Fire_fighter625 103 #1 Posted June 8, 2015 Someone gave me a 308-8 today. All original. I immediately brought it home and took the seat and belt guard off after draining oil and gas. The engine almost has a grinding sound but good compression. Smelled like gas was in the oil. Also, engine was slow to trim over, but found the belt to be EXTREMELY tight and I believe it's the wrong one. Took off the air filter and saw oil spot. Original Carlisle tires. Paint is excellent. It's in excellent condition, stickers and all. I really want to restore this. Any help or info? Greencastle, Indiana here. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
can whlvr 993 #2 Posted June 8, 2015 nice find,i bought a 86 308-8 brand new and still have her 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ken B 3,164 #3 Posted June 8, 2015 (edited) check the crankcase oil level. It is probably over full with fuel due to your carb or fuel pump needing some help. Edited June 8, 2015 by Ken B 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fire_fighter625 103 #4 Posted June 17, 2015 Someone gave me a 1986 308-8 wheel horse that didn't run. Today I drained all of the fluids, pulled and cleaned the carburetor, pulled the gas tank and replaced gas lines and clamps. I pulled the starter and replaced a missing spring under one of the brushes. Re-gapped the spark plug. Reassembled everything and it fired up!! Gave it a quick wipe down after taking it for a spin in the rain. I'm excited to degrease and pressure wash the frame! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
boovuc 1,090 #5 Posted June 18, 2015 That is a very nice looking freebie! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fire_fighter625 103 #6 Posted June 18, 2015 I thought so!! I was so excited. I can't wait to get it all cleaned up. I think someone put to small of a belt on it because the clutch won't stop it and you can't get it into gear without grinding the gears. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,137 #7 Posted June 18, 2015 The belt guard needs to be installed to support the belt when it is slack. Otherwise the belt is too tight at the engine pulley.Garry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fire_fighter625 103 #8 Posted June 19, 2015 The belt was way to tight. The guard would've made it wen tighter. I removed the old belt and replaced it with the correct belt. Works like a dream, now. The previous owner put a belt on that was so tight, it would let the clutch release, hardly and you could put it in gear due to grinding. That's a really tight belt, when you can't get it to stop spinning. Anyways, the mower is off and running terrific. I removed the deck today to get it going. I'll have her mowing in no time. Just have to find time to work on it, between driving trains. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
