PWL216 889 #1 Posted July 24 I bought a 312–8 a while back that came with no deck and a snowblower, for $250. It has almost 3000 hours on it. The guy I got it from got it from his father - but he never used it. It sat in his garage for 20 years. I pulled it into the garage tonight to tinker with it a bit. I drained the gas, which was disgusting. It smelled like pure lacquer. I cleaned the gas tank and dropped the carb bowl, which wasn’t actually that bad and cleaned it as well. I put fresh gas in it and a new battery. One crank of the key and it started right up. Couple minutes later I was driving it around my yard. I needed that win because I’ve had a couple of tough tractor issues lately! I’ll change the fuel line and add a filter and primer bulb as well as change the fluids. I have a 42” RD deck I picked up at the BS that will go on it. From there it’s going to my nephew who just bought a house on Cape Cod. 9 9 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 17,011 #3 Posted July 24 Nice tractor and especially for that price. Paul for the win! LOL Man, that old gas is brutal and something not very fun to deal with. 1 drop and it seems to linger around forever 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,327 #4 Posted July 24 About the only nastier, foul smelling fluid is what comes out of the Unidrive sometimes... 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 5,464 #5 Posted July 24 @PWL216 Nice save. I think you have a tractor that will last as long it was in that garage and more. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,145 #6 Posted July 24 43 minutes ago, ri702bill said: About the only nastier, foul smelling fluid is what comes out of the Unidrive sometimes... I just changed the oil in my 857 . Probably the first time it was done. Didn't even smell like gear oil. Black gooey mess. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,327 #7 Posted July 24 1 hour ago, squonk said: Black gooey mess. Mike - time for a diesel fuel flush, drain, and refill with 90 gear oil. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rjg854 11,378 #8 Posted July 24 2 hours ago, squonk said: I just changed the oil in my 857 . Probably the first time it was done. Didn't even smell like gear oil. Black gooey mess. At least it didn't look like butterscotch pudding. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,634 #9 Posted July 24 @PWL216 that related fuel issue , is part of my regular BASELINE MAINTIANCE CHECK , on any pick up , also thinking that paint stage , looks like perfect OPORTUNITY FOR A PENETRATING OIL WET DOWN , the lubrication feed is what brings back paint . let it stay wet a day or two, then clean cloth rub down , like the patina stage look at that point , or add a electric palm buffer with cleaner wax . the paint can wait , you have much to do , drop tank valve , clean out , like a large fuel filter close to tank , another small one close to carb , of course all new fuel line, get a specific FUEL RATED HOSE , after dropping trans oil , like hi mileage ATF fluid for refill and drive around, get some miles on it and time , use hi / low range and every gear . if it drains clean , do a regular 75x90 gear oil swap , couple of qts , new shift boot , like climbing gear oil , LUCAS , get some penetrating oil in your throttle / choke cables , get after every grease fitting , lubricate every lever / linkage area , make everything work , done this many times , good luck , pete 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,663 #10 Posted July 25 It's a 1985 model they are the only 312-8 with narrow rims front and rear. I got mine free but lost a good friend to cancer. It also has a 3 amp. battery charging alternator The light only work with the engine running. Here is a picture of mine, I changed to different wheels and tires. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
