I don't see a problem
- stock 318's had 18HP and the diesel version #332 had 16HP but probably a lot more torque
- the 318 your looking at only has 11% more HP with the 20HP Onan / should be a nice upgrade

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Beaumont { :>)) www.petperfectexpress.com
Golden Rule - "he who has the gold, makes the rule"
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http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=135888 Amy recoving from life threatening surgery, Post #12
1992 JD 318 original paint w/484 hr. on P218g Onan & #49 snow blower / 1998 JD GT262 w/brand new Kawasaki OHV & 48" rebuilt deck
http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=135838 Intro.

 

The pump, hydro and tranny in the 318 were also found in more powerful tractors. Bumping up to 20HP should be nothing but an advantage. Hopefully the newer 20HP engine might even be a bit more fuel efficient. My stock 318 tends to be a bit thirsty.

--Justin

 

I have a 1985 316 that has been repowered with an onan performer 20. When the onan 16 horse died the engine shop said for a bit more money we could upgrade to the 20 hp engine, block was the same just more displacement. My father and I instaled it, and the engine bolted rite in no prob. Not sure of the year but to guess atleast 15 years ago+. The tractor mowed 2 acres,tilled two gardens,and plowed snow for many years after the repower. My father passed away and I inharated the tractor so now it just plows snow and tills my garden. Not sure if the engine in that 318 is the same, but with my experience the 20 horse engine in my 316 still has plenty of power and starts rite up no mater how cold!:thThumbsU

 

I'm not a JD guy yet but just basing this on logic heres how I view it.

#1 The 18 and 20HP engines are based on the same block so it should be a drop in affair i.e. no problems.

#2 The added HP really isn't that great and since it has the same governor set at 3600 RPM you won't overspeed the pump and do any damage.

#3 With it being a newer engine it should give you many years of service i.e. low hours.

Now with that being said heres what the cautious part of me asks,

#1 Why did they need to change out the engine ? Lack of care and if it was how did they care for the rest of the tractor ?

#2 The seller states everything works as it should, but even so are the hydraulics leaking because it will still work fine as long as they kept the level up so no air invaded the system, are the lines hard and cracking ?

#3 Most decks will at some point need refreshing i.e. nicks in the paint, a good cleaning etc. so I'm wondering what he means by the deck needs repainting ?

If you really want it I would suggest you go over it with a fine toothed comb to be sure you're not buying a money pit, I know older units need some TLC but when it costs more to bring it back than what it's worth then you have to consider whether it's worth it or not.

Cost vs. Resale Value

This is all just my point of view, and if it's one you can't live without then it all becomes academic because you will get it no matter what kind of shape it's in.

Ron

 

..............Now with that being said heres what the cautious part of me asks,

#1 Why did they need to change out the engine ? Lack of care and if it was how did they care for the rest of the tractor ?

#2 The seller states everything works as it should, but even so are the hydraulics leaking because it will still work fine as long as they kept the level up so no air invaded the system, are the lines hard and cracking ?

#3 Most decks will at some point need refreshing i.e. nicks in the paint, a good cleaning etc. so I'm wondering what he means by the deck needs repainting ?

If you really want it I would suggest you go over it with a fine toothed comb to be sure you're not buying a money pit, I know older units need some TLC but when it costs more to bring it back than what it's worth then you have to consider whether it's worth it or not.

Cost vs. Resale Value

This is all just my point of view, and if it's one you can't live without then it all becomes academic because you will get it no matter what kind of shape it's in.

Ron

I'm thinking the new motor came about because the old one was 20 plus years old. From my own experience and from the vast amount of stuff I've read about Deere Gts. the Onan had about 1500 hours of life in them. I dropped a 20 HP Onan in my 316. If your worry is over powering the hydro, don't worry. I have seen a 300 series tractor with a Chevy small block in it connected to the stock hydro. These older hydros were VERY much over designed for Deere's application.

 

The only difference between the 18 and 20 hp engines is the cam so there would be no negatives with that engine.
My '83 318 has a '96 20hp Onan and it fit right in, if I remember correctly the only external difference was the way the starter mounts and the drain on the oil pan.

 

Allsystemz is almost correct the only difference between the 18 and 20 hp P series Onans is the camshaft and the carb jetting. Otherwise they are exactly the same. The John Deere 420's came with the 20 hp and the hydro pump and drivetrain is virtually identical to the 318 except for having a two speed and locking differential. The differential is identical except for those two features.

There are lots of 318's and 420's repowered with Vanguard, Honda and Kohler engines, from 23-28 hp and the drivetrains handle it fine. I have a 20 hp Kohler Command in one of my 318's and a 28 hp EFI Kohler Command in 1 of my 420's. The 318/420 hydro and differential was probably the toughest and most reliablie drivetrain Deere ever put in a Garden tractor.

In reality I don't think that YOU or the TRACTOR will be able to tell the difference between 18 and 20 hp.

 

Kid how much is he asking? how many hours on the tractor? Do you have pictures? If it is a deal go get it! Then get back to studying:trink40:

I like the older tractors looks verus the newer 400 series. just my preference

 

Yes, if they replaced the original engine was it because of poor maintenance? Things I'd look for:
Pull dipstick and put some oil on your fingers and feel it for any metal. Oil should also not be black and thick, or milky brown, indicates lack of oil changes or water in the pan.

Check steering cylinder for leaks and any pitting on the ram (they may have wiped it before you show up)

Run hydraulics and watch rear rocker for operation and see if any leaks at rear ram.

Drive the tractor, movement when changing speed should be crisp! If it takes it time to get to speed it indicates tranny is worn.

Does it creep in neutral - this is normally easily fixed though!

Take Air Cleaner off and inspect filter, is it clean, dirty? Indicates maintenance may not be being done.

Are fuel lines cracked from age? This is normal on the older tractors but this one had an engine replaced, I would think you'd put new lines on with a new enging! By the way if the engine surges at all, it could be an air leak in the fuel lines causing it if they're cracked.

Check the electrics: PTO for engagement, lights, starter, rear lights, safety switches for neutral and seat (with PTO on and engine running you should not be able to get out of the seat without it shutting down) with the tractor running and you standing alongside you should not be able to come out of neutral without engine stopping (neutral safety)!

Is there any vibration? The 318 is very smooth and I can put a cup of water on the hood and see very little vibration! Vibration may indicate that the shaft to the Hydro pump hasn't been greased (locked up) or is worn out.

Is there a tranny leak from above the Oil filter? Indicates the seal on the front Hydro pump shaft is worn out.

Good luck

 

Thanks for all the input guys. Here is some info I have gotten from the owner: he is asking $850 which seems reasonable considering (according to him) the new engine itself cost $1259, the engine was replaced because a mower shop dropped a small screw in the carb and caused engine damage, he said that the deck is currently off and is prepped for paint. I am not sure why the deck is off, but it gives me a better opportunity the check all the spindles and fittings out before I buy it, so I am not complaining there. The picture I attached is the only pic he had of this particular tractor in his craigslist ad. It is a little bit of a drive for me, but I will probably go take a look at it before school gets started back. Another good thing about the deck being off is that I will be able to put it in the back of my truck with no problem! :fing32:

 

The bad? Well, there's ummm, no. Oh yeah, there's,,, no that's not a problem either.

WAIT At $850 the price is too low and I'm not getting it. There's your bad!

 

Collegekid, run...don't walk to that guys place, then do the tests, if it is good then lay the $850 on him. Then load it and leave and don't ever look back (he might be trying to get more)!

 

Well young man there you have it, jump in your truck and go now !:fing32:

Ron

 

if your not going to buy it let me know , I'll go get it

 

If it runs as good as it looks in that pic, you better get on it for that price!

 

Easy mikeemc, I already have a spot cleared out for it in the garage :bump9:

 

Just go get it. If it runs good you can always part it out for more than the $850.

 

Part it out ! you're kidding right ?

The Holy Grail of GT's and you suggest parting it out ? Ok somebody get some rope ! :biglaugh: kidding.

 

:bananapow:sidelaugh:sidelaugh:sidelaugh:sidelaugh thought you would find that funny

 

Glockem has a helicopter, you know.

 

Well I thought I could get a little pity from you told timers by making my push mower my avatar, guess I was wrong :fing32:

 

RUN - FOREST - RUN:
- no time to sit on the fence, & decide
($850 with a new motor - hopefully not gone / on you)

--------------------------------------
Beaumont { :>)) www.petperfectexpress.com
Golden Rule - "he who has the gold, makes the rule"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=135888 Amy recoving from life threatening surgery, Post #12
http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=136600&page=3 http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=136934
1992 JD 318 original paint w/484 hr. on P218g Onan & #49 snow blower / 1998 JD GT262 w/brand new Kawasaki OHV & 48" rebuilt deck
http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=135838 Intro.

 

I'm not as experienced or knowledgeable as the others here but I do know that the last 2 318's I saw for sale on our local CL went for just over $2000. each.

I still kick my butt for not calling on the first one...the ad lasted until the next day. The second one I did call on and the seller had already promised the eventual buyer he'd hold it until the buyer could drive the 400 miles.

I'd say go get it lickety split.

 

Collegekid; it is a pretty nice machine pictured in your avatar (for a push mower :fing32.

Why is it not a picture of a 318 yet?:fing20:

 

I guess I'll have to go get it ....har har , Ill let you have the 317 but you have to put the motor back in.

 

Oh I will run, believe you me. As I am sure most of you have already made the connection, I am a college student. I am still home with my family for Christmas break and that is why I have not gotten the 318 yet. But when I get back Saturday, I will be burning some rubber to add that 318 to my collection! And the reason that push mower is my avatar is because that was my first deere so it has a special space in my heart (and garage :thThumbsU)

 

:Stop:Is the guy waiting for you to come or is it still on the market being offered to others??? I hope you have made arrangements. What I mean is are you going to lose the chance with this one too.:fing20:

I hope you have done your homework and will pass this text.:thThumbsU