Another 312-8

[FreeBilly 23]

Hello all, while I work (slowly) on a frame repair/reinforcement on my 312-8, I got impatient and bought another one. The firewood is piling up everywhere and I have nothing to pull it with. This one came from an estate sale of a guy who was a serious collector of vintage tractors and is all OEM unlike my Frankensteined first one. 1000 hours but runs like new and for $350 I think I did ok. I changed the engine oil, cleaned and oiled the air filter and replaced the half & half that was in the transmission with gear oil. I will be replacing the axel seals. Curious what else you all recommend for service on a new to me tractor. Also, what is the function of these washers on the axel?

[leabassett@sbcglobal.net 149]

Looks like you may want to look at the shifter boot. That may be the cause of some of the water in the rear.

[FreeBilly 23]

7 minutes ago, leabassett@sbcglobal.net said:

Looks like you may want to look at the shifter boot. 

I think you’re right, and judging by the algae growth, it sat outside for quite some time 

[953 nut 55,236]

33 minutes ago, FreeBilly said:

1000 hours but runs like new and for $350 I think I did ok.

I think you did just fine, It could be a case of someone not turning themkey off and the hour meter just kept running for a week or so.

[ebinmaine 67,507]

1 hour ago, FreeBilly said:

I will be replacing the axel seals. Curious what else you all recommend for service on a new to me tractor. Also, what is the function of these washers on the axel?

 

You did just fine. 

When you pull the hubs to replace the seals DO NOT use a 3 jaw puller. There's quite a few threads detailing much better ideas. An old hub with threaded rod works well when combined with the right center puller.  

 

The axle washers are just a PO's idea of a space filler. 

They're not needed and in fact may be there because the ub was moving. 

 

Use NEW set screws. Properly torqued. 

 

 

For a list of Things to look at click here: 

 

 

 

 

 

And most importantly; 

Keep asking questions!!

 

🤔 

 

 

 

[DoctorHfuhruhurr 137]

The washers may be adapting a hub or axle from another model that wasn't a direct fit (guess).  Is it like that on both sides?  

[FreeBilly 23]

Just now, DoctorHfuhruhurr said:

The washers may be adapting a hub or axle from another model that wasn't a direct fit (guess).  Is it like that on both sides?  

No sir, only has washers on one side. Other side looks totally normal 

[Pullstart 62,887]

2 hours ago, DoctorHfuhruhurr said:

The washers may be adapting a hub or axle from another model that wasn't a direct fit (guess).  Is it like that on both sides?  

 are the hubs the same thickness or length on the shaft?

[ebinmaine 67,507]

8 hours ago, DoctorHfuhruhurr said:

The washers may be adapting a hub or axle from another model that wasn't a direct fit (guess).  Is it like that on both sides?  

 

Your comment on adapting made me think...

🤔 

 

Zoom in on the pic and you'll see the upper set screw appears tilted. 

 

I'd bet those washers are there to attempt to hold the hub in place. 

 

8 hours ago, FreeBilly said:

No sir, only has washers on one side. Other side looks totally normal 

 

You can save that hub by redrilling the set screw hole opposite to its current location. 

You could also get another hub and use that one as a part of your puller in the future. 

 

You'll want to carefully check the wheel bearings,  especially on that side. 

Once OFF the ground and wheel removed,  lift the axle and move it fore n aft. Should be very little movement. 

 

 

[WHX?? 48,815]

12 hours ago, FreeBilly said:

Also, what is the function of these washers on the axel?

They are plastic or nylon thrust washers. Some tractors have them some don't. 

For protecting the seal from the hub? Not sure. I run them. 

[ebinmaine 67,507]

5 minutes ago, WHX?? said:

They are plastic or nylon thrust washers. Some tractors have them some don't. 

For protecting the seal from the hub? Not sure. I run them. 

 

 

Hard to say with the seal leak there but his washers appear to be rusty  (??)

 

 

[FreeBilly 23]

1 minute ago, ebinmaine said:

 

Hard to say with the seal leak there but his washers appear to be rusty  (??)

 

 

Yes indeed these are steel washers 

[ebinmaine 67,507]

4 minutes ago, FreeBilly said:

Yes indeed these are steel washers 

 

Like @WHX?? states,  Wheelhorse sometimes installed nylon. 

Highly unlikely those steel washers are factory. 

[peter lena 8,629]

@FreeBilly  welcome !  where ar you located in ct ?  couple things  things  , noticing your trans drain , like to use  hi mileage  ATF fluid as a drive around flushing / cleaning  agent , also kerosene works , use every gear / range  forward / back , to insure transition , on that shift boot , like to grease lubricate the INSIDE BOTTOM  of the boot , so it easily slides over the irregular  points , dragging boot , also grease the inside of the boot sleeve , so it slides on easily  , like a tye wrap  about 1/2" above the boot on shifter shaft , helps it stay  in place  , increases life . https://defender.com/en_us/wpt-flax-packing-extractor-tool-size-1-10160?u  use this type of packing puller  with a tiny hole in side of seal , screw in / pull out / easy . also drop carb bowl , clean out , replace fuel filter close to carb .  looks like a perfect time for a penetrating oil spray down , on the tractor , let spray sit a couple of days , to soak in / feed paint /  wipe down with a clean oiled cloth , start a patina paint finish , more ideas / things I do , just ask , pete

[rjg854 11,362]

  @FreeBilly

[FreeBilly 23]

1 hour ago, peter lena said:

@FreeBilly  welcome !  where ar you located in ct ? 

Hey Peter, this was a ton of awesome and super helpful info. I am located near Killingly, Ct. Thanks again for your insight