I wondered if you ever got it done.
I want to switch them for several reasons. Number one is the onan has 1300 hours on it, the magnum hours are unknown, but it runs strong, much better than the onan, even better than my new p218. number two is my step dad needs a 317 to tow around his baggin' wagon setup. his 317, which was my grandfathers, is now in my possession and smokes terrible. That little tractor is on its 2nd motor and has had a hard life. Its about done. I wanted to fix it, but its going to cost too much for him. So now I have 2 318s and 2 317s. I really only have the need for one! I hate to give up my baby(317) but he could really use it and I don't trust him to maintain it too well. Hes pretty hard on equipment. Soooo....I thought I would give him my 317 with the tired onan, since he will only use it 2 or 3 times a year, and I'd put the good magnum in my second 318. Confused yet? Its a mess. But it can get more complicated! I also want to swap the hydros and steering columns on the 317s because the ones in grandpas old 317 seem to be in better working condition. Grandpas old 317 can then be sold for parts or whatever. I don't want to put the money in it myself, and its taking up valuable floor space. Then my stepdad gets a 317 back, and I have my 2 good 318s.
My mom says I have too much time on my hands. I can't help it, I like to tinker. My uncle asked my mom why I have 4 tractors for such a small yard, and she asked him why he has 3 corvettes when you can only drive one at a time. He didn't say another word, LOL.