Weekend Freedom Machines banner
Cancel

Major problem with 318

4968 Views 21 Replies 10 Participants Last post by  900thun, 
B
Well I want to say this is my first post on any tractor forum. I bought my tractor with 600 hours from a coworker. The only thing wrong with it was the paint was starting to chip since it was left outside in the cold Maine winters. I have done a dramatic restoration, paint job,degreased frame, new tires, controls, etc.

Right now I'm having a hard time trying to diagnose what the problem is now. This winter I was very low on hydro fluid, I read somewhere that I could add trans fluid dexron 3 to he hydro fluid. I added it and it seemed to be fine and then I noticed the reverse speed was slower. Not sure if this was related to he difference in fluid.

Second issue is that when I move the throttle forward or reverse there is a jerking motion that is quite severe. I checked the linkage and I didn't seem to notice anything out of the norm. But I'm not quite sure what to look at.

Third issue is that when the tractor is off I can just roll it around. Is this a normal thing. for some reason I thought it should not move at all. What could cause this to happen.

Thank you for all the help. I'm trying to keep this tractor in tip top shape
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 2 of 22 Posts
3
Ben, I would do as others have suggested and change the hydro fluid. As for the jerky hydro movement, deere used 4 different versions of hydro linkage over the 318 production run. The 3rd version had the unfortunate side-effect of very jerky hydro action when moving the lever between forward and reverse. Deere came out with a repair kit (PN AM116222)that would convert the 3rd version to the 4th and be much smoother. Unfortunately, the kit is no longer available, though parts of it can be bought separately. The 318 serial numbers that the kit covers are 485762-790000 and 10001-104040. If your 318 falls in this range, there is nothing wrong with the hydro, it's just a bad linkage design. My 332 can also be pushed around within a few minutes of shut-down without engaging the release lever. It's done this from when I bought it with less than 400 hours. I have put over 1000 hours on it since then, with many plow days included and never had a trans issue. I don't think this is an issue to be concerned with. Just don't park it on a hill without setting the brake.

Bill
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
3
Ben, search the forum for "jerky hydro" and I think you'll find others that were in your boat. Since the entire kit is no longer available, I believe some have purchased just the damper and the brackets to relocate it to the rear and have had good results. My 332 had the jerky hydro, but I was able to get the entire kit a number of years ago. I do have a PDF of the instructions I can send you.

Bill
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 2 of 22 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Weekend Freedom Machines
A forum community dedicated to Vintage John Deere Tractors owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about classic restorations, references, performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Hydrostatic Drive Tractors Gear Drive Tractors John Deere and Allied Attachments Round Fendered Tractors FOR SALE
Top