Lagersolut 661 #26 Posted January 21, 2023 I own a 315-8 from new . It's a good machine but I had to make a few adjustments - leaked oil after a couple few years from the overhead valve cover - thinking this was an easy fix went to the parts list - long story short there isn't gasket - Kohler did what we use to do years ago for a short term fix - called them smear gaskets - run a bead of form a gasket on the cover channel re-install . I ordered gasket material cut my own installed a real gasket - 10-12 years later still dry . Next , the engine has an air induction tube from the blower housing to the air cleaner - mow the grass ( my acre ) 3 times the air cleaner was packed full of dirt and grass - to me this was designed to self destruct so the tube was eliminated , closed off the opening on the housing and air cleaner with sealant and sheet metal . Unlike my Kohler K's these aluminum jugs accumulate a lot more grass under the tins around the jug and fins - regular trips to the air compressor to blow out debris is highly recommended . Exhaust - Kohler is proud of that muffler - 1 month off warranty cracked off the flange- repeated trips to get it welded - kept cracking behind each repair bead - 3-$400 for a new one - fast forward to last year #2 muffler had a crack at the flange -long story short I put the problem on anther forum- found a tig welder who said these needed a delicate touch you can't overheat the metal - his number is now stored in my phone - talk about a pro bead - this guy knows his weld/metals - I don't mow much at all with the 315 anymore it's a dedicated blade tractor for snow -mulch -ground etc etc , I'm hooked on the 416-8 with a 4ft deck for mowing and blowing duties . Would I go 5300 on it - probably not - new or not these tractors have a very limited audience - sitting all these time without oil moving around coating the gears and seals would be a major concern - something tells me oil leaks right out of the gate with dry cracked seals - these cast iron cases like moister half the gears are above the oil - I once rebuilt a Troy built horse that sat for years - the main drive shaft that sat out of the oil from non use was .......toast ....just my 2 cents 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thor27 769 #27 Posted January 22, 2023 Sorry, zero help from me on the 315. I just got to say that little truck looks like a lot of fun. What 4 sp is that? How do the mopar purists react to seeing a sbc? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jagco 16 #28 Posted January 22, 2023 On 1/20/2023 at 5:08 PM, Blasterdad said: Sorry to hear your tractor was stolen. "C" Series are good mowers too, basically the same tractor as the 300-400's but with less wiring.... Personally I would not start out with a 520, way more complicated & Onan parts are pricey... This is my "go to girl" for mowing, 1976 C-120 with a 48" deck. She ticks like a swiss watch... One of my C-81's with a 36" rear discharge deck, I use it for cutting in around tree's and close to the house & smaller parts of the lawn. thanks for the info On 1/20/2023 at 5:08 PM, Blasterdad said: Sorry to hear your tractor was stolen. "C" Series are good mowers too, basically the same tractor as the 300-400's but with less wiring.... Personally I would not start out with a 520, way more complicated & Onan parts are pricey... This is my "go to girl" for mowing, 1976 C-120 with a 48" deck. She ticks like a swiss watch... One of my C-81's with a 36" rear discharge deck, I use it for cutting in around tree's and close to the house & smaller parts of the lawn. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jagco 16 #29 Posted January 22, 2023 18 hours ago, Thor27 said: Sorry, zero help from me on the 315. I just got to say that little truck looks like a lot of fun. What 4 sp is that? How do the mopar purists react to seeing a sbc? Thanks to all for your help, I do get few jokes like 1/2 breed. Trans is tex racing out of a nascar. Clutch-less shifting only take off. I had mazda rx7 with mopar 372 motor 727 dana 60 rear sold it few years ago. re-moving the th350 trans I had in the truck. The arrow is my old drag race truck. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 12,100 #30 Posted January 23, 2023 On 1/21/2023 at 10:49 AM, clueless said: Two acres plus eight more to cut, take the $5300 and buy a good Z-turn, you won't be disappointed and you'll have way more time to work on the truck . If you want just a mower, I have to agree. I genuinely love my Wheel Horses, but my zero turn cuts my mowing time by hours. There is just no comparison. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John c 79 #31 Posted January 23, 2023 the price would be enough to put me off, that later model OHV engine would be all it took for me to walk away. Hold out to find a 312 or 314 if you want another "garden" tractor. the 2 guys ahead of me are right, buy a ZTR to cut the grass with 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
