312-8 Project

[Michael Bullington 5]

Got a New project to work on...This is my first time to own one of these models. The Rod is broke in the engine so...its time to pull it apart and see what happens!

[horsefeathers 15]

Stone Henge, Night photo is cool! Trees in back drop look like lightning! A good storm is brewing! Better take cover HORSEFEATHERS!

[Duff 206]

Michael, I've got your tractor's twin brother, and two slightly older brothers. I think you're gonna really like that machine.

I'll be following your progress closely, as I've had all three of mine apart all the way to the frame (one is still just a frame and a pile of parts awaiting refurbishing and reassembly). Fortunately, two of my three M-12's came in pretty good shape so I haven't had to open them up and thus can't offer any pointers or insights. The third is on the "to do" list with no compression but no clanking internally or parts in the oil pan to suggest anything is badly broken. Next winter's project!

Have fun!

Duff :omg:

[rickv1957 72]

Looks like a great project there!,Rick

[Michael Bullington 5]

Thanks guys after evaluating everything I have a few parts to replace,,,I do have a question about the tires..

The rear tires are a Armstrong Brand and the front tires are Carsile Brand,,,,Was this a common from the factory or did someone change mine.

One thing I really need is a seat...Does anyone have one is good shape for sale?

Thanks

Michael

[Duff 206]

Thanks guys after evaluating everything I have a few parts to replace,,,I do have a question about the tires..

The rear tires are a Armstrong Brand and the front tires are Carsile Brand,,,,Was this a common from the factory or did someone change mine.

One thing I really need is a seat...Does anyone have one is good shape for sale?

Thanks

Michael

Michael, one of my 312's also has the Armstrong/Carlisle mix, but I got it second hand so I don't know if it was factory or changed.

As to seats, short of taking out a second mortgage, I'd look into a replacement from Lowe's, TSC or Fleabay. There were some threads about this earlier on. I got one from Fleabay and although it isn't WH or Toro branded, it fits, rides and looks great.

Duff :omg:

[Michael Bullington 5]

Got the ole 312 in the garage to do a good evaluation...Removed deck and hood to give it a good going over.

Need a new front tires...Rears are cracked but holding air -Should be okay

One spindle is been welded where is was broken- need replacement

Missing red lights in the dash

Missing a shifer knob

Missing a deck cover

Missing a gas tank

Missing a rectifier on the engine

Broken head light holder - needs replaced

Missing the battery hold downs

Missing the engine flywheel cover

Needs a new seat - Please show me some pics of a good replacement seat.

thats a quick going over...found more problems that i had originally saw when i bought it....this tranny and frame is caked in oil and grease and dirt...Lots of cleaning to do.

[Michael Bullington 5]

Got the engine removed !

[rickv1957 72]

Looks like your not wasting any time tearing into your 312,the fun part is putting them back together all cleaned up with some new parts!,Rick

[Michael Bullington 5]

Removed engine...This engine was abused!

[rickv1957 72]

Is the block OK?,Rick

[Michael Bullington 5]

Block looks to be okay...headed to the machine shop today to have the cylinder checked and honed :omg:

[Duff 206]

I'm not a motor man, so please bear with me here, but is that the connecting rod that's blown up and in pieces inside the block?

Duff :omg:

[mavfreak 11]

I would have a lot more checked that just the block and head. That crank doesn't look healthy and I would make sure the gears didn't get hurt in the explosion. All so check the oil pan to make sure nothing smacked it also. Just my opinion :omg:

[Michael Bullington 5]

Duff you hit the nail on the head!.....I should have mention I took the crank to the shop also...dropped them off this morning...hopefully they want take but one arm off of me

Hey I found my seat saftey switch is broken...the one that mounts into the pan...are these available aftermaket???

thanks

Michael

[Michael Bullington 5]

frame pics

[rickv1957 72]

Already painted frame,looks great! Rick

[tranders 0]

Looking forward to seeing how it turns out.

Keep us posted.

[Michael Bullington 5]

more updates

[Duff 206]

Michael, looking really good!

I believe seat switches are still available through Toro or parts houses. To the chagrin of some here (whose opinions I really do respect) I bypassed mine since I don't have any children and have a fair amount of experience operating tractors.

Duff :omg:

[Michael Bullington 5]

still waiting to hear from the engine shop! ..I think this will be my biggest hold up ...Im ready to mow

[Michael Bullington 5]

Updates on the Magnum...Well the engine shop had to punch the block .10 over to smooth it up ,,,also the crank had to be turned .10 ....so this is still a work in process...my engine had the Mahle piston and rod, I think i going to put this back in the engine although Brian Miller didnt think too highly of this piston

Quoto from millers site:

NOTE: I have some bad news concerning Mahle pistons! I was told by several sources that they're supposed to be made of tougher material than ordinary K-series pistons, but I found that they are not! I have personally taken apart several Magnum engines that was used in ordinary lawn mowing equipment, and I found that these pistons wear out sooner than the K-series pistons. So in my opinion, I think that Mahle pistons are junk and overpriced. You'll be much better off using an OEM Kohler K-series or an aftermarket import piston & rings. They last a lot longer than any Mahle piston that I've ever seen.

I would purchase the K series piston, but the cost difference doesnt weight out in my favor....Im already at $500 in this engine! :omg:

[rick 237]

Mahle makes pistons and cylinders for power saws that turn over 13,000 rpms, I wouldn't be afraid of one for a Kohler!

[dgjks6 6]

I know this is a month late, but I have and 89 312-8. We have owned since new. It still has original tires.

Armstrong on the rear

Carlisle on the front