Ed729 57 #1 Posted February 2, 2021 (edited) Hi all, I’m starting a thread to document the rebuild of my 312-8. I believe it’s a late 80’s model. It has sat outside the last few years and has several issues that I’ll be fixing. I’m not restoring this for show, but to use it for snow/dirt plowing, for pulling things around the yard, and for retrieving firewood from my woods. Here’s the list of things I plan to fix: 1) Obviously the paint is faded and chipped and metal is rusted in some places. I want to stop the rust before it gets bad so I will repaint everything from the frame up. 2) The tractor runs but has some issues. The main reason I started on the rebuild is the it was very hard to start after sitting for a week. It would start with starting fluid but not on its own. The fuel pump was replaced with a new mechanical and I even tried an electric pump and it still struggled. I found that the head gasket was leaking near the exhaust so I’m hoping it starts better with that fixed. Probably a warped head but I haven’t checked it yet. The engine bore and crank measured good per the specs, but on the high end of bore taper spec. Most machine shops are booked out for months so I will probably not bore out on this rebuild since it still meets the spec. Another issue I think the governor needs adjusted as I believe it was over speeding. Maybe that contributed to the head gasket failure. 3) The steering is loose. Planning to replace the top bushing on the stem. I’m having issues getting the steering wheel off. I got the pin to move so I think I’m close . The bottom block that the steering stem goes into is egged out. I’m planning to drill it to 7/8” and press in a bronze bushing to get it tight. 4) I pressure washed it after the engine was out and noticed the dust boot on the transmission shifter basically turned to dust. I drained the diff and it was full of muddy oil and clean water. Hopefully the water was only in there from when I washed it since it the water under the oil looked clean. I did flush the diff with diesel and refilled with gear oil. I’ll change it again after an hour or so of running. It looks like I might have a seal leaking at the input pulley but I’ll clean it for now and see if it leaks later. There’s so much gunk on the diff it’s hard to tell. 5) Several electric issues. The engine won’t turn off when the key turns off. I’ll try to clean the switch and see if I have any luck but it might need replaced. The hour meter stopped working around 1200 hours. The voltage meter doesn’t work either. 6) The front wheel bearings are shot. I haven’t taken them apart yet but I hope the axle shaft portion of the spindle and wheel is still good. There’s a ton of side to side play. 7) Traction is an issue with the turf tires. My soil type is clay and rarely freezes so it’s a sloppy mess in the winter and spring. I’m planning to go with fluid filled ag tires and some type of wheel weight. I would like metal weights but they are a little expensive so it might take a while to find a deal. I’ll start with fluid and see where that gets me. Edited February 2, 2021 by Ed729 3 4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jhn9840 35 #2 Posted February 2, 2021 Following along. Look forward to your updates. jhn9840 John Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rjg854 11,361 #3 Posted February 2, 2021 It seems as tho you have your horses in a row (sorry for the pun) on the things that need to be addressed. The forum is here for you for whatever questions and concerns you may have as you work on this project. Carry on Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,627 #4 Posted February 2, 2021 ED729, on your steering upper bronze bushing , replaced with this 2 bolt , 3/4" bore flange bearing , years ago , https://www.google.com/search?q=flange+bearings&sxsrf=ALeKk02J1QLze3MQxZ1IF9U7Uql4zfrZEA:1612186451000&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=_HxG5j5y2JldcM%2Cra-jtBFu5hL4ZM%2C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kTWrIWx6yaSuXqfqKuCrcE9VECAQA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj_wOTF5sjuAhWLjlkKHSSOA2EQ_h0wAXoECD0QBA&biw=1024&bih=625 , you can also add metal to related areas , for added strength . no more slop or play , just solid smooth . that lower steering gear , fuel line / electrical chafe calls for a reroute , with cable wrap. your battery tray ,left side on ground rail , add washers to your pto lever , lubricate . be solid smooth . good opportunity to correct , while there , pete 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed729 57 #5 Posted April 7, 2021 Hey guys, sorry it’s been a while. I’ve been working on it slowly when the kid is sleeping and a little on weekends. I don’t have a sandblaster so getting all the old paint and rust off took forever and I found more parts that needed repaired before paint. Also I used Majic paint on all the red which seems to be durable but takes forever to dry. I’ll post more pictures and share all the issues I ran into when I decide how to get around the attachment size limit. Here’s where I’m at so far...I think I’m going to miss firewood cutting season this spring unfortunately. 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed729 57 #6 Posted October 28, 2021 Finally got back to the Wheel Horse after a summer filled with other projects. I've still got a few things left to do like rebuild the PTO clutch, install the rear wheel weights I picked up this week, and change the cable on the front plow and then I think I'm ready for winter. The PTO clutch might wait as I have no intention of using it until next year. 5 4 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Moparfanforever 844 #7 Posted October 28, 2021 Nice looking tractor !!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 21,317 #8 Posted October 31, 2021 Great job! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stormin 9,981 #9 Posted October 31, 2021 Looking good. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chuck Masters 2 #10 Posted November 2, 2021 I'll have my '92 home this weekend. One day I want to get her looking that good! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
