bit, my gut tells me it's probably time for a rebuild. Opinions? Could something in the valvetrain be sticking open when the engine is hot? Could I have a weak coil or weak points that are losing their working ability when hot? The deck sits way too low when in the mowing position, even with the wheels all the way down. I also noticed the deck does not come up much when I pull the raise/lower lever up. I assume I need to crawl under her and look at the linkages. Is there a simple adjustment to get the deck higher off the ground? My ignition switch had a tab rusted completely away. I bought a replacement switch today and it did not work. It plugs in as it should, but does not function. Before I start tearing into the wiring, can someone tell me what part number switch belongs in my Wheel Horse? When I did have the tractor running and mowing, the blades would slow to a stop if I moved any faster than a crawl. Is this just a blade clutch adjustment issue? Thanks for any input, here's a link to the "back story" on my tractor: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thwh80 0 #2 Posted August 17, 2013 I suppose I could include a few pictures. Can the engine serial number help to date the tractor? Thanks again for anything. Tom Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,499 #3 Posted August 17, 2013 The only year Wheel Horse used the 47828 Kohler spec number was 1986 and Kohler made serial number 1602047633 in 1986. There are 2 model numbers for 1986 and suspect the 1st one 21-12K802 was produced by Wheel Horse and the 2nd one 21-12K803 was produced by Toro. 1986 was also the 1st year for the low oil switch. The original manual showed an engine oil capacity that was later revised to reflect an update to the capacity required to keep the oil switch from triggering the no-start condition. Ist manual version 2nd manual that corrects the oil capacity Garry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thwh80 0 #4 Posted August 18, 2013 Great info, thanks a bunch! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeff-C175 7,206 #5 Posted August 18, 2013 (edited) The last time I had her running, she would run decent until the engine got up to full operating temperature, then she would lose all power and while shutting down would spit gas out of the carburetor. First thing I think I would do is a cleanout and rebuild of the carb, and pay attention to whether or not the float has any gasoline inside it. Then before you tear into the engine, see how it runs with the freshened up carb. Is there a simple adjustment to get the deck higher off the ground? Sometimes simple... sometimes things are worn and need replaced, but there are probably two adjustments to look at first... The trunion on the chain, and the rod with the nut on it at the front of the deck. (I think yours has those?) can someone tell me what part number switch belongs in my Wheel Horse? AFAIK, there are basically two switches... this first one I THINK is the one for your machine, notice that one of the lugs is a GROUND lug. If your old switch has that, your new one should too. This is a 103991 part number. This second one is part number 103990. Note that it does not have the ground tab. images courtesy repairclinic.com If the terminal was rusted off the switch, first thing I would look at is the terminal on the end of the wire. Might be all corroded to s41t. Is this just a blade clutch adjustment issue? It's very possible. Does the drive belt from the PTO slow and stop? or does it keep turning but the blades and the belt between them slow and stop? If the PTO is slowing and stopping, you need to adjust the trunion on the rod a turn at a time until it holds. If this doesn't work, then your clutch disc could be worn... instructions for adjustment are in the manuals. Edited August 18, 2013 by Jeffpicks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DoctorHfuhruhurr 137 #6 Posted August 18, 2013 Even though the year has been identified you may be able to clean off the layer of paint on the sticker with some non abrasive cleaner and some light elbow grease. Or maybe gently trace the edge of the sticker and see if you can get the edge of the paint to lift up to the point where you could peel the paint off. The paint probably didn't adhere well to the sticker. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thwh80 0 #7 Posted August 19, 2013 Thanks again for the great info. Doc, unfortunately the paint adhered better than I expected. Someone had apparently tried to clean the sticker up in the past, ruining it. I might do what I can to try and clean up the rest of it and see if I can come up with anything, but I don't hold out much hope. Thanks again! Tom Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jrblanke 918 #8 Posted August 19, 2013 When I read the topic, I was thinking you were talking about dating your tractor....like you saw a picture of it on an online dating site or a craigslist personal ad. I need a vacation... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
