gregorpb 4 #1 Posted September 7, 2021 (edited) Hi all, I’m new here and new to the Electro 12 and new to tractors. Never worked on, ridden on or started one. Just acquired an Electro 12 that’s been sitting for at least 5 years. Don’t even know how to start it. Seems to me, the first thing I’ll need is a battery and some gas. Don’t even know what kind. Any help would be super appreciated. Thanks in advance. Edited September 7, 2021 by gregorpb Typo 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 14,126 #2 Posted September 7, 2021 Welcome to the forum, we're glad to see folks getting into Wheel Horse. There are quite a few members with a lot of Electro experience. They will firstly want to know the info on the number plate--Model and Serial number--so they can point you to the right resources and answer your questions in the right way. And they will also want PICTURES that show the condition and any areas you have questions about. So that's your first order of business--get those and post 'em here! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 23,269 #3 Posted September 7, 2021 Your a total newbie for sure…but you have come to the right place to answer all your questions. If you can, post us a picture or two or three of your Electro 12. We can determine quite a bit just from pics. GAS / Regular 87 octane pump gas is all it requires. BATTERY / Standard lawn and garden 12 volt. Try to get one with at least 300cca 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 18,711 #5 Posted September 7, 2021 Start with reading owners manual here click on fuzy picture to download. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 10,770 #6 Posted September 7, 2021 (edited) The Lots of friendly knowable help here. You've chosen the best brand of tough workhorse old tractor. With it having been setting for 5 years it will probable need a fuel system cleaning, new fuel hoses and filter, so look the fuel system chapter in the manual over good. (The ethanol in fuel really plugs thing up as it sits over time) If your like most of us your ready to here it turn over and start to know you've got a runner tractor to work with. One you get a battery in it, and it will turn over with the key, pull the spark plug and check if it has spark (if plug is carboned/black get a new plug) Once you have spark, you can remove the air filter and use a little squirt can and squirt gas directly into the carburetor while you crank it. (never use starting fluid on these old engines) This should get to to fire and run for a few seconds. After you've hear it run, you'll be encouraged to spend a little time and money to get it into working shape. Edited September 7, 2021 by oliver2-44 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 51,870 #8 Posted September 7, 2021 The guys got you pointed in the right direction. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 67,021 #10 Posted September 7, 2021 Electro models were considered the Cadillac of their time. Enjoy what you have acquired, it should treat you quite well! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
daveoman1966 3,841 #11 Posted September 7, 2021 The Electro 12 was made in 1968-69-70. The K321 (12hp) Kohler was made to run on REAL GAS...not the ethanol mix **** that is at most filling stations today. Look for ETHANOL FREE gas and use ONLY that gas. To find an outlet station, just google ETHANOL FREE GAS in your ZIP CODE...there'll be locations. ps...here is what regular gas looks like in your carb bowl...after about a month or so. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 14,126 #12 Posted September 8, 2021 (edited) 2 hours ago, daveoman1966 said: To find an outlet station, just google ETHANOL FREE GAS in your ZIP CODE...there'll be locations. ps...here is what regular gas looks like in your carb bowl...after about a month or so. All well and good if the nearest place to buy ethanol-free is not 55 miles away! Edited September 8, 2021 by Handy Don Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gregorpb 4 #13 Posted September 8, 2021 Hey all! Thanks so much for the welcome and the info to start. I haven't picked the tractor up yet, but here are the few photos I have so more. Will pick the horse up next week and will post more pics. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 10,770 #14 Posted September 8, 2021 O....my eyes, my eyes Be kind to that poor mistreated horse and cover up that Green seat with some black VHT Vinyl Dye. ok, I know you don’t even have it home yet 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gregorpb 4 #15 Posted September 8, 2021 Funny, that was one of my first thoughts! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skipper 1,789 #16 Posted September 8, 2021 (edited) Congrats. It can become a really good tractor! A few things I noticed: See if PO has the PTO clutch parts laying around. As it sits there, there is no PTO on the engine, and you will not be able to use any powered tools before that's sorted. Also, if a deck (or other attachments) for it is sitting around in the shed, that might be a good thing to get too. In that case, get all the mounting gear for that also. Seems the air filter cover is on the seat. You might in general want to check that you get all parts to put it back together again. On the gas and ethanol. Yes ethanol is a bad thing for these old machines, but there are ways to get around it. There's stabilizers you can mix in the fuel, and just a dash of good 2 stroke oil will do the trick too. Not a big issue if handled. It's if you don't do anything, it becomes a problem. That muffler that's on it, can be a bit loud, and you could find a used (or new repop) of the Nielson type to put on it. It will be a much more enjoyable ride. If you want to get another seat for it, the best available match IMO, is the low back michigan seat that's on it.......in black! Last peace of advice. Check the engine and trans oil before you try to crank it. If it's there and looks like oil, then fine. If not................. And then when you have it running, change the oil + filter on trans if there is one. (don't remember on that model) It can be a really good little machine, with some $$ and some TLC. Just my Edited September 8, 2021 by Skipper Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 14,126 #17 Posted September 8, 2021 6 hours ago, Skipper said: Seems the air filter cover is on the seat If the carb has been left open in a barn setting, there's a good chance critters have made a home in there. But more concerning to me is that it looks like that machine has been in a flood. The muddied floor and the water marks on the tires are the tipoff. Caution advised. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gregorpb 4 #18 Posted September 8, 2021 Money has already been exchanged, but thanks for the caution. I’ll definitely be cleaning out the gas tank and the carbs and replacing the spark plug. The PO has this mower deck, but isn’t sure it goes with the Wheel Horse. I looked through google images to see if I could find a similar one, but was unable to. Any thoughts? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 14,126 #19 Posted September 8, 2021 7 minutes ago, gregorpb said: Money has already been exchanged, but thanks for the caution. I’ll definitely be cleaning out the gas tank and the carbs and replacing the spark plug. The PO has this mower deck, but isn’t sure it goes with the Wheel Horse. I looked through google images to see if I could find a similar one, but was unable to. Any thoughts? Not a WH deck. Looks like it was driven directly off a horizontal shaft engine PTO with the clutch on the deck, maybe a Bolens? Interesting spinning flap. vibration damper on the driveshaft. Beyond that, no idea, sorry. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gregor 4,847 #20 Posted September 8, 2021 15 minutes ago, Handy Don said: Interesting spinning flap. vibration damper on the driveshaft. Maybe it's purpose is to create a draft and keep the deck clear of clippings? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ohiofarmer 3,379 #21 Posted September 9, 2021 on the fron of the engine in the first picture...... Is that electronic ignigtion and not a coil? Just curious. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 18,711 #22 Posted September 9, 2021 Triangular shaped object is the coil for a breakerless ignition system. They work really well no timing issues no points to worry about....but if a trigger fails replacements are very hard to find and pricey...Also like any self energizing ignition it will be destroyed if you apply voltage to the M wire... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gregorpb 4 #23 Posted September 10, 2021 dumb question - from the pictures, it looks like I'm going to have to change the battery leads to accommodate this battery. What size nut and bolt leads should I be getting? Electricity is not my thing Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 18,711 #24 Posted September 10, 2021 (edited) That is a motor cycle battery. Will be be too small for your battery box. You should just get an L&G tractor battery from just about any auto parts store Wally World Edited September 10, 2021 by pfrederi Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 14,126 #25 Posted September 10, 2021 7 minutes ago, pfrederi said: That is a motor cycle battery. Will be be too small for your battery box. You should just get an L&G tractor battery from just about any auto parts store Wally World If you'll be starting often in very cold weather, you might consider going from 275 to a higher CCA (cold cranking amps), maybe 330. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
