[jwhitt64]

I have found a 317 serial # 165 don't know the rest.shows it's an 81 .My question is don't know what mother is in it.it's all rubbed of the sticker on the engine.So don't know if its series 1 or 2. On the bottom of the sticker it does show replacement engine if that helps.

 

[KB]

Pull the right side green side cover. Grab a light, and look in from the front corner of the tractor. If you can see a small plate on the the lower motor that looks like a blankoff, you can be sure it's series II.

 

[inspired_metal]

Jeff,
It is more than likely a series two. No one would have ever put in a 'replacement engine' with a series 1. Most of those blew up in the first 40 hours or on a sidehill since the lubrication was so poor. It is a very rare exception to find an original series 1 still working. I know there are some out there and I'm sure my answer will provoke some responses.
Dom

 

[jwhitt64]

Ok, That Helps a lot, Thanks guy's

 

[coalminer16]

Yep-have a blow series one right now.

 

[chance_2]

Still have the original series 1 in my 317. It is starting to show it's age though. Might be time for a rebuild.

 

[ericduff]

Mine is a 80 model and is a Series II. Onans were a replacement engine right from JD though, there are plenty of 317's with those.

 

[akaothermick]

Dominic, yep! there are some series 1's that show no sign of quitting, granted its not in a JD but a AC 917H, still as strong as ever, never mowed on a hill with it. It throws snow like a Banshee. AC got it right in this model, makes you wonder why JD never got it to last in theirs. Only 33 years old, nothing but regular oil changes and maintenence.

 

[KB]

I had a running series 1 in an ariens. I have only had one of each go through my garage.