[joegreen]

Looking at a 1977 212 on craigslist. It looks in decent shape but it does have issues. The main issue is its hard to start. I am very mechanical and can fix any issue I'm just looking for a fair value. It will need front tires due to dry rot, seat, battery, probably carb fuel or ignition work, oil changes on engine and diff, variator handle replaced. It comes with a 46in deck. Its missing the front lift linkage for a plow and whatnot. Its an all manual tractor. Im not sure the condition of the hub splines or transmission etc. Here is a picture.

 

[joegreen]

I'd start at $350-400 and go up or down based on closer inspection. No price listed in the ad?

Its listed at $500 but it will need some things. The guy tried to start it recently and it stopped turning over. Something electrical

 

[joegreen]

I wouldn't go over $300 and try to get it for $250. You will most likely find problems that you cant see.
I have refurbished 4 tractors similar to that one, in that shape and before you know it you'll have another $1000 into it depending on the condition of the transaxle and engine. Just the things you mention will cost around $500 unless you have a 212-bone yard nearby. BTW, The variator speed control, if bad, is pretty expensive to buy a good used one .

Yeah that seems to be how any machine goes, there are always the hidden problems. I am waiting for a reply from the guy but I think we settled on $250

 

[joegreen]

It did turn over. So at least the engine isn't seized. Shouldn't have to do much with the engine unless it's mosquito fogging. Looks like the right brake pedal is on the floor so I'm guessing some variator/brake work is needed. Hopefully it's nothing worse than a stuck sheave, a weak tensioner spring or worn belt. We're you trying to jump start the tractor with something? I'd check the ignition coil and voltage regulator as well. I've not had any of the fuel drain back problems on mine.

As easy as those side covers are to remove I'd just prep and paint them with a rattle can of JD Green.

I'd say you got a good deal. I've paid that for worse.

I dont have the tractor yet. Im supposed to be picking it up next week. The owner said it ran but was hard to start. When he tried to start it the other day he said it didnt turn over i think. As far as the brake being down i asked an he said it was because he had the parking brake on.

 

[joegreen]

I'm bringing mine back from a long slumber. See what you mean about fuel pumps. Genuine Kohler is either NLA or like $200+ for old stock. Looks like you can buy an offshore for like $15. Are they really bad? I also saw an aftermarket diaphragm kit for like $25. As long as the original housing is good I suppose that should work? I don't have spark yet so working on that first before I see if I need a fuel pump.

OP-did you get it home yet?

Not yet. I scheduled with the owner to pick up Wednesday.

 

[joegreen]

Picked up the machine today. Started tearing into it and getting everything cleaned, adjusted, and fixed so I can attempt to start it. Motor appears good. Internals sound quite when turning the flywheel back and forth. Took the head off and it was quite clean. You can see honing marks on the bore. Previous owner said the top end was looked at at one point. Not sure what that means and i don’t think he does either. Oil was clean on the dipstick.

 

[joegreen]

Got a battery today. Finished all the base line adjustments on the engine. It took a little while for the fuel to get to the pump and carb. I used compressed air in the tank to help move the fuel along. It runs beautifully and doesnt smoke although i only ran it for a couple minutes in my garage.

 

[joegreen]

Drained the transaxle today. Looked like a milkshake but at least it was full. Looks bad but it was still pretty oily. Everything looked shiny through the fill hole but you can’t see much. The issue is it won’t stay in 3rd gear under load. Read about the shift springs rusting out and breaking or getting weak. Looks like I’ll have to take the transmission apart before i go into 2 gears at once.