Handy Don 12,217 #26 Posted July 21 5 hours ago, JCD said: He said 2000 hours but that it was not correct as the previous owner had left the key on. That would be 83 days to rack up 2000 hours on the meter At least some of these hours are from running it, Even a moderately used machine that is 30 years old could easily have as many as 700 hours of running. Agreeing with @Sparky and @Pullstart, not hard to walk away leaving the key in “run" on a stopped magneto engine. And it does not keep the lights on so the battery will last quite a while. I could see a good battery running the clock for three months at 700+ hours per month. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JCD 59 #27 Posted July 22 I did end up buying the tractor, the engine started right up, no smoke, no evidence of any leaks. It had been repainted and needs a bit of work but it not anything I don't think I can handle. The parking brake doesn't engage, I think it's just an adjustment to the cable or mechanism, it moves easily and you can feel it start to catch but doesn't hold and pops forward. My one concern is the height adjustment knob is missing from the dash like the restorer lost it and just put it back together without it. Anyone with a 312-8 know how hard it would be so source one and how difficult it is to install? or do I even need one, the lift lever works fine but I do want to eventually get a tiller not sure if that requires the additional adjustment Aside from those it definitely needs the brakes replaced, after that I think I'm good to go Thanks, Jim. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 12,217 #28 Posted July 22 The height adjusting knob (really a minimum height limiter) has no effect on the mower, which gets adjusted using the gauge wheels. It might be useful with a front dozer/snow blade, a grader mid-blade, or any implement using a rear lift hitch (slot or sleeve). Not all WH models had one from the factory. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,222 #29 Posted July 22 22 hours ago, JCD said: From the manual Lights The headlights are turned on with a separate position, “LIGHTS”, of the ignition switch (Fig. 15). The lights are on while the ignition switch is in the “LIGHTS” position even with the engine off. Remove the key when the machine is left unattended so lights cannot be turned on discharging the battery. I'm still not sure what to think about this The lights can only be turned on while the ignition switch is in the on/run position or start AND the light switch is turned on. The "L" terminal of the ignition switch also connects to the safety switches and hour meter as well as receiving charging power from the voltage regulator. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JCD 59 #30 Posted July 22 Thanks, I noticed the Toro 312-8 manual I have bookmarked is wrong about the key positions. Jim 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,484 #31 Posted July 22 1 hour ago, JCD said: My one concern is the height adjustment knob is missing from the dash like the restorer lost it and just put it back together without it. Anyone with a 312-8 know how hard it would be so source one and how difficult it is to install? We have a project 312-8 here that's not going to need a lift mechanism at all. If I have that knob you're welcome to it for the price of freight. A note on ANY PARTS you need. Redsquare has a GREAT group of folks. We help each other out regularly. We also have a Vendors Section. I highly recommend becoming familiar with @76c12091520h Brian Badman of K & B Horse Parts. Keep poking around and asking questions. I'd also highly recommend becoming a Redsquare Supporter. A few bucks a year and worth every penny. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JCD 59 #32 Posted July 22 Wow that's incredibly nice of you Eric, Thank you Jim 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,484 #33 Posted July 22 14 minutes ago, JCD said: Wow that's incredibly nice of you Eric, Thank you Jim Oh... not really. I'm a jerk. That's what we do for other people crazy and intelligent enough to appreciate what a Wheelhorse really is and can be. Unfortunately the knob on this one is broken off on one side. Still yours if you're interested. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 12,023 #34 Posted July 22 13 minutes ago, ebinmaine said: Oh... not really. I'm a jerk. No you're not! ... You're just a guy who has all the C160s ever sold within 200 miles of your home! 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 12,217 #35 Posted July 22 (edited) 1 hour ago, ebinmaine said: Unfortunately the knob on this one is broken off on one side. He'll likely need: - the knob, - the “L” rod the knob is on, - the spacer/washer (if any), - the guide sleeve, and - the bolts that hold the guide sleeve to the frame. On models that didn’t get them, the factory left out the entire assembly! I’m not sure if the notch in the console place is there or not. Edited July 22 by Handy Don 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Horse Newbie 7,069 #36 Posted July 22 On 7/21/2024 at 2:11 PM, Sparky said: I think in position 3 the lights are off…so if the key was left in that position the hour meter would tick away but light would be off. Right… I think. Turn to “start” to crank and key returns to “Run” If you want lights, turn key back one position and tractor would continue to run with lights on … Would you then not have to turn key to “Off”, thus killing the engine and lights ? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,484 #37 Posted July 22 25 minutes ago, Horse Newbie said: Would you then not have to turn key to “Off”, thus killing the engine and lights ? Yes but.... If the engine stopped because of running outta fuel the key could just stay on. Lights would be out. No power going anywhere but the Hour Meter at that point. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,222 #38 Posted July 23 On 7/22/2024 at 4:54 PM, Horse Newbie said: Right… I think. Turn to “start” to crank and key returns to “Run” If you want lights, turn key back one position and tractor would continue to run with lights on … Would you then not have to turn key to “Off”, thus killing the engine and lights ? On 7/22/2024 at 5:21 PM, ebinmaine said: Yes but.... If the engine stopped because of running outta fuel the key could just stay on. Lights would be out. No power going anywhere but the Hour Meter at that point. See post # 29. There is no "LIGHTS" position, just OFF, RUN, and START. The light switch must be ON and the ignition switch in run or start for the lights to be on. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Horse Newbie 7,069 #39 Posted July 28 Thanks @953 nut for smacking me awake. I thought something wasn’t right, but decided to explain it anyways. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
