persof 14 #1 Posted January 7, 2011 I recently got a used F150 full sized pickup truck and my local craigslist has a C161 hydro that will fit in the bed real nice. When I go to inspect this what should I be looking out for? What are the trouble spots? Thanks Francis Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Irv 115 #2 Posted January 7, 2011 Other than a general inspection for leaks and broken parts and making sure it runs decent without any unusual noises, make sure the hydro is good. Let it warm up a bit and run it up a hill or against a tree to make sure it is ok. Good luck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mavfreak 11 #3 Posted January 7, 2011 Is it a C161 twin or does it have a kohler Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
persof 14 #4 Posted January 7, 2011 The pic on craigs list shows the muffler side. I think it's a single I'll send pics if I get it. Francis Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mavfreak 11 #5 Posted January 7, 2011 if its a twin it'll be a black hood. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
300zx 7 #6 Posted January 7, 2011 persof, my C161a is a 1979 and it has a K341 single cylinder Kohler. The only other sugestion I would have is to check the hubs to make sure they are tight on the axles. That is the only problem I have had with mine. On the positive side, it happens to be my favorite hydro control. This is what mine looked like after I restored it last Spring. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mavfreak 11 #7 Posted January 7, 2011 '78 and '79 C161 twins had briggs on them. just a few issues to look at with the engine. over all the engine is good and farly relieble but there is a thrust bearing on the back side of the PTO pully this is there to keep the PTO from pusshing the crank into the flywheel side of the engine. If the manual pto enganment is out of ajustment I would be very leary and would expect that bearing has failed. Can cause alot of engine problems inculding destroying the main bearings. Something to look closely at. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
persof 14 #8 Posted January 7, 2011 300zx, Your C161 looks Great! MavFreak, Other than the pto clutch not slipping when under load; how is the adjustment made? Same for my 312? Thanks Francis Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dgjks6 6 #9 Posted January 7, 2011 After spending most of my waking hours on this site I have learned a few things. Everything on the tractor can be fixed except the hydro. If the trans is good and the price is right - and you have a blanket so you don't scrath up the bed, I would not worry. I would look for the above mentioned problems so you can get the price even lower. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,029 #10 Posted January 7, 2011 If it sat outside much, the 78 up tractors have rust issues in the bottom sides of the dash tower, check the trans oil, see if full and clean, hubs, excessively loose steering, just overall care or lack of, and price tells me how hard I look at them, I bought a C-121 hydro with hyd lift, over the phone, never seen it for $75, turned out to be a fairly nice tractor, but I wouldn't do that for much more money, unless I know the seller. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rickv1957 72 #11 Posted January 7, 2011 300zx,very nice looking tractor!!! :banghead: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mavfreak 11 #12 Posted January 8, 2011 The adjustment is made at the end of the throwout shaft that attaches to the engine side. If the nuts is cranked all the way in till there isn't anymore threads or very little I would be thinking something is up. Also if there is alot of oil coming from the engine seal under the pto could also be signs of this problem. And I tell you this is something that can be fixed can be expensive but nothing that can't be repaired and yes it would be something to try to get price down some. Don't let it deter you if you think the overall tractor is nice and worth it then its your call. Just trying to point out something to look for. Remember this is only on the Briggs twin and not the kohler! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mavfreak 11 #13 Posted January 8, 2011 300zx that is one nice trator by the way! :banghead: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
persof 14 #14 Posted January 9, 2011 I bought it this Saturday, seems to be in fair shape but I doubt that any maintenance has been done. Idle and mixture need adjustment, a roll pin in the PTO assembly needs replacing, PTO clutch needs replacing, deck belt and blades need replacing, the 42" RD deck is structurally ok but it needs TLC before any use. Engine runs well, auto trans seems good, needs correct muffler and a leaking connection to the front lift cyl. Are used mufflers available? The one that it has blows backwards. Can the PTO clutch friction plate be replaced or does the whole part have to be purchased? Thanks Francis Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rickv1957 72 #15 Posted January 10, 2011 Tractor looks good!!!! :banghead: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Operator 7 #16 Posted January 10, 2011 Very decent looking tractor! Like you said "needs a muffler" though. Kohler Decent price? Randy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
persof 14 #18 Posted January 10, 2011 Operator, This tractor has been on craigslist for a long time @ $500.00 which I think is to much $$$ considering the condition. It then appeared at $350.00 and I got it for $330.00. I think that the rubber mounted engine is cool as my 312-8 makes my hands tingle after 30-40 minutes or so. I also like the vertical trans control stick. Can the PTO clutch friction plate be replaced by it self? Hard to do? Thanks Francis Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
can whlvr 993 #19 Posted January 10, 2011 thats nice,if the rubbers are good i bet she is smooth runner Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Operator 7 #20 Posted January 10, 2011 Operator, This tractor has been on craigslist for a long time @ $500.00 which I think is to much $$$ considering the condition. It then appeared at $350.00 and I got it for $330.00. I think that the rubber mounted engine is cool as my 312-8 makes my hands tingle after 30-40 minutes or so. I also like the vertical trans control stick. Can the PTO clutch friction plate be replaced by it self? Hard to do? Thanks Francis That is a fair price! Randy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
d180man 5 #21 Posted January 10, 2011 Hi nice looking tractors :thumbs: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
