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Bill D

My friends new 312-8

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Bill D

A friend of mine picked up his first Wheel Horse. It is a 1998 312-8, Model 73428,  S/N 8900145.  It has about 650 hours and came with a 37 inch deck and bagger.  It will need some minor work, including replacemnt of the front axle.  I have couple of questions about this model as it is different from my 80's vintage machines.  First what length belt does the deck take?  Second are there any known problems with the Kohler Command engine that I should be aware of?  Is the drive belt the same as other machines with the K and Magnum engines?   The gas spring for the clutch was shot so we went back to tho old style clutch spring.  Anything else specific to this model and year that I should be aware of as I help him fix it up?  Thanks.        

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gwest_ca

Bit of info including the tractor drive belt on this page. Click on the picture.

Mower drive belt on this page. Click on the picture.

Garry

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Ed Kennell

One common problem with all the tractors with the fuel tank under the seat.

The lower fuel tank allows the fuel to drain back into the tank over time....most of the fuel pumps are not drop tight.

This can result in hard starting due to the fuel pump losing it's prime.

Some solutions to this problem are:

1. fill the tank after each use...the fuel level will be above the fuel pump

2. install a 1/4 turn petcock in the fuel line and turn off after use.

3. install a marine type primer bulb in the fuel line to prime the fuel pump

4. install an electric fuel pump

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doc724

I have a 1998 314.  I have no problems with the position of the fuel tank and it starts fine (probably because it is only 20 years old).  Not so much with my 40 year old C141.  Have to keep the tank half full on that one especially if it is not used for 2-3 weeks.

 

Other than an oil leak on the PTO side of the engine, (since fixed), I have had no other problems with this motor.  As far as I know the drive belt is the same.  My gas clutch spring gave up the ghost this past summer.  I just added the traditional spring.  Gotta be real careful though, pop that clutch and you will lift the front off the ground.

 

Only negative to the newer tractors is all the safety switches and etc.  The positive is that my spouse cannot drive it with the parking brake on. :-)

 

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Jerry77
1 hour ago, Ed Kennell said:

install an electric fuel pump

:text-yeahthat:

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