312-8 repower

[CCW 1,295]

After considering my many options I have decided to repower my 312-8 using a kit provided by repowerspecialist.com.  Everything that is needed is provided and they give unlimited telephone technical support.  Removing the PTO and drive pulley from the M12 was not a problem and mounting them onto the new Honda GX630 was easy.  The new engine has a custom mounting plate to position it correctly and leads me to reason for this post.  

 

With my newly installed hip I am unable to kneel down to work so I cannot take any measurements.  If you take a look at the attached photo you can see the new mounting plate and the holes that are not correctly aligned.  The Repower company will drill me a new plate at no charge, but I need to give them some precise measurements.  Does anyone know the exact center to center distance between the hole on the frame in front of the mounting plate.  See photo.

 

 

[CCW 1,295]

A couple more photos.

 

 

 

Edited November 25, 2023 by CCW

[ebinmaine 67,508]

I don't have a bare frame of an 80s+ tractor so I don't dare guess.  

However.....

 

Because the holes are the same diameter you can certainly measure from one side of a hole to the same side of the other hole. 

See pic and yellow lines.  

 

I would line up the number one on the tape instead of trying to align the end tab. Just easier for me.  Get your measurements, subtract an inch, and go with it.   

[CCW 1,295]

@ebinmaine

Measuring edge to edge of the hole is my plan, just cannot do it for another month until my hip heals.  Just means I loose a month to get the job done.

 

BTW - I plan on cleaning out all the gearing for the steering.

 

[Ed Kennell 38,178]

Can you lay the edge of the tape across the center of the holes as Eric suggests,  then use a camera to snap a picture of each hole.

Subtract the two = hole spacing.       

[ebinmaine 67,508]

@CCW

 

Ya know it occured to me yesterday afternoon that we have a 312-8 here which is the future frame our Wally Digger Backhoe. 

Trina and I can get the engine off that later this morning and get your measurements. 

It needs to be done anyway and won't take but 5 minutes.  

 

[ebinmaine 67,508]

@CCW

 

 

Here's what we found.  

 

 

 

My tape is pointing at the two holes I measured across. 

 

 

This is with the other hole at the ONE INCH LINE.  

I'd call that 5 3/16"  or  5.1875

 

 

 

[Lee1977 6,661]

The mounting holes for the 312 are not lined up straight across at the front or back. They are farther apart on the flywheel side. I don't have a bare frame so I can't get the dimensions.,.

The center line of crank shaft the new engine should line up the back side of the PTO lope. I have only mounted Briggs Vanguards. The frame engine mounting holes for Kohler K Series and Magnums are the same.

Here is a picture of a mounting plate for a Briggs Vanguard.

 

 

 

Edited November 28, 2023 by Lee1977

[ebinmaine 67,508]

12 minutes ago, Lee1977 said:

The mounting holes for the 312 are not lined up straight across at the front or back. They are farther apart on the flywheel side. I don't have a bare frame so I can't get the dimensions

 

 

Interesting info.  

 

 

@CCW I can get more measurements tomorrow afternoon if you need them.  

[CCW 1,295]

@Ed Kennell - Unfortunately right now I am unable to do any work on it at all and if I did the Mrs. would have my head.

 

@Lee1977 - Thank you for pointing out this difference.  This will be double checked before I submit a work order.

 

@ebinmaine & Trinna - Thank you for your efforts.  Your 5 3/16 is very similar to what I have found.  My photo was not as sharp as your shot.  Gives me more confidence.  Maybe by the end of next week I can get some vernier calipers on them.

 

@ebinmaine - Please when you have a chance.  I will be making a template of the holes and having the extra set of measurements would be reassuring.

 

 

[ebinmaine 67,508]

4 minutes ago, CCW said:

Please when you have a chance.  I will be making a template of the holes and having the extra set of measurements would be reassuring.

Glad to help. I'll check it later today.

[peter lena 8,629]

@CCW  make sure you , stay after your hip related rehab , have  2 replacement knees , now over 16 years , stay at that , now , noticing your black fuel line , typically ethanol fuel , breaks those down in to  grunge, recommend going to a clear / colored vinyl fuel hose entire replacement from a clean tank , filter close / from tank , a second filter closer to carb , drop that carb bowl , clean out crud .  found using  STA-BIL fuel additive , to all my fuel , stops hose break down , just a suggestion . make corrective improvements as you go / verify operation . good luck .  

[CCW 1,295]

@peter lena - Thanks for the rehab encouragement.  I get lots of that from my wife who was a physical therapist assistant.  Both a blessing and a curse for the recovery effort.  It's amazing how many people I have met during the past two months who have had a hip or two done.  Then add in the knees.

 

I appreciate the fuel line suggestion.  It was replace in 2017 when I obtained the tractor, but I will replace it again now.

 

 

[ebinmaine 67,508]

10 minutes ago, CCW said:

fuel line suggestion

 

I'll offer a second vote to replace your fuel line.

I've been trying to use the see-through blue stuff for several years now and I like that I can see the fuel but I haven't been having the best of luck with lifespan on it.

 

I asked my friendly neighborhood excellent small engine repair shop and he said they actually had to stop using it.

They were finding a lifespan of 3 years, then it would stiffen up.

 

He now uses a thin wall solid black rubber compound sold by Briggs & Stratton that he calls LOW PERM.

[peter lena 8,629]

@CCW  had my own fuel line / tank related issues  , the only way to really change that  out of the picture is a fresh start . ensuring its clean / fresh , from tank to carb . replaced tank valve , use SUPER LUBE  on rubber , for easier installation , improves rubber / plastic slide point , local hard ware store $ 6 , new vinyl line lay out , 2 filters , 1 close to tank , other close to carb , drop carb bowl , clean out crud , like to add a cleaner to gas , always add  STA BIL  gas storage additive to all my fuel ,  1  to  2  oz. to top off .  lets you use ethanol fuel   with zero hose break down  issues . using this combo for years , consistently works , carbs are clean / clear . just what I do , battery tenders on my 3 horses , quick / easy plug in , also use a incandescent bulb  in a reflector  under my engines in a cold shed , instant starts ,  pete

[CCW 1,295]

On 11/28/2023 at 10:51 AM, peter lena said:

 also use a incandescent bulb  in a reflector  under my engines in a cold shed , instant starts ,  pete

 

My brother is looking to keep his tractor oil warm for winter startup.  What wattage bulb?  Is it on all the time?

 

[ebinmaine 67,508]

On 11/28/2023 at 8:15 AM, ebinmaine said:

Glad to help. I'll check it later today.

@CCW I've been busier n a one armed wallpaper hanger with an itchy backside. 

I'll get those measurements for ya Thursday afternoon.  

 

[CCW 1,295]

8 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

@CCW I've been busier n a one armed wallpaper hanger with an itchy backside. 

I'll get those measurements for ya Thursday afternoon.  

 

 

Not a problem.  Though healing well I really cannot get back to the shed until next week.

[peter lena 8,629]

@CCW   CEC BRAND BULBS , CALLED TOUGH SKIN BULBS , 1030 LUMENS , 100 WATT . like the Walmart " squeeze clamp reflector " . stand it on end of clamp , reflector up toward engine bottom ,  probably  2" away from oil pan . leave it on in cold weather , check verify  its position , slight heat to engine , another thing about this , is the slightly warmed oil , will smoke less , mine does not smoke at all . have a battery tender on that tractor ?  have that on also . there are also magnetic , oil pan heaters , snoop around . used these bulbs for years on my 3 horses , simple / easy , for a  quick winter start , also look up Walmart  squeeze clamp bulb reflector  about $ 7 .  mine are on duty , now ,Walmart bulb reflectorhttps://www.walmart.com/ip/Champion-Electronics-8-5-Aluminum-Clamp-Light-150-Watt-Max-Bulb-Not-Included/889980959?  pete

 

    

[ebinmaine 67,508]

On 11/29/2023 at 4:58 PM, CCW said:

 

Not a problem.  Though healing well I really cannot get back to the shed until next week.

 

 

Short (PTO) side

10 11/16

 

Long (flywheel) side

11 1/16

 

 

 

 

 

[CCW 1,295]

@ebinmaine Thank you for these measurements.  I will get my template off to have the mounting plate machined.  My hip has improved quite a bit and I should be back in the shed in a week or two.  Will get pictures up as the process takes place.

 

[ebinmaine 67,508]

2 minutes ago, CCW said:

@ebinmaine Thank you for these measurements.  I will get my template off to have the mounting plate machined.  My hip has improved quite a bit and I should be back in the shed in a week or two.  Will get pictures up as the process takes place.

 

 

You're welcome. 

 

Let me know if they/you need anything else.

 

[CCW 1,295]

It's time to give you all an update on this project.  With @ebinmaine's help I was able to confirm the dimensions of the holes in my frame which allowed me to create a template to drill two holes in the mounting plate the new engine would be bolted to.  This template was mailed to the company who machined a new plate and threaded the holes which made mounting the plate easier, at no cost. New plate arrived yesterday and today I aligned all the holes and bolted it into place.  Then with the new engine on my dolly (I forget who suggested the dolly, but it worked perfectly) I rolled it into place and slid the engine right onto the mounting plate.  All bolted down.  See the photos below.

 

 

[CCW 1,295]

Question regarding my next step. 

 

Before reassembling the PTO and extra paraphernalia I thought I would get the engine running and test drive.  This would allow me to confirm that the drive belt is properly aligned and tensioned.  Is there any reason I should not do this?  Many of you are seasoned engine swappers and I'm guessing you would know better than I.

 

 

[Red-Bovine 309]

Looks good. I wouldn't think there would be a problem doing a test run. Looks like your clutch bracket worked out well. Curious that the base plate needed to be reworked.