Influencer88 3 #1 Posted May 16, 2014 So if you read my other thread you know I picked up a slightly mistreated '94 312-8 with a 42" SD for $75. Since then I've given her a bath and have checked everything except the transmission out (that will come soon). Initially had a charging problem which is why I got it so cheap, turned out to be a bent connector on the regulator. Took the deck off and found three rust holes, one on each side on the back and one under the tensioner pulley. I don't have any metalworking equipment so I took the deck to a welder in town, he cut out the rust and welded some plates in. Can't say it's the prettiest job I've ever seen but the problem is solved. One of the rust spots was under the height adjustment bracket so the deck wouldn't lock in the highest setting, two new carriage bolts and freshly welded plates later that is fixed as well. New belts all the way around and new blades, I'm finally ready to cut. Now, I told you that story to tell you this.... I'm finding myself pulled very strongly to restore this tractor to its full glory. I'll have to live with the ugly plates on the deck but I think a little grinding and fresh paint it will hardly be noticeable. I don't have the spare cash to go all out so it will be a budget restore and most likely a painful slow restore, especially since as of now it is my only option for cutting the grass. I write this to hopefully get any tips I can on the restore. Anything to watch out for, known problems with the model, that kind of thing. On the plus side, I may be getting an old Murray 42" mower for free or cheap that doesn't need anything other than a primary drive belt, so I might be able to put the horse up and work on it without having to work it as well. I'll find out about that in a week or two. Oh, and I will try to post pictures as I go, I'm bad about remembering to do that. First thing down is the muffler was rusted pretty bad, it got sanded and wire wheeled back to metal and a good few coats of BBQ high temp paint today. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Save Old Iron 1,566 #2 Posted May 16, 2014 (edited) run it thru the summer and fall and just fix any additional issues . then decide if you are willing to invest another 500 - 1000$ on a restore. Edited May 16, 2014 by Save Old Iron 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Influencer88 3 #3 Posted May 22, 2014 Well I ended up getting that murray. It's a 2000 wide body lt with a 20 B&S vtwin. 46" cut, not 42 like I was told. Brought it home, drained the little bit of turpentine. .er, gas out of it, put some new in and slipped the belt back on. After about 30 minutes I was cutting grass. Looks to be in good condition, will go over it and check everything out. Felt bad that the wh had to sit this mowing out so I'll find something special to do for her tomorrow. Funny last year I was looking for a decent used mower and couldn't find anything. This year I've gotten my wheelhorse and now the murray. After replacing blades, belts and the mule drive rod & deck level rod on the horse I'm in about $150 for both. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Influencer88 3 #4 Posted May 29, 2014 Well my better half decided she wants a REAL vacation this year so any restoration will have to be put on hold. Gotta save up to keep the wife happy! Incidentally, cleaning the wh up was stalled by the pump going out on my pressure washer, sure would be nice to use for the worst parts. Guess I'll have to sneak the money for a new pump! So far everything is working good so I'm confident that the few minor issues that I fixed were all that was wrong with it. I think since a restore is gonna wait until late fall to start I'll at least pull the engine and clean everything up. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
