Peter in NH 10 #1 Posted March 18, 2021 Just bought a 314-8, serial number 9900931, which in the light of day seems to have been "rode hard and put away wet". When I put her in gear and let up the clutch pedal, engagement is startling! So I got a new factory belt and when I stripped off the bodywork, I found the hydraulic tensioner was pretty flabby (normal?) and the drive belt could be deflected about 2" with clutch engaged (normal?). I'll also be replacing tie rods but that looks straight forward. Where can I get a workshop manual-- the owners manual doesn't have much depth. Thanks for your help. I'll be asking questions as they come up. Cheers, Peter 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 25,600 #2 Posted March 18, 2021 Check here for manuals... https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/files/ 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JAinVA 4,619 #3 Posted March 18, 2021 (edited) The hydraulic tensioner is actually a gas spring. Over time the gas leaks out. Two inches of belt deflection is seen by what pressure. If finger tip then ,that's not normal. A new gas spring can be over $100.00 new. If you can't find a good used one then you could go with a new coil spring used before the gas spring. That type of spring cost less than $10.00t new from parts tree. Edited March 18, 2021 by JAinVA 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,227 #4 Posted March 18, 2021 (edited) to the I only have hydro transmissions, but I hear many owners replace the pneumatic tensioner with a simple coil spring. Others will be here to offer part numbers for the spring and links to the manuals for your tractor. Told ya....those guys are quick. Edited March 18, 2021 by Ed Kennell 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,321 #5 Posted March 18, 2021 Not sure what year your 314-8 is but these manuals should help you. https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/search/?q=314-8 ipl&updated_after=any&sortby=relevancy&search_and_or=and 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stepney 2,325 #6 Posted March 18, 2021 (edited) Another New Englander is always great. No the belt shouldn't be too loose when engaged. That cylinder was more of a damper if I remember right, there's still a spring somewhere else. But I dont work on these later models too often. I see I stand corrected. None of mine ever had the gas cylinder. Edited March 18, 2021 by Stepney 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,634 #8 Posted March 18, 2021 PETER IN NH , those gas spring returns are known for failure and often replaced with this , pictures also verify its spot. btw, that linkage should be totally lubricated at all movement points , it should be smooth and easy with no jerking or binding , pete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,625 #9 Posted March 18, 2021 Hey Peter Keep an eye out for @JCM Jim's Meet and Greet in North Berwick Maine in September. The spring you want may be a Toro 108035. RCPW has them for less than $11 shipped. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,321 #10 Posted March 18, 2021 47 minutes ago, Peter in NH said: drive belt could be deflected about 2" with clutch engaged (normal?) Should be a bit tighter than that. On the older model Wheel Horses the clutch spring was located on the left side from the clutch arm to the rear axle housing. Lowell @wheelhorseman sells them, give him a call to be sure it will work for you. https://wheelhorsepartsandmore.com/product/1014-spring-for-wheel-horse/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,912 #11 Posted March 19, 2021 Everyone is steering you on the straight and narrow already, so I’ll just add that you’re gonna love that 14 horse monster! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chestnut 315 #12 Posted March 20, 2021 Welcome Neighbor! You've found a helpful group here. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
