Another 318 newbie

[notmyj]

Hi Greg and Dave,

Regarding the engines being obsolete, I should point out that I am specifically referring to the engine block itself. Most everything else can still either be bought new from Deere or found elsewhere, sometimes used. As much as I don't like to promote them, eBay is a good source for 318 parts.

I also suspect that this machine will have the P218. If Dave can get the tractor serial number (last six digits), it's easy to tell which engine should be in it.

I love the ignition system in the P218. It doesn't get any simpler. Both cylinders fire on every stroke so theres no rotor, just a coil.

And Dave, as a mechanic you will be way ahead of this but one of the first things I like to do in these situations is look for missing screws and stripped screws in the most common areas, such as engine cowl sheetmetal. I also look for butchered wiring, paint over rust, etc. This tells a lot about the care the machine has received, or the lack thereof.

Congratulations again. I hope that you will be participating a lot here because I really want to hear more about your new gem.

I plan on being very active here. I am currently active 5 forums for various different interests from jeeps, guns, cigars, chainsaws, etc. Might as well make it 6. lol.

I am still wrestling with my wants and needs. I cant help but look at classifieds for 322's and 332's. Thinking the 318 is nice, but how awesome would it be to have the only diesel "lawn tractor" on the block while everyone else is riding their new "big box" tractors that are marginal at best.... Even though I know the 318 will do any and everything I need and more, its that natural guy thing that bigger is better. Even my chainsaw is way over kill for what I need, but I will never need to replace it due to it wearing out. Its a Husky 357xp in case you were wondering.

I am kinda nervous about it because I keep seeing these other ones listed that are all shiny and nice looking. Even though I am not buying it to look good, I would like it to look good while it does its job. The fact that it has low hours and includes the snow blower and it does have the "P" engine for $2k are the biggest factors in me thinking I this is the right way to go.

But, with the broken bracket on the deck, I cant help but wonder what else might be wrong with it. I am eager to see the rest of the pics once they get them to me this week. I will share them with you guys if you would be willing to take a critical look at them to help spot any other issues. I figure you guys are the best ones to ask as I am not familiar with the 318...Yet.

 

[jsb2b]

From the picture of the mower deck, it looks like the previous owner hit everything he could with the deck. It's pretty hard to snap off that deck hanger and the right front of the discharge chute is definitely pushed backwards. A good whack with a sledge should fix that. Also, the front pulley assembly is caved in behind the mower drive belt tension adjust knob. Ask the dealer to mount the deck and start the blades up for you. This will test the electric PTO clutch which isn't cheap to buy and replace and the safety interlocks. Then he and you will know what needs to be fixed!!! :thumbsup:

PS: It looks like the hanger leveling adjuster, diagram number 5, is bent too...

 

[C-Range]

From the picture of the mower deck, it looks like the previous owner hit everything he could with the deck. It's pretty hard to snap off that deck hanger and the right front of the discharge chute is definitely pushed backwards. A good whack with a sledge should fix that. Also, the front pulley assembly is caved in behind the mower drive belt tension adjust knob. Ask the dealer to mount the deck and start the blades up for you. This will test the electric PTO clutch which isn't cheap to buy and replace and the safety interlocks. Then he and you will know what needs to be fixed!!! :thumbsup:

Wow, yes, I saw the pics on a phone. I looked closer and that deck is concerning. The mule drive is all bent, jeez. How the heck do you bend a mule drive? The paint looks wasted. Is that grey primer over rust?

If the deck looks like this, the rest of the tractor would need close checking over. Sorry Dave, I got a little distracted by the low hours. Definitely check things over before buying and I'd be looking for a lower price at this point.

 

[notmyj]

Wow, yes, I saw the pics on a phone. I looked closer and that deck is concerning. The mule drive is all bent, jeez. How the heck do you bend a mule drive? The paint looks wasted. Is that grey primer over rust?

If the deck looks like this, the rest of the tractor would need close checking over. Sorry Dave, I got a little distracted by the low hours. Definitely check things over before buying and I'd be looking for a lower price at this point.

Hmm... Your comments have me concerned. Should I be looking at other tractors? I'm not looking for another project. I think its just dirty but not sure. I was hoping to get a better look when I get more pics. Maybe I will keep a few lines out and see what else I can pull in...

Should I be looking to stay under 1000hrs? Should I shy away from the B motor, thus limiting my search to 87 and up?

ETA: Found a guy within an hour of me that has 3 318's for sale! Apparently he is big into older JD tractors and is selling all kinds of stuff. Good prices too. The only thing that concerns me is that the lowest hour tractor he has is 1033 hrs. Should this be a concern? He said I am looking around $2100 for the tractor, new style 50" deck, and 54" 4way plow. I feel alot better about being able to see it first so I think I am gonna make out to his place friday morning to take a look at it.

 

[C-Range]

Only you can answer some of these questions and some can only be answered by looking at the machine. I don't think theres any reason to shy away from the B43 engine, except for having to set points.

It's always a good idea to look at several machines and also keep in mind that these things are pretty old so they will need occasional work. Think of it like buying an old sports car. You can tune it to the nines but stuff is still going to fail sometimes. This is why I buy new for anything I need to depend on whenever possible, especially something that needs to start on a cold dark night to blow piles of snow.

 

[Martian]

Hmm... Your comments have me concerned. Should I be looking at other tractors? I'm not looking for another project. I think its just dirty but not sure. I was hoping to get a better look when I get more pics. Maybe I will keep a few lines out and see what else I can pull in...

Should I be looking to stay under 1000hrs? Should I shy away from the B motor, thus limiting my search to 87 and up?

ETA: Found a guy within an hour of me that has 3 318's for sale! Apparently he is big into older JD tractors and is selling all kinds of stuff. Good prices too. The only thing that concerns me is that the lowest hour tractor he has is 1033 hrs. Should this be a concern? He said I am looking around $2100 for the tractor, new style 50" deck, and 54" 4way plow. I feel alot better about being able to see it first so I think I am gonna make out to his place friday morning to take a look at it.

1033 hours is nothing. A lot of really good machines have 4 or 5 times that amount. Now, if that's 1033 without service avoid it like the plague. If it's been service regularly no need to fear.

 

[tomd999]

Hiya,

I think it looks pretty good for an '88. I have one just like it. As far what other people have noticed:

The mule drive is not bent, the sheet metal cover that bolts to it is. Google it, new replacement with decal, about 40 bucks

The deck looks like it's in pretty good condition. is the front edge bent, yes, easy fix. The spindles should be checked and any bent items or cracks can be fixed by a welder for short money. If you do end up with a bad deck after a few more years, there are plenty of 46 and 48 decks out there for a couple 3 hundred bucks on CL.

Check the tires for dry rot and weather checking, they look original. Don't worry if they are cracked, mine are and they hold air just fine.

The power steering cylinder looks in good shape, which is good.
The snowthrower also looks in good condition

For the $, I would buy it. but that's only me spending your money...

Tom