2010 Open Forum ARCHIVE

JD Spencer,

Welcome to the WFM forum -- you could not have a better set of initials for this site!

If your 316 is an Onan powered one that has the later engine (P218G / 18 HP rather than the earlier B43E / 16 HP engine) AND the 318 is a later version (post 1986) that has the frame cutout for the starter solenoid mounted to the starter motor itself, then the engine from your 316 will drop right in. If the 318 is a 1986 or earlier and you have the later P series engine from your other tractor, you will have to notch the frame to clear the solenoid, and the drive shaft will need to be adapted to the flywheel as it is a different length between the two engine types. Conversely if your 316 has a B43E engine and the 318 is an early model, the engine will drop right in as well, but it will be two horsepower short of the original 318's rating. Finally, using the early 316 Onan engine in a later 318 would require a shorter drive shaft and the addition of a separate solenoid on the firewall. Hope this long post does not make it seem more complicated than it is -- these engine swaps are pretty straightforward.

I once bought a 318 with a good low hour replacement P218G engine and poor condition otherwise for $300, and at another time bought a 316 in fair shape but with a thrown rod for about the same amount. These were good finds, so you may need to give a bit more for the "rolling chassis without engine..." but you could start there.

Good luck,

Chuck

JD, I once bought a low hour 318 with the engine in a basket for $500. I now have an engine for it, but have not yet finished the project.

I'll be glad to lend him some rocks! Nothing better than drinking beer and watching someone else work!

scored myself some good birthday presents yesterday and today......

pic #1... two for 15 bucks

pic #2-3.... very straight foil tag 80 cart WITH a NON rusted through tailgate. could not believe it when i saw it. it does have a heavy surface rust on the bottom edge as seen in the last pic but it's on the way to the blaster tomorrow to nip that problem right away.

the cart is really dirty right now but it's getting a good cleaning and a heavy coat of wax before summer duty...... the tailgate will get paint and a new decal tomorrow after the sandblaster and then i'll make a copy to use with the cart and the original gate will get hung on the garage wall.
enjoy

later
andy

What is this? Owner doesn't know? Says it has an Onan 18 motor. No serial number,etc...

I meant to post this pic too. What is this? 300? 316? 317? With a 18hp Onan? Maybe a 318 with a different fender deck on it? Would it fit? Help...



Andy, great find,.....hmmmmm. Package deal?

Jerry,

I thought at first glance that it might be a 317...some of these had a P218G Onan put in by dealers as a warranty replacement of the failed Kohler 17 twin. The side covers are not quite right though, and the exhaust is not on the same side as the original 317. The fender pan IS a match to the 317 however -- as is the hood with the light panel that does not wrap around to the sides like a 318. Maybe it is an owner re-power and the 318 style muffler was used so the side covers needed to also be transplanted. I see the screens at the rear facet of the side cover, just like a 318

I had a 317 with Onan about a year or more ago -- if you recall it was the one with all the pavement sealer on the bodywork and wheels/tires. Here is a profile shot of it with the larger tires and wheels that are now on my 322:


And here is a 'before' shot with the pavement sealer just about everywhere...


These can be really great little tractors, but the closed frame makes for a completely different set of rear attachments than those that fit your 322. All the front attachments will fit, and the deck just needs a different set of lift arms to work.

Chuck

Chas - good luck with the 212. You'll get a lot of seat time if you plan on doing a 3/4 mile driveway with a 212 blower
Spend some time checking the variator - make sure it speeds up & slows down the tractor. they can get stuck if the tractor has been sitting. I've had my 216 for a year now and have had to replace various bearings - none difficult and none that make me regret owning it. I'd also plan on changing the belts after you get it.

jerry no package deal, weights on craigslist and the cart came from #bay.

i'm guessing you are going to pass on that frankendeere???? might be worth it to pick up IF you have time to pick it apart...
but then again you know what's said about that

later
andy