Restoring a 1983 JD314 tractor

NYJim · Nov 29, 2015

Hi folks,
I am in the process of rebuilding/restoring a 1983 John Deere 314 lawn and garden tractor, 14 HP Kohler single cylinder engine. I bought this tractor used in 1984 and it has been super reliable and super useful for maintaining my property. Even though I have kept up with the routine maintenance items, the tractor was showing its age after 32+ years of constant use. I completely disassembled the tractor, replacing all worn parts such as seals, brake shoes, wheel bearings, tires, rubber hydraulic lines, etc.. I stripped and powder coated all the metal parts. The rear differential, seal between the differential-axle tube section and the front section which has the hydrostat mounted to it, always had a very slight leak, 1 -2 drops per week. Upon dis-assembly, there was no gasket between these parts, RTV silicon seal was used. The JD parts diagram is unclear since the parts manual is common for models 312 through 316. I can't tell if there should have been a gasket used or not. None of the local dealers have been of any help, the tractor is way too old for them. Thanks!

Jim

beenthere · Nov 30, 2015

The jd 314 shows in jdparts.com and there is a gasket between the transmission rear housing and the transmission cylinder block.
part # M45399
Don't know if this is what you are meaning by the words you use, but seems to fit.
This schematic shows the parts between the rear housing and the block, but can make out the gasket.
Is this where you questioned the need for one?

cantbeatadeere · Nov 30, 2015

Hmm....seems to me there was a square cut o-ring between the two units. if you could post a pic of what your components of concern are it would help. I think you are talking about the pieces that join male to female - spline to an internal coupler shaft. beenthere is on the right track with the exploded view...although m45735 is the o-ring I am thinking of in the charge pump and oil filter schematic. your restoring a great tractor the 14 hp kohler is top notch when paired with the hydro tranny. are you rebuilding the engine?

NYJim · Nov 30, 2015

Hi Folks,
Thank you very much for your responses. I added a file below which shows the parts I am referring to. The parts diagram definitely shows a gasket but when I disassembled the unit there was only RTV silicone to make the seal between the units. I am sure I can make the gasket or order it. I am the second owner of this tractor, bought it when is was less than a year old so it is possible the differential housing was opened for repairs and the gasket omitted. It is a royal pain to disassemble this section so I want to do it only one more time.

Can you recommend a reliable source for ordering JD parts from? My local dealers went out of business a few years back.

Cantbeatadeere: I decided not to rebuild the engine after removing the various covers from the engine and inspecting it. The inside of the engine is very clean, it always started quickly and ran very good. Looking at the cylinder after removing the bottom of the crankcase, it still has hone marks all the way around, no grooves or scratches. No indications of low compression (I don't know how to test the compression since I was told it has a built in compression release device). This tractor always ran great and was well cared for, I changed to oil well before the required intervals and kept the cooling fins clean to prevent overheating. I got it to the point of starting it recently then I discovered the oil leak from the differential which caused a setback.

Thanks for your help, much appreciated!!
Jim

cantbeatadeere · Nov 30, 2015

Mullally's john deere ....parts guy is Jim, he is younger but maaan does this kid know how to look up parts. you will pay retail but the service is awesome!! He has come through for me dozens of times and is very respectful. I get 15% off at a local dealership but the disrespectful tone and other small things turns me to mullally's for most of my purchases. I hope if you try them you will have a positive experience aswell. ----good luck Jim

beenthere · Nov 30, 2015

NYJim
Try jdparts.com for some clearer pics than what you posted.
Here is one from jdparts.com that shows the transmission rear housing and the gasket that is item 2 (part # M45399).

Maybe this is not where you are having the leak.