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Good deal, or run like ****?

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Discussion starter · #21 ·
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#23 ·
subdivisionbigdog said:
So this so-called "mechanic" bought a non-running unit, went through the engine, but has no clue about the compression? And your going to take a stranger's word to tell you 100% the truth?
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Very good point. Something doesn't sound right if he already spent time on the engine.:hide:
 
#24 ·
Maybe this guy is legit but I know a few that do the same things with lawnmowers. Yes some i'm sure are very honest and do amazing work. Others either know nothing or just flipping to make a buck and send the problem down the road. IMHO I'd be wanting to see some receipts as well. Or is this a pieced together unit. Sorry to be blunt but have seen many people get bent over on what was presented as good solid equipment and such. Good luck.
 
#25 ·
subdivisionbigdog said:
Maybe this guy is legit but I know a few that do the same things with lawnmowers. Yes some i'm sure are very honest and do amazing work. Others either know nothing or just flipping to make a buck and send the problem down the road. IMHO I'd be wanting to see some receipts as well. Or is this a pieced together unit. Sorry to be blunt but have seen many people get bent over on what was presented as good solid equipment and such. Good luck.
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Ditto. Then it burns them on older machines, or the brand itself.
 
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#26 ·
IRQVET said:
With all due respect, many large automotive companies cannot get paint right- right off the assembly line. I used to paint in commercial shops, and often times factor paint jobs cannot hold a candle to what we used to do.
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I'm just saying- for a back yard Joe, the chance of a decent paint job seems substantially better than the chance of good powder coat.
 
#27 ·
IRQVET said:
Here was his responses: (I refer to you folks as my "friend" now, lol)



My response:



Hey John,



I was talking to my friend about you 318, and I showed him the pictures you sent me and he told me I need to ask you the following questions:



1. Is the Firewall\partition insulation being replaced?



2. Will the tail lamps be reinstalled?



3. Is there are any front implements available so you can check the front hydraulics and both spools?



His Response:



I've been putting the final touches on the tractor. Answers to your questions...

1. No.

2. Yes, See pictures. The tail lights have been installed an working

3. Yes, See pictures. A front blade was installed and moved the blade up and down and right and left. The video of the blade moving was sent to your cell phone.

4. The new front tires were installed

5. The blade is also for sale if your interested.

6. For $100. I will deliver to your place in Oregon since I'm going down there to visit family anyhow on the 22nd.



The owner did send me a short video with the blade attached and him working the controls around to prove everything is working as it should be.
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Discussion starter · #28 ·
subdivisionbigdog said:
So this so called mechanic bought a non running unit and when through the engine but has no clue about the compression. And your going to take a strangers word to do a proper test and tell you 100% the truth? Go for it. :fing32:
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I hear ya. The seller has been pretty transparent considering he's the next state over and I cannot see it in person at the moment. He has answered every question I've asked, and he has even taken video to show me certain things I've asked to see. Keep in mind he was still in the process of working on it when we came into contact. He didn't even have it advertised yet when his buddy shot him a copy of the wanted ad I posted on Craigslist. So as far as Craigslist is concerned, I think this guy has been pretty good to deal with.
 
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#29 ·
IRQVET said:
I hear ya. The seller has been pretty transparent considering he's the next state over and I cannot see it in person at the moment. He has answered every question I've asked, and he has even taken video to show me certain things I've asked to see. Keep in mind he was still in the process of working on it when we came into contact. He didn't even have it advertised yet when his buddy shot him a copy of the wanted ad I posted on Craigslist. So as far as Craigslist is concerned, I think this guy has been pretty good to deal with.
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I think we're so used to hearing CL horror stories we forget that millions of people sell things every day without a hitch. Perhaps the thing runs real nice and he never had any reason to do anything with the engine.
 
Discussion starter · #32 ·
With CL being like it can be, my Spidey sense really isn't tingling with this transaction. But even with that being said, any input is appreciated as I am no expert when it comes to tractors.
 
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#33 ·
IRQVET said:
I hear ya. The seller has been pretty transparent considering he's the next state over and I cannot see it in person at the moment. He has answered every question I've asked, and he has even taken video to show me certain things I've asked to see. Keep in mind he was still in the process of working on it when we came into contact. He didn't even have it advertised yet when his buddy shot him a copy of the wanted ad I posted on Craigslist. So as far as Craigslist is concerned, I think this guy has been pretty good to deal with.
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IRQVET said:
With CL being like it can be, my Spidey sense really isn't tingling with this transaction. But even with that being said, any input is appreciated as I am no expert when it comes to tractors.
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Wow! Only 3 hours have went by. :homer:
 
#34 ·
IRQVET said:
So with no JD 318's to be found in my local area, I put a wanted add on Craigslist. Someone near me forwarded my ad to his buddy in the neighboring state, who said he is a retired JD mechanic and now he finds old JD equipment, fixes them up, and sells them as his side/ retirement gig.

He picked up this one out of Arizona (non running) and went through it. From what I know it did not come with an hour meter (although he has put a new one on it now) so we have no idea how many hours it has. It has a 46 inch deck with all new parts. The body was recently powder coated and the hood was rattle canned. When I spoke to him yesterday he was putting on four brand new tires as well. Currently he has this one running and driving with no issues from what he claims.

I have the chance to pick it up for $1,800 so I wondering if I should go for it?
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For $1,800 if it lasts a year and a half then ends-up in the scrap pile, i'd say you got your money's worth out of it imo.

What exactly are you expecting out of a $1,800 20-year old lawnmower?
 
#35 ·
I had a 73 110SF given to me. It came with a working 31 tiller, a Brinley mold board plow and the integral hitch and a 39 inch mower deck. I managed to get it started and it runs rather good, but I know the motor needs rings. I spent a fortune on belts and pulleys for the deck belt, deck main drive and belt for the secondary PTO (mule) plus new variator belts. I've taken it apart and painted it. It needs a seat, but other then that, I have a working L & G tractor that has given me my money's worth in working on it.

Was it worth it, that depends on how you value something. I think it is and after I get the motor rebuilt and buy the linkage for the front to lift a small blade, I should have a 43 year old tractor that will do all I want it to do

So if you think it's a good deal and are ready to spend some money , go for it
 
Discussion starter · #36 ·
Heard back from the seller on the compression test:

"The compression readings that I got were 92#'s and 117#'s. spec is 100#'s

It's your call."
 
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#40 ·
David Vines said:
Help me out, are you saying that the compression is really in the low 20's. If so, why would you say that based on a 20+ psi difference in cylinders?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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He's saying the percentage difference between the cylinders is in the low 20's when it should be less than 10%.

That motor is in need of work. Possibly just a hone ,ring and valve job , but there is no way to know that without opening it up and checking it all over.
 
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