Found another 318 for the gurus to look at...

[notmyj]

I decided against buying the one I found and posted in a different thread. I found the following one on craigslist. It is a 1991, 1200hrs. It appears that the oil has been changed regularly and it looks to be in better shape. Its 2 hrs from me and I am going to see it tomorrow and if everything checks out I will take it home with me.

The current owner said it may need a starter as it doesn't sound right when starting it. But he said it does start. The starter just doesn't sound good. I'm thinking worst case I have to replace the starter and flywheel. How bad is this?

He said the cylinders on teh plow leak a little. By the pics, it looks like may be the hoses. No big deal, I can make hoses at work for nothing.

Here are the pics that they sent me. Never mind the date stamp in the pics. Clearly it is wrong.

Over all, what do you guys think considering the 1200 hrs, starter issue and $2k price tag?

 

[RoyJackson]

You'll know more when you hear it start.
Since you mentioned (in your other thread) you knew your way around a shop, you should be able to determine if it's a bad starter or something more (or less) serious.
If the starter bendix has chewed up the flywheel, I don't think $2K would be a good price.
1200 hours (to me) seems like a lot on an aircooled gasoline engine...

Here's some more info for you:
TractorData.com John Deere 318 tractor information

 

[Gator6x4]

What would give me second or fourth thoughts is the 318 had an Onan engine. The 318 had an Onan B43G engine until 1987. After 1987 and until JD stopped making it had an Onan P218.

You may find a starter and flywheel and you may not. You may also have to re-badge or re-engine the unit with a 18 hp kohler or honda.

I think I would pass.

 

[C-Range]

Hello again,

If you think you want to move on this 318, have him remove the starter and get a look at the gears. It's only two bolts. The ring gear on the flywheel can be replaced but you'll have to locate one. You'll find them on ebay but they are often junk. The gear teeth should be mostly straight all the way across the ring. If they have a bevel, they are worn. Similar logic applies to the starter, which I believe you can have rebuilt if necessary and I've read about people buying replacements, though can't make that claim myself.

It's too bad. Damage to these gears normally occurs when the battery is going and doesn't have the power to overcome the return spring long enough. If the owner just pays attention and changes battery properly, this won't usually occur.

Otherwise, that machine looks cared for, which might be the single most important aspect. 1200 hours is substantial but if the machine was treated with respect it's ok. Still, I wouldn't expect many 318's found for sale to be pure plug and play. Anything this old is likely to need a little medical care from time to time - and then there's the issue of parts availability and your inconvenience.

 

[glc24]

Onan parts are still fairly plentiful.There is an Onan Yahoo group,where you will be able to ask about every part on an Onan.

IMO,the Onan website is the best place for new parts,both availability,and price. They also have decent used from time to time. Actually,right now there is a complete flywheel for a P series. It's not cheap,but anymore what is!
If you only need the ring gear,those are always available on their site. I can't say enough about that place. Everything I needed for my 316 came from there. If the part isn't listed that you need,it will appear on the site when you email them.:thumbsup:

As for a starter,yes,there are plenty of aftermarket ones out there. I got one for a hundred beaners. Sure beats going through JD and paying over five hundred for one.:confused2:

Greg

 

[tomd999]

Hiya,

Well, it's used. Looks like it spent some time in the weather at some point in it's life. So, from what I see it's basically priced at maximum the market will bear. I would offer $1600 and see what happens. You can bring up these points for the price adjustment.

1) the starter issue you mentioned, Use Deere for the price quote to the seller
2) I'll bet it needs a carburator service based on the soot at the exhaust outlet and the choke pulled out. (Don't worry, you can clean out the carb very well without taking it off the engine as all the jets come out.)
3) The dented right rear rim

Hope it helps,

Tom

 

[notmyj]

Well, I went and looked at it. I brought it home with me for $1800. The flywheel doesn't look bad but the starter seems to struggle when its cold. I am going to check the battery cables as it acts like they are causing a lot of voltage drop. Once its running, it runs great. No creep, no leaks, the trans responds instantly. The paint looks really good in person, and everything underneath looks good. There is very little rust and the tires have no dry rot.

The front PTO doesnt engage, but a quick look leaves me to believe that the switch is bad. The deck is very clean. No damage, no rust, and the bearings all feel good.

I am going to rip into it tomorrow and start an initial maintanence and check. I will keep you guys updated. Thanks again for the info and the help. My 3yr old stayed up till midnight cause he was so excited that I was buying a tractor and just wouldnt go to bed until he got to see it.... Kids, LOL.

 

[C-Range]

Congrats, you have now been infected. There no point in resisting.

Regarding the PTO, thats usually just an adjustment. Don't fiddle with out too much until you get the procedure. It's just a gap setting.

Congrats again!

 

[jsb2b]

Definitely looks better than the one you considered before. At least this guy didn't hit everything in his yard with it!!! This one has some rust but that can be cleaned up easily. Hopefully the hydraulic cylinders' rods aren't pitted. That steering cylinder looks kinda rusty and dull on the piston rod. It's not repairable (welded) and is pricey. What is that red strapping on the rear for??? :thumbsup:

 

[notmyj]

That red strap is holding a solid steel weight the PO had. He gave it to me with the tractor. The cylinder looks bad but its not pitted at all. It is discolored though, and it doesn't leak.