Lee1977 6,661 #1 Posted January 2 (edited) Just picked up a 1985 312-8 free, not the way I wanted. My friend has been losing the battle with cancer for a couple of years. He wanted me to have his tractor. Edited January 2 by Lee1977 1 1 10 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 21,318 #2 Posted January 2 Sorry about your friend. Cancer is so damn cruel. He made the right choice making you the keeper of the tractor. 2 9 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,497 #3 Posted January 2 Prayers for your friend. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 12,062 #4 Posted January 2 3 hours ago, Sparky said: Sorry about your friend. Cancer is so damn cruel. He made the right choice making you the keeper of the tractor. Well said Mike. I'm sorry as well Don. I pray your friend finds healing and peace, in that order. I agree 100% as well on you being the keeper of that machine. I know how well you keep your tractors up, and this one will greatly benefit from that. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 25,562 #5 Posted January 2 Prayers for your friend. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,243 #6 Posted January 2 @Lee1977, we are all saddened that your friend is struggling with cancer. Two close friends passed away from cancer last month and it leaves a tremendous hole in your soul. Prayers for a peaceful passing and strength for his friends and family. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,661 #7 Posted January 5 (edited) Started work on the 312-8 it's in good shape for the most part. Tight axle pivot, tie rods still in good shape, same with the steering, and rear hubs, really strong 12 HP Kohler. Frame covered in surface rust, spots of rust and missing paint on the sheet metal, dust boot mostly rotted away, think the dirt under it may be why it doesn't shift smoothly. Solid tractor that needs to be taken apart, a few repairs and repainted. THe tractor was like this when my friend got it 5 years ago. I have already changed the rear wheels and tires with the one that came on my Raider. The inside flange on both wheels is almost rusted off. Working on the hood hinges now All the damage was done before my friend got it, sat in a dry enclosed shed while he had it. Edited January 5 by Lee1977 5 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 21,318 #8 Posted January 5 1 hour ago, Lee1977 said: Frame covered in surface rust, spot of rust and missing paint on the sheet metal, dust boot mostly rotted away, think the dirt under it may be why it doesn't shift smoothly. The inside flange on both wheels is almost rusted off. Working on the hood hinges now All the damage was done before my friend got it, sat in a dry enclosed shed while he had it. I keep all of mine indoors… an outside tractor just ages so quickly. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,629 #9 Posted January 5 @Lee1977 very sorry about your friend , agree with @Sparky on his choice for you as the keeper of tractor , done a number of recoveries , that shift boot area , after a drain, flush on the trans , like silicone grease on the INSIDE OF THE SHIFTER BOOT , especially at very bottom / lets it slide over the irregularities' on top of trans , also add a TYE WRAP , just ABOVE THE SHIFT BOOT , on steel shaft , makes it last . lots of hours on mine , solid. personally , would get after a lubrication . awakening of that paint finish , penetrating oil aerosol , spray and let soak , at least a day , notice , a darkening of paint , lubrication spreading , wipe down with clean cloth , do it again , a light cleaner wax , will bring out paint at that point . wipe those engine tins ,down with a clean cloth oil lubricant , black , shinny ? on your way , good luck , Pete 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,661 #10 Posted January 6 (edited) That repair piece of steel should be on the other side.. I didn't but I made it work anyway. Edited January 6 by Lee1977 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,661 #11 Posted January 10 (edited) Bought some new tires for the tractor. I was checking prices on Deestone 400 x 8 2 for $45 plus shipping. I know I paid $54 for 2 in 2016 ,I think they were 2 for $36 back then. Saw Richard's post on tires for the A-60. So I checked their price. For a few dollars more and got these 400 x 8 Deestones. Now I need another Wheel Horse to put them on. Edited January 10 by Lee1977 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,661 #12 Posted January 16 Got the new tires and new seat on the 312-8. 4 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,661 #13 Posted January 18 I'm making progress switched out the tie rods to heims joints and towed in the front end 3/16". I was a 1/4" out with the stock fixed tie rods. 3 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 5,458 #14 Posted January 18 On 1/1/2024 at 9:57 PM, Sparky said: Sorry about your friend. Cancer is so damn cruel. He made the right choice making you the keeper of the tractor. Lee sorry to hear about your friend. Prayers are going out. And well said Mike. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,661 #15 Posted January 18 (edited) Finished making the 6" spindle reinforcing for the 312-8 Edited January 18 by Lee1977 3 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,661 #16 Posted January 19 Reinforced spindles all finished with a Earl Shive baked on finish. 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 12,062 #17 Posted January 19 6 minutes ago, Lee1977 said: Reinforced spindles all finished with a Earl Shive baked on finish Well done! Looks real nice Don! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 5,458 #18 Posted January 19 Don: That came out great. Should last another fifty years. Enjoy the ride. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,661 #19 Posted February 11 Got the 312-8 out today add new fuel filter, new gas line and check valve. It has a good fuel pump but takes a long time to pull the gas up after setting a couple of weeks. Didn't get any pictures, I have clean it up better; Still waiting on some parts before I can do any more. . 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
