Bought my first tractor, a 312-8

[Alrashid2 154]

Another point of discussion: The Kohler K301S has a Champion J8C in it. Looking online it looks like I'm supposed to have a Champion H10C in it. Anyone know the difference? I believe the J8C might just be slightly shorter. I'm thinking I should go ahead and put a H10C in it right? 

 

Also looks like I'm missing the foam component of my air filter. The paper part has a number: 235116 which seems to correspond to Kohler parts, but having trouble finding the foam element...

[Handy Don 12,201]

49 minutes ago, Alrashid2 said:

seat bracket is just barely pushing that center safety button down. Doesnt look to be enough to fully engage the safety feature (it was duct taped down) - any idea what that is about? 

The button is an electrical safety feature. If the operator takes their weight off the seat while the PTO is engaged, the engine shuts off. Thwarting the switch puts a distracted operator at risk of putting their foot under a running mower. I recommend finding a way to put it back to its proper function!

Using the model numbers, search this forum (search box in upper right) for manuals and other info on your acquisition. Enjoy and good luck! 

[953 nut 55,155]

Here is a list of 521 manuals and service information related to the 21 12K801 model number.

https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/search/?&q=21 12K801&type=downloads_file&page=1&search_and_or=and&sortby=relevancy

[MainelyWheelhorse 421]

@Alrashid2 You could jump it so the tractor thinks it’s on all the time.
 

The brakes aren’t too hard. You do have to take the tire off to get to it though, there is a rod on the left side running to the rear. It runs across the top of the brake shoe. It has a locknut on the end that squeezes the brake shoe. However far in or out this locknut is determines the firmness of the brakes. Adjust it to your preference. The e brake is a square loop on the left by the shifters that rests in the steps of a stepped rod that moves front to rear. As long as you can rest the square loop in one of those steppes the e brake should work. You may have to adjust the brakes to a certain point. There is a point that if you go past that the e brake can’t catch the stepped rod to work. I had to adjust my brakes too. It’s not too hard but the locknut is a bit of a PITA to get to.

[JCM 9,130]

21-12K801 is a 1985  312-8 with a Kohler K301S-47812  That was the first year for the 312-8    @Alrashid2

[Alrashid2 154]

Thank you all for your support here! I was able to figure out a ton last night, through research and your help and just tinkering on my own end. Still have some things I need to figure out though...

 

Here is what I've figured out so far, or at least I think I have through reading other pages here. Correct me if I'm wrong! Posting for review and also to help anyone in the future, as all of these things were scattered across many years and posts, and not conglomerated in a single spot:

 

• Figured out how to properly mount a new seat and remove the custom job the previous owner did. Ordering today!
• Oil capacity on this Kohler engine is 2 quarts, and looks like it'll need 10w30 as I'll be running in the winter mostly
• No oil filter on the Kohler engine
• Found the replacement foam pre-filter element as well as the paper air filter (Part # 235116)
• Light bulbs on mine currently are # GE4411-1; looks like any 4411 bulb would work though
• Fixed the seat not contacting the safety switch! Looks like someone was tinkering and put a thick washer underneath, between the sensor and frame, which artificially lowered it. I uninstalled, removed washer, and reinstalled and now it is contacting the seat and I was able to confirm it's working as it should.

Hoping to get some help here with what I'm still a bit confused on. Wondering if this thread got too big and maybe I should make a separate updated post? Here is what I'm still tinkering with:

• Found an older post that had some paperwork showing what belt goes with what model. Am I right in thinking a 1985 312-8 with the Kohler K301 engine would only have one belt? According to the charts posted, mine needs Part # 7473 - does anyone know if that is right?
• Still confused on the spark plug, as I have a Champion J8C in it. Looking online it looks like I'm supposed to have a Champion H10C in it. Anyone know the difference? I believe the J8C might just be slightly shorter. I'm thinking I should go ahead and put a H10C in it right?
• Speaking of belts, anyone have a resource to show how to properly replace a belt on these?
• Having a heck of a time finding replacement rear tires for this model. Front tires are 15x6.00-6, which seem to be readily available online and appear to be tubeless, so I think pretty straight forward. The rear rims are 12" wide and the current tires are 22x7.50-12, and I can't seem to find replacements. Anyone know how much wiggle room there is on the rear tires? What's a common size for a 12" rim that would still work? And can the rears be tubeless too and DIY installed myself?  I'd appreciate hearing anyone's experience!!
• Not seeing a part number on my inline fuel filter. Would any generic one work or is there some certain criteria I should be aware of?

Edited October 24 by Alrashid2

[OutdoorEnvy 1,522]

14 hours ago, Alrashid2 said:

2. Need to adjust the brakes! They work enough to slow me and stop me but the e-brake is not pulling hard enough - put it on on a hill and it kept on rolling! Any write up here on how to adjust the brake and e brake?

 

Just to double a couple things, but you do need to push the clutch in to brake.  The brake pedal won't stop the tractor in gear so it does need to be in neutral by either pushing in the clutch or moving the gear shifter to neutral.  Also that really isn't an E-brake, it's a parking brake.  You can adjust the rod for it as it is threaded for some adjustment.  Should be on the left side when you are sitting on it behind the rear tire.  It's pretty straight forward as the brake band can wear over time so some tightening up every so often can be needed.  You can do a little at a time until it's wear you like it.   

[WHX?? 48,813]

11 minutes ago, Alrashid2 said:

• Figured out how to properly mount a new seat and remove the custom job the previous owner did. Ordering today! Good job
• Oil capacity on this Kohler engine is 2 quarts, and looks like it'll need 10w30 as I'll be running in the winter mostly 10-30 is fine 
• No oil filter on the Kohler engine nope - what we call splash lubed
• Found the replacement foam pre-filter element as well as the paper air filter (Part # 235116) a common filter
• Light bulbs on mine currently are # GE4411-1; looks like any 4411 bulb would work though yes any 4411
• Fixed the seat not contacting the safety switch! Looks like someone was tinkering and put a thick washer underneath, between the sensor and frame, which artificially lowered it. I uninstalled, removed washer, and reinstalled and now it is contacting the seat and I was able to confirm it's working as it should. good job

 

18 minutes ago, Alrashid2 said:

• Found an older post that had some paperwork showing what belt goes with what model. Am I right in thinking a 1985 312-8 with the Kohler K301 engine would only have one belt? According to the charts posted, mine needs Part # 7473 - does anyone know if that is right? it is correct 7473 and only belt with no deck  a 7473 is an 82 inch belt or 5L82
• Still confused on the spark plug, as I have a Champion J8C in it. Looking online it looks like I'm supposed to have a Champion H10C in it. Anyone know the difference? I believe the J8C might just be slightly shorter. I'm thinking I should go ahead and put a H10C in it right? Just change it to a H10C
• Speaking of belts, anyone have a resource to show how to properly replace a belt on these? fairly simple remove the belt guard and release the tension swing pto hoop out and it will come right off. should be in the manual
• Having a heck of a time finding replacement rear tires for this model. Front tires are 15x6.00-6, which seem to be readily available online and appear to be tubeless, so I think pretty straight forward. The rear rims are 12" wide and the current tires are 22x7.50-12, and I can't seem to find replacements. Anyone know how much wiggle room there is on the rear tires? What's a common size for a 12" rim that would still work? And can the rears be tubeless too and DIY installed myself?  I'd appreciate hearing anyone's experience!! many threads here on tires       change size to 23 x 8.5 or 10.5 - 12. much more common tire and will fit fine 
• Not seeing a part number on my inline fuel filter. Would any generic one work or is there some certain criteria I should be aware of? Any fuel filter is better than none and any generic one is fine. I prefer the 1/4" clear ones with a paper element

 

[Alrashid2 154]

4 minutes ago, OutdoorEnvy said:

 

Just to double a couple things, but you do need to push the clutch in to brake.  The brake pedal won't stop the tractor in gear so it does need to be in neutral by either pushing in the clutch or moving the gear shifter to neutral.  Also that really isn't an E-brake, it's a parking brake.  You can adjust the rod for it as it is threaded for some adjustment.  Should be on the left side when you are sitting on it behind the rear tire.  It's pretty straight forward as the brake band can wear over time so some tightening up every so often can be needed.  You can do a little at a time until it's wear you like it.   

Thank you sir! Yes I was able to fix the brakes - tightened up that nut on the drivers side rear end a few turns and she now brakes better and holds on a hill when using the parking brake. Thanks!

[Alrashid2 154]

1 minute ago, WHX?? said:

• Found an older post that had some paperwork showing what belt goes with what model. Am I right in thinking a 1985 312-8 with the Kohler K301 engine would only have one belt? According to the charts posted, mine needs Part # 7473 - does anyone know if that is right? it is correct 7473 and only belt with no deck  a 7473 is an 82 inch belt or 5L82. Thanks for confirming. I've tried googling all these terms as well as inputting on various auto parts store sites, and I'm not having luck. Do you know what I'm doing wrong? Would think this would be a readily available belt.
• Still confused on the spark plug, as I have a Champion J8C in it. Looking online it looks like I'm supposed to have a Champion H10C in it. Anyone know the difference? I believe the J8C might just be slightly shorter. I'm thinking I should go ahead and put a H10C in it right? Just change it to a H10C. Sir, yessir!
• Speaking of belts, anyone have a resource to show how to properly replace a belt on these? fairly simple remove the belt guard and release the tension swing pto hoop out and it will come right off. should be in the manual Unfortunately every manual I have been shared or found on here doesn't fully correspond to my model. I was able to find my Kohler engine manual, as well as later-year 312-8 manuals that had the Kohler Magnum engines, but have yet to find a 1985 manual that actually pairs the Kohler K301S and 312-8 together with corresponding instructions. Maybe for something like this I can try to bridge the gap between the Magnum instructions and what I need. Tractor is running fine but belt does look old so I wanted to plan to replace soon!
• Having a heck of a time finding replacement rear tires for this model. Front tires are 15x6.00-6, which seem to be readily available online and appear to be tubeless, so I think pretty straight forward. The rear rims are 12" wide and the current tires are 22x7.50-12, and I can't seem to find replacements. Anyone know how much wiggle room there is on the rear tires? What's a common size for a 12" rim that would still work? And can the rears be tubeless too and DIY installed myself?  I'd appreciate hearing anyone's experience!! many threads here on tires       change size to 23 x 8.5 or 10.5 - 12. much more common tire and will fit fine Right on, I will try looking for those sizes! Just to confirm, you're saying 23x10.5x12 - 23x12x12 right?
• Not seeing a part number on my inline fuel filter. Would any generic one work or is there some certain criteria I should be aware of? Any fuel filter is better than none and any generic one is fine. I prefer the 1/4" clear ones with a paper element Sweet, I think that is what I have on now but will try to confirm later on.

Thanks man!

 

 

Responded in blue above, thank you sir for answering all my questions! Means a lot

[953 nut 55,155]

25 minutes ago, Alrashid2 said:

 

• Figured out how to properly mount a new seat and remove the custom job the previous owner did. Ordering today!
• Oil capacity on this Kohler engine is 2 quarts, and looks like it'll need 10w30 as I'll be running in the winter mostly      10 W 30 winter, 30 W spring, summer and fall.
• No oil filter on the Kohler engine      that is correct
• Found the replacement foam pre-filter element as well as the paper air filter (Part # 235116)        
• Light bulbs on mine currently are # GE4411-1; looks like any 4411 bulb would work though             they are the same bulb
• Fixed the seat not contacting the safety switch! Looks like someone was tinkering and put a thick washer underneath, between the sensor and frame, which artificially lowered it. I uninstalled, removed washer, and reinstalled and now it is contacting the seat and I was able to confirm it's working as it should.            

Hoping to get some help here with what I'm still a bit confused on. Wondering if this thread got too big and maybe I should make a separate updated post? Here is what I'm still tinkering with:

• Found an older post that had some paperwork showing what belt goes with what model. Am I right in thinking a 1985 312-8 with the Kohler K301 engine would only have one belt? According to the charts posted, mine needs Part # 7473 - does anyone know if that is right?    That is the correct number, many of us use the Tractor Supply5/8 by 82" Kevlar belt with good results.
• Still confused on the spark plug, as I have a Champion J8C in it. Looking online it looks like I'm supposed to have a Champion H10C in it. Anyone know the difference? I believe the J8C might just be slightly shorter. I'm thinking I should go ahead and put a H10C in it right?   use the H 10 C gapped at 0.035"
• Speaking of belts, anyone have a resource to show how to properly replace a belt on these?
• Having a heck of a time finding replacement rear tires for this model. Front tires are 15x6.00-6, which seem to be readily available online and appear to be tubeless, so I think pretty straight forward. The rear rims are 12" wide and the current tires are 22x7.50-12, and I can't seem to find replacements. Anyone know how much wiggle room there is on the rear tires? What's a common size for a 12" rim that would still work? And can the rears be tubeless too and DIY installed myself?  I'd appreciate hearing anyone's experience!!     23 X 8.50-12 are more common and will fit just fine
• Not seeing a part number on my inline fuel filter. Would any generic one work or is there some certain criteria I should be aware of?  Generic is good.

Seems Jim @WHX?? types faster than me.           

[Alrashid2 154]

Just now, 953 nut said:

Seems Jim @WHX?? types faster than me.           

 

Hey nothing wrong with some second scientist review, right?  

 

I responded to you in blue below, thank you so much!

 

 

• Found an older post that had some paperwork showing what belt goes with what model. Am I right in thinking a 1985 312-8 with the Kohler K301 engine would only have one belt? According to the charts posted, mine needs Part # 7473 - does anyone know if that is right?    That is the correct number, many of us use the Tractor Supply5/8 by 82" Kevlar belt with good results. Tried searching their site and am getting all sorts of belts. Would I be right in thinking that any 5/8 x 82" belt would work? Or is there another designation/code I need to confirm? If you or anyone just has a link to a tried and true item I'll order and bookmark!
• Still confused on the spark plug, as I have a Champion J8C in it. Looking online it looks like I'm supposed to have a Champion H10C in it. Anyone know the difference? I believe the J8C might just be slightly shorter. I'm thinking I should go ahead and put a H10C in it right?   use the H 10 C gapped at 0.035" will do!
• Speaking of belts, anyone have a resource to show how to properly replace a belt on these?
• Having a heck of a time finding replacement rear tires for this model. Front tires are 15x6.00-6, which seem to be readily available online and appear to be tubeless, so I think pretty straight forward. The rear rims are 12" wide and the current tires are 22x7.50-12, and I can't seem to find replacements. Anyone know how much wiggle room there is on the rear tires? What's a common size for a 12" rim that would still work? And can the rears be tubeless too and DIY installed myself?  I'd appreciate hearing anyone's experience!!     23 X 8.50-12 are more common and will fit just fine  Thank you will look those up
• Not seeing a part number on my inline fuel filter. Would any generic one work or is there some certain criteria I should be aware of?  Generic is good.

[953 nut 55,155]

The drive belt needs to be a fabric covered belt so there will be some slippage when the clutch is depressed. The Tractor Supply Kevlar belts work well. They are generally in stock at the store, if you are ordering on line there may be other offerings at a lower price but I'm just in the habit of going to TS.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/huskee-v-belt-5-8-in-x-82-in-oc-4461826?store=1398&cid=Google-Shopping-Sustain&utm_medium=Google&utm_source=Shopping&utm_content=Sustain&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4Oe4BhCcARIsADQ0cskSW76kNmtpecVwuaBAYrL1bHfjM3G_vmd-DgLYCz0p8cEJXgFFXF4aAj-eEALw_wcB

[MainelyWheelhorse 421]

@WHX?? So, a 23x8.50x12 fits on the 22x7.50x12 rim? Good to know as I was looking for some AG’s for my 87 308.

[Alrashid2 154]

39 minutes ago, 953 nut said:

The drive belt needs to be a fabric covered belt so there will be some slippage when the clutch is depressed. The Tractor Supply Kevlar belts work well. They are generally in stock at the store, if you are ordering on line there may be other offerings at a lower price but I'm just in the habit of going to TS.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/huskee-v-belt-5-8-in-x-82-in-oc-4461826?store=1398&cid=Google-Shopping-Sustain&utm_medium=Google&utm_source=Shopping&utm_content=Sustain&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4Oe4BhCcARIsADQ0cskSW76kNmtpecVwuaBAYrL1bHfjM3G_vmd-DgLYCz0p8cEJXgFFXF4aAj-eEALw_wcB

Thank you for supplying a link I just end up getting super confused when going in person and rarely find someone that is even half competent to help. Rather sit at my desk and be able to search far and wide and get exact spec details. 

 

Thank you for providing a link! I will order this one

[Ed Kennell 38,112]

 

This is all I use.    If it doesn't fit, return it for a full refund.  I always measure the belt first just in case some challenged individual put it in the wrong sleeve.

Edited October 24 by Ed Kennell

[Alrashid2 154]

17 minutes ago, Ed Kennell said:

 

This is all I use.    If it doesn't fit, return it for a full refund.  I always measure the belt first just in case some challenged individual put it in the wrong sleeve.

Thank you for confirming buddy! It's on the list now!

[Alrashid2 154]

Wow, thanks to you guys, I've made so much headway with this tractor! 2 days ago I had never worked on any small engine of this vintage and now look where I'm at! Can't thank you all enough.

 

I've got most everything figured out. Need to research how to replace belt and all tires but they are all OK right now, and that can be done later on...

 

My current conundrum is that the Voltmeter does not work when running. Battery is about 12.00V when off and about 13.4V when running, so looks like it's charging...I'm correct in thinking that these units self-charge right? No need to hook up to a trickle charger?

 

Does anyone have any advice on how to test out the voltmeter and figure out what's going on? I'm not the best with electronics. I took out the connections and used my multimeter to test for Continuity. Not sure if this is the right way of going about it at all! I had continuity between the ground connection and ground plug on battery; however, no continuity between the hot ends. Not sure if I should have that or not. 

 

While in there and studying the wiring schemes you all shared, I found the empty connectors for the hour meter! My unit didn't have one but the wiring was taped away in there. I thought maybe, if the problem is the voltmeter wiring, could I use the hour meter wiring to power the voltmeter? I did a continuity check on those too with the same results: continuity on grounds, no cont on hot wires. Again, not sure what I'm looking for here.

I saw a cheapo 2" voltmeter on Amazon that looked similar and thought what the hell, I can buy that and just quickly see if that works and return if not. 

 

What do you guys think? 

Edited October 24 by Alrashid2

[oliver2-44 9,725]

For the rear tires you can use a 23 X 8.50 -12 or a 23 x 9.5 x 12.

The 8.5 or 9.5 number is the tire width.  

Sadly todays tires especially the foreign brands are undersize.  A 23 x 8.5 Deestone now measures what a original Carslile 23 x 7.5 tire  measures.

Even american brand Carslile is getting smaller since they are now made off shore.

it's like a 5 lb bag of sugar or flower than now has 5lbs in it.

I run the old full size 23 x 9.5 x 12 Carsliles on my 312-8 and 23 x 9.5 Deestones on my C81.  

They are a little beefier, but work fine with the mower deck or any attachment.

 Here's the 312-8 as-found and with a cosmetic and mechanical refresh that I fixed up for my son. 

   

[Alrashid2 154]

Wow that is cool! Love the American flag decals. Thanks for confirming about the tire sizes

[oliver2-44 9,725]

I notice in a previous post you mentioned light bulds.  You can get an LED bulb by searching Amazon or Ebay with the same number, jus adding "LED" they are definitely brighter.

 

The Decals are from one of our vendors https://www.redoyourhorse.com/  He (Terry) does excellent work and uses a very high quality decal material that is easy to apply.

[Alrashid2 154]

That is awesome, will replace with LED at some point I'm sure. Will bookmark that.

 

Thanks for the links!

[Alrashid2 154]

I've got it all almost figured out on this beauty. This is fun!

 

In the next week or so I'll change the oil and the transaxle oil, swap spark plugs, hopefully find a working voltmeter, replace air filter, replace the seat, replace a torn shifter boot, get a gas cap with a fuel gauge, touch up paint a few spots, and give her a nice wash down

 

Thanks again all

 

Ive got yet another question for you now! Is it normal for the clutch and brake pedals to not sit evenly when at rest? As you can see my brake pedal (right side) sits much closer to me than the clutch does 

 

[WHX?? 48,813]

10 hours ago, MainelyWheelhorse said:

@WHX?? So, a 23x8.50x12 fits on the 22x7.50x12 rim? Good to know as I was looking for some AG’s for my 87 308.

 

Oh fer sure ... the 22/23 number is the outside diameter of the tire and most horses can easily clear a 23. Even a 24 stock or larger with a fender pan lift. The 7.5 8.5 10.5 number is the width profile. I forget what most rims measures in width ... 8 inches??? Kinda goes out the window tho as all GT tires run different with different manufactures. Tires are like a box of chocolates ... ya never know what you are gonna get ...  

[Alrashid2 154]

I noticed my Kohler engine as well as the frame is pretty sludgy. Assuming it leaks a bit but what old engine doesn't?

 

Anyway, what's the best way to wash this horse down without damaging anything? Assuming a pressure washer is too much? Should I just manually scrub and wash down with a hose?

 

Would like to clean her up a bit!

 

Also still curious about the clutch and brake pedals if anyone knows... Thanks all