joskuk 67 #1 Posted July 10, 2022 It's been a while since I posted on here! I recently got another Wheel Horse, got this C-81 with a 42" deck and plow ... I wouldn't think 8 hp is enough for the 42" deck, seems odd to me. The previous owner said it was running a couple years ago but didn't have the time to put into it. I already started going through it and doing some work. I drained the fuel, put new fuel lines in, and completely re-wired the tractor. The wiring was a complete mess of electrical tape and random taps, and I started doing troubleshooting but it was just confusing. It was easier to remove everything and start fresh with a schematic. I went for a minimal wiring setup avoiding the safety switches, I do not plan to use this machine for any PTO applications anyway, the 416 will do that a lot better. After fixing the wiring (and replacing the solenoid) I was able to get the engine to crank at least, but it looks like no fuel is getting to the carb, or even the filter. I'm thinking the fuel pump must be bad. Also the PTO is blue for some reason, and so is the dipstick for the transmission. I'm not sure why, this is odd to me as well. Overall it seems like a pretty solid machine, at least not messed with too much. It will make a great pushing/pulling machine for me - although I've been thinking about cleaning up and painting this one... 6 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,905 #2 Posted July 10, 2022 Gongrats and back! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,634 #3 Posted July 10, 2022 @joskuk that paint looks like it could be recovered to me , save the patina with a penetrating oil rub down , aerosol spray it all down every painted surface . let it sit a day preferably in the sun , that hot metal will suck in that oil thru the paint , and save it . next day rub it down till dry , no sanding . now spray it down again , same thing , next day rub it down till dry and look at its lubricated paint looks , you have just saved patina . you could could finish it with linseed oil. that would look sharp , and it would shed water like a fresh wax job , but last much longer . pete 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blasterdad 2,692 #4 Posted July 11, 2022 She's a '79 & in GREAT shape! The C-81's are my favorites in the stable, ( I have 4 now ) & FWIW she will run that 42" deck, run her at full throttle when mowing & towing so she gets the oil & cooling she needs. The K181 is a great engine & good on gas too! Nice find. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
joskuk 67 #5 Posted July 11, 2022 14 hours ago, peter lena said: @joskuk that paint looks like it could be recovered to me , save the patina with a penetrating oil rub down , aerosol spray it all down every painted surface . let it sit a day preferably in the sun , that hot metal will suck in that oil thru the paint , and save it . next day rub it down till dry , no sanding . now spray it down again , same thing , next day rub it down till dry and look at its lubricated paint looks , you have just saved patina . you could could finish it with linseed oil. that would look sharp , and it would shed water like a fresh wax job , but last much longer . pete Interesting idea! I would like to give this a try...do you just use any penetrating oil like PB Blaster? And would the linseed oil need the same day to soak in? There are a couple spots where the paint is gone but I think this will keep the look and prevent any additional rust from forming. 11 hours ago, Blasterdad said: She's a '79 & in GREAT shape! The C-81's are my favorites in the stable, ( I have 4 now ) & FWIW she will run that 42" deck, run her at full throttle when mowing & towing so she gets the oil & cooling she needs. The K181 is a great engine & good on gas too! Nice find. That's what it looked like to me, thanks for confirming! I guess I'll have to try mowing with it once I get everything working properly. Being a little lighter on gas sounds nice right now! The 416 can definitely drink some. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,634 #6 Posted July 11, 2022 @joskuk have not used pb blaster , but its probably in the same lubrication feeding zone as what I do . actually did that as an experiment years ago , neglected paint starved for some kind of attention / upkeep . just sprayed an area , and forgot about it , busy with other stuff, next time I saw that area , there was water shedding patina ! so I just tried a little recovery as my experiment went along . you will not loose anything by doing this , easy , pete 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blasterdad 2,692 #7 Posted July 11, 2022 3 hours ago, joskuk said: Being a little lighter on gas sounds nice right now! The 416 can definitely drink some. I cut in around the house, trees, bushes, & garage with the C-81 with a 36" RD deck first, then finish with the C-120 with a 48" SD deck. The C-81 sips fuel comparatively. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
