[jake_vc]

Hi guys, I just recently picked up a 78 316 with the Kohler motor and was wondering is there anything gremlin wise that I should be on the look out for with this tractor? I got it with mower deck, snow blower, garden plow and cultivator but I was told the previous owner mainly used it to blow snow. It has been sitting in a shed for at least the last years, so I was wondering if I should be expecting any surprises.

 

[gonetofarm]

I would not say anymore gremlins than any other model. I restored my 316k back in 2005. It had a broken connecting rod in the motor. After that had sat outside unused for 20+ years. deck rusted thru and seat. The weak link on any of the Kohler singles cylinders are the governor gear. Its a plastic part. Once it goes you cannot control over revving of the motor and shortly after that can break a connecting rod. Have seen two of them go one on different tractor and my brother's 312 both one was a K341 and the other a K301. These motors are splashed lubed and do not have oil pumps. Since these motors are isolated with an engine mount cradle its wise to have a good secondary ground wire from the battery to the frame. All the wiring and connections should be clean. The best thing I did to mine was install a Kirk engines pointsaver.

 

[skiwithjohn]

Leonard, keep us up-to-date on your 316. I've been looking at a 78 316 with a home built loader on it. I was able to get the tractor to turn over, but could not get it started. The wiring harness is a mess on it. I still haven't decided if I'm going to buy it.

 

[trav1s]

The Kohler is easy to work on and maintain. I would begin with a turn-up (new points, condenser, and plug), rebuild the carb, and try to wake the sleeping beast. While you are at it you could pull the head, clean the carbon of the top of the piston and the head. Lap the head and reinstall with a new gasket - torqued to specs. Once you get it hot retorque the head to specs.

Travis