max312 1 #1 Posted April 5, 2019 (edited) Hello all, I'm a new member here. I just picked up a late 80s 312-8. Love it so far, came with the deck, tiller, bagger system, wheel weights and a yard cart. Was barely running when i bought it. Since then ive replaced the carb, fuel pump, some lines, a battery, throttle/choke, oil, and air filters. It is running now just needs some fine tuning to the carb. sorry about the long post, figured i would give you guys the background of what i have and what ive done so far. On to My question about the choke cable is when i pull the choke handle out the carb blade closes and when the choke handle is pushed in the blade is open. Is this normal? or is it supposed to be reversed. I wouldnt know how it orginally was due to the choke cable being rusted/broke off. Any tips or tricks for that. Also if you guys have any advice in general for a new owner of an old but still pretty stout 312-8. Edited April 5, 2019 by max312 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JAinVA 4,637 #2 Posted April 5, 2019 (edited) The choke plate should close when the knob is pulled out and open to a horizontal location when the knob is pushed in.It sounds as if yours is functioning correctly On general maintenance, raise the front tires slightly off the ground when greasing the front end and change oil every twenty hours.Remember that these engines have no oil filter so regular oil changes will greatly lengthen life. Edited April 5, 2019 by JAinVA 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lane Ranger 11,397 #3 Posted April 5, 2019 (edited) 312-8 TORO WHEELHORSE CHOKE CABLE PART# 112214 I changed a couple of these recently on 312 and 314 Toro/Wheel Horses. Remove the battery to install and they mount pretty easily! No corrison either. Edited April 5, 2019 by Lane Ranger Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 9,280 #4 Posted April 5, 2019 make a regular habet to LUBRICATE THESE CABLES , i get the oil drip out of the end to verify its coverage, end to end. by the way good feedback on your question / issue, letting us know what you have done , shows us your interest and desire to correct base line maintenance . keep it going max312 , pete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
max312 1 #5 Posted April 5, 2019 Appreciate the tips. I just wanted to makes sure the choke was set correctly since i wasnt able to see how it worked on the old one. i read alot on here about lubricating cables and all the other parts. After riding on this 312-8 compared to my mom's new craftsman, i think i have the better one. Atleast mine will most likely last longer 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites