scagtc 0 #1 Posted June 7, 2014 Hey guys I just picked up an 86 312a. The oil level in the dipstick under the seat is way high anyway I can drain some? Also when I try to engage the pto the engine starts to bog down and back fire, any help would be appreciated! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
N3PUY 1,031 #2 Posted June 7, 2014 Well, on the oil level ... drain it, flush it, refill it. Most likely the shifter boot is broken and it has funneled water in the transmission. Does the engine backfire through the carb or muffler? If carb it's a fuel problem (too lean) and if it's the muffler it's an ignition problem. Keep us posted. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ericj 1,579 #3 Posted June 7, 2014 the bogging down is the pto or the seat safety switches trying yo kill the motor, good luck eric j Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scagtc 0 #4 Posted June 8, 2014 Where is a drain plug located? What type and capacity of oil? I believe it was through the air cleaner, maybe it backfired because I had the air cleaner and housing removed. The pto does seem to smoke a tad when I engage it, wich pulley should the mower belt be on? I have not yet ruled out a bad spindle either. Anyway to adjust the pto? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shallowwatersailor 3,214 #5 Posted June 8, 2014 If you have a 312A, it doesn't have a shifter boot. The drain plug is on the bottom of the transaxle and is an Allen head screw. That uses 10W-30. Fill it to the correct level on the dipstick. Also make sure that you have oil in the transmission which is the plastic reservoir with the black cap. That uses 20W or 30W non-detergent oil. The level for that is about an inch below the top. The belt for mowing goes on the inner sheave. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scagtc 0 #6 Posted June 8, 2014 Is there any place I could get an owners manual or a service manual? Thanks alot for all the quick replies Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JimD 3,347 #7 Posted June 8, 2014 There are two model numbers for that year 312A: 21-12KE01 Owner's Manual .............. http://www.mywheelhorse.com/graphics/file/Tractors/TR_1986_300-400_OM_810437R1.pdf 21-12KE02 Owner's Manual .............. http://www.mywheelhorse.com/graphics/file/Tractors/TR_1986_300-400_OM_810437R1.pdf Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shallowwatersailor 3,214 #8 Posted June 8, 2014 Try this in the Manuals section. When searching, put a space after the 2. It will need: 312 A Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scagtc 0 #10 Posted June 8, 2014 Thank you great info, although in the owners manual it doesnt really say how to remove and install the mower deck, also how do I release the tension on the pto belt? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,472 #11 Posted June 8, 2014 Don't know what width of cut you have but the installation is the same for any of them This is for the 42" side discharge so if you have something different let us know. Garry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scagtc 0 #12 Posted June 9, 2014 Hey thanks for all the manuals everyone they did the trick, the parking brake light stayed on so I figured out the switch was disconnected, solved the problem. Now its just a little sluggish can anyone give me any carb tuning tips on this engine? Also should the pto pulley have play in it? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
