Wheel Horse 312-8

[Flint Mitch]

Just got this for free from my dad. Last time he ran it, it burned about 1qt per hour of oil. It reads 346 hours. The deck ran great last time. He kept everything greased, but he just never changed the oil or cleaned/changed the air filter. It has a Kohler engine...

My question is should I rebuild this engine or try to buy a running replacement. I got it to sputter once after pouring a bit of gas down the hole after I changed the plug. Compression seems quite low judging by how fast the starter spins it over.

Any links for engine parts or other g ood info is appreciated

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[Fish]

Put up a pic of the engine model tag. It should be under the carb somewhere.

 

[Flint Mitch]

Put up a pic of the engine model tag. It should be under the carb somewhere.

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[junkman]

If turns over real fast ,maybe pull the rocker /valve cover and see if valves are too tight ,that will make it hard to start cold .

 

[Flint Mitch]

I'm positive the engine needs a rebuild.

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[Fish]

Pull the head, see what you have to work with. Low compression would be
more from the valves, but you have to look at the cylinder wall, to see if it would burn oil too badly. Also get a look at the wear ridge.

 

[Wagnerwerks]

I have the 14hp version of your tractor. It was my paps.

I'd do the valves and throw 10-40 or 5-50 in it. These rarely really need rings until they are a lot uglier. Not saying you would need them, but top end makes sense.

 

[Flint Mitch]

Pull the head, see what you have to work with. Low compression would be
more from the valves, but you have to look at the cylinder wall, to see if it would burn oil too badly. Also get a look at the wear ridge.

I'll get it apart probably over the weekend. I do know that when my dad was using it last it was burning lots of oil so I'm guessing it's probably needing rings as well

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[Fish]

How sloppy/worn are the throttle/choke shafts?
Could have eaten some dirt, looking at the cylinder will tell you what needs to be done.

 

[Nitehawk55]

Lots of options for boring oversize and doing a good rebuild .

 

[Wagnerwerks]

Change or at least check the rod while you're in there. Hate to do all the work and have a knock soon. We have a 10hp with thousands of hours on it that now runs 20/50 and Lucas oil treatment. . Still knocks, but doesn't burn much anymore. I just did my paps over and it is a great tractor to have around. You'll love it.

 

[Flint Mitch]

Change or at least check the rod while you're in there. Hate to do all the work and have a knock soon. We have a 10hp with thousands of hours on it that now runs 20/50 and Lucas oil treatment. . Still knocks, but doesn't burn much anymore. I just did my paps over and it is a great tractor to have around. You'll love it.

I found a rebuild kit on eBay. It has all gaskets,piston/ring , rod/bearings. About $120. Probably gonna purchase it

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[Wagnerwerks]

I've used one just like that. My dad threw a rod in his cub and we did that motor over. It was decent. Make sure your cylinder is not out of round. They wear egg shaped sometimes and need bored.

 

[Fish]

Don't buy anything until you at least pull the head and make some measurements.

 

[Wolverine]

Any chance you are on facebook? There are 2 really good Wheelhorse groups on there. A wealth of info from a pretty decent bunch of people. You usually see mature, well informed content. They are Wheel Horse Junkies and Wheel Horse Garden Tractors and Parts.
There is a annual WH show just a few miles from me @ the South Mountain Fairgrounds. Has a great swap meet.
http://www.wheelhorsecc.com/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=2
I use mine to pull around firewood with my 4x8 trailer.

 

[Flint Mitch]

Any chance you are on facebook? There are 2 really good Wheelhorse groups on there. A wealth of info from a pretty decent bunch of people. You usually see mature, well informed content. They are Wheel Horse Junkies and Wheel Horse Garden Tractors and Parts.
There is a annual WH show just a few miles from me @ the South Mountain Fairgrounds. Has a great swap meet.
http://www.wheelhorsecc.com/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=2
I use mine to pull around firewood with my 4x8 trailer.
View attachment 37946

Unfortunately I'm not on Facebook

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[Wagnerwerks]

Unfortunately I'm not on Facebook

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Though I'm sure the wheelhorse pages are good......

That's not unfortunate.. good for you... lol.