318 Flywheel RingGear

manwith2jd · Sep 27, 2011

I have an old 318 that has damaged flywheel gear. Deere wants $600+ for complete flywheel assy, ouch! Can buy the ring gear from Onan for under $100.
Anyone ever complete this task and how difficult? I thought I could put the flywheel in the freezer after damaged ring is removed. Heat new ring in the oven, then "hopefully" drop on? Thought torch heating gear might effect metal properties.
I haven't ordered ringgear or starter gear yet, or even pulled the motor yet. Just seeing if I want to tackle it or not. Should I plan replacing the stator while I have it out or replace only if it tests "bad". New stator $ not too bad.
Thought this might be a good winter project! Been in barn storage for a few years! Let my SIL use it on his property until flywheel got trashed! Good little tractor, think it's around 12-1300 hrs. Worth fixing flywheel or is it toward end if it's life, for 25 year old?

mwb · Sep 27, 2011

I helped a buddy out with exactly this problem. JD wanted to rape him for the part, Onan is basically impossible to find. I did find a whole flywheel on ebay for about half the cost of the JD part - you might want to try that as an option.

After a lot of research I did find a business that made ring gears and found one that should match; that was a few years ago - unfortunately I don't remember the site.

If you can get the ring off (by freezing and then heating the ring with a torch) then putting a new one on is easy. I think the old ring is supposed to come off by being split though

My buddy went cheap and replaced the pinion on the starter - it has lasted since then but he is very close to needing to change the gear (again) and the ring.

Another option you have is to repower; google 'repower John Deere 318' - lots of info. You can put a brand new Vangaurd in there without too much trouble.

mwb · Sep 27, 2011

Dude, you are in luck...

104-0779 Flywheel Ring Gear B & P Series NEW [104-0779] - $69.50 : Onanparts.com, Your Onan Parts Solution

Better double check the specs but this should work if your 318 has the Onan P218 engine. They even reference a JD number!

Google this "good new and then the badder news" you will find some info on changing the ring (you will find another forum site).

Now why couldn't I find that five years ago when I needed it:laughing:

mwb · Sep 27, 2011

Ok, I just read all of your post

... so you know about the Onan part. I went through heck trying to find that so I answered too quick.

Easy job, easily worth fixing that machine. Get starter parts from a local rebuilder (cheaper). hardest part (If I remember correctly) is removing the four bolts that hold the drive shaft to the motor (or maybe putting them back in?). Small hands help.

I wouldn't change the stator unless it is bad (or really inexpensive). While you have the motor out I would take the carb apart and clean it. Add Seafoam to help it out after storage. The whole job could be done in less than a day (easily if you have worked on one before). Lots of winter left for you to build a loader for it?:laughing:

manwith2jd · Sep 28, 2011

Thanks mwb for your input.
I think I will go with heating the damaged ring gear with torch and driving off with hammer and drift. For new ring install will put flywheel in deep freezer and put ring gear in oven @ 300-350 deg., hopefully ring will drop right on with little effort. From what I've read keep ring gear heat below 400 deg. to avoid changing metal treatment. That's my plan anyway! Will post results after I attempt. I haven't seen anything on cooling the flywheel, but figure it can't hurt. We'll see!

C-Range · Oct 9, 2011

To get the old ring gear off, you just have to tap around the perimeter until it falls off. No heat or cold necessary. To get the new one on, just heat the ring a bit with a propane torch. It will fall right on. No freezing necessary.

When pulling the engine, it is a lot easier to leave the driveshaft attached and just pull it with the engine. Just be sure to guide the tail out as it comes to avoid damaging surrounding parts. Its no big deal. It's a lot easier to pull the engine by suspending it from a chainfall and rolling the chassis back.

Regarding the stator, do it. Change it while you have the engine out. They cost $109. Just be sure to get a proper puller to remove the flywheel from the engine. There are delicate magnets in there that can easily get damaged.

manwith2jd · Nov 9, 2011

Thanks
Everything went like "butter". Onan ring gear did go up $10 is price though from when I first tried to order, was out of stock at the time! But hey, what's not going up these days!
Was able to knock old ring gear off with just a drift punch and hammer, sweet! Heated new ring in oven @ 375 degrees for an hour, ring fell right on! Starter getting freshened at local shop. Then ready to go back in! BTW, when removing the engine I found it easier to remove engine with drive shaft connected to flywheel. Just a little help from friend to help guide drive shaft out not to damage fins on coolers and hyd. lines. Plan same approach on install.

manwith2jd · Nov 11, 2011

Thanks again Ensoll, pretty much followed your recommendation. Did order new stator due to old ohming out @ 0.4 think spec was 0.10-0.19, from Onan $54 incl. shipping! Plan to do carb as u suggested and I do run Seafoam all the time in my can fuel, but will give carb an extra drench of the stuff. Starter was gone thru at local shop, cleaned lubed, brushes checked, etc. Said it was sticking sometimes. Could have contributed to ring gear getting some damage. Only cost $12 he said should work 100x better! May not want to give her back to the son-in-law, always liked that little tractor!

C-Range · Nov 12, 2011

Hey Man,

I'm very glad that all of my hard learned experience could help someone. It's a shame for all of those bloody knuckles to have gone to waste! :laughing: