[Bigr244]

Hello!
Great forum I have been lurking for days. I have an opportunity to purchase a 1987 316 John Deere with the Onan. It's also a 150 anny edition whatever that adds to it. The hours read 1006. The man that owns it went throughout the entire tractor it has no rust and I drove and mowed with it today. Its super clean no rips or tears. He is asking $1500 said he needs to sell before winter and is down to $1350. Is this a fair price? Thanks in advance.

 

[Diesel332]

I would buy it. It is worth the $1350, and the 150th anniversary medal is just kinda cool. It just meant the 150th anniversary was in 1987(1837-1987) I'm not sure if they did anything for 175.

 

[gburnett]

Thats about 2X what good ones are bringing at auctions I've been to this year.

 

[Bigr244]

2times are you serious?

 

[gburnett]

I've seen a couple 318's that looked pretty good ran and operated go in the $500-$700 range.I bought an Onan 316 a couple years ago with 3pt hitch and deck for $950 that ran good and had around 600 hrs on it.A couple months ago I saw a 425 with a deck sell for $1025 and the buyer drove it on the trailer.Found a 332 no deck that ran and operated good for a friend of mine for $1050 I think he ended up paying.

 

[gburnett]

There is a JD 316 with Onan and deck on the DC CL in Northern VA supposed to run and operate good they're asking $750.

 

[mrbeef]

Thats about 2X what good ones are bringing at auctions I've been to this year.

2times are you serious?

At lot of that has to do with location. VA vs IL they are more expensive in the midwest than the mid Atlantic states.

IMO I think 1350 is fair. Which engine does it have (B43 or P218)? I would want to know what "going though it meant" to some it means a power wash, and new fluids..... but if the tractor has been abused in the past really what is that going to do? If I was looking for a 316 I would probably stick around $1000-1100 but certainly be on the lookout for a better deal.

Here is a nice one from July:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/John-Deere-...313?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item232d793829

This one sold a week or so ago...... I figured it would have gone higher.... I would have bought it at that price.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Very-nice-J...D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557


At 1000 hours its due for a compression test (90 or above is my rule, no more than 10 psi difference between cylinders).

Does it have a grill emblem? KATT says its important and I have found it to be incredibly true!!!

Look at a couple videos in the 318 disassembly thread about what to look for.

This is really me just rambling... but it might have some useful information.
http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=385441&page=4

Compression Testing
http://www.mytractorforum.com/showpost.php?p=3381058&postcount=32

Here is the whole thread
http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=385441

The 316 you are considering would not be all that different from a 318. Just lacks power steering and H2.

 

[Bigr244]

Mr. BEEF I called him tonight asked him to do a compression test for me he got all upset saying I was questioning his 30 years experience rebuilding these he says it wouldn't run the way it runs if it had better compression he's willing to do it what are you thinking about not selling it to me now because I've insulted him

 

[mrbeef]

Walk away is about the best thing I can say. If I had been rebuilding them for 30 years I would always want to show off my work. I will also say not a single seller I have run into has been unwilling to do a compression test or let me do one.

The last 318 I sold I spent over 2 hours answering question for the buyer never once did I think he was insulting anything I had done. I answered honestly. You are the one spending the $$$$ while its not like going to Wally World it should be a good experience.

There are lots of 316 and 318s out there, maybe this one is not for you.

 

[Diesel332]

I would be a little bit suspicious of it if he won't let you compression test it. Its probably low. There are many more out there, and 318s as well.

 

[Bigr244]

Did the test 97 and 104

 

[mrbeef]

Not bad, my guess is the 97 is on the right side and 104 is on the left (as you sit in the seat). If he went through it (new rings etc) I would expect a little higher unless the cylinders are worn. Other folks might need to chime in for this but I would say if you keep the oil changed you have another 250-350 hours before you need anything major. (anyone agree/disagree). Has the owner told you what all he did to it?

 

[Bigr244]

Well I pulled the trigger ended up paying $1000 and he is getting me a shoot for it. I have it in the garage now and have a few questions.
Determined its the p218. The only thing not operating is the headlights. It looks like the connector is unhooked by the switch. I'll mess with that later this week.
He says its ready to start mowing. However should I change the oil or trans fluid? If so I have no manual and this is my first deere.
Thanks
Rick

PS I have more pics but can only get one to attach.

 

[mrbeef]

Congrats on the new 316!! It looks good and I think you did well on the price. I would encourage you to go down to your dealer and get the technical manual TM1590. A CD version is ~$45 a Paper copy is $95 but the are great. You can buy an owners manual the same way.

Changing the engine oil is a pretty simple deal. You will need a filter and 30 wt oil 2 qts (engine takes 1.75).

The hydro fluid is a little more involved. I would say change the engine oil for good measure and then wait on the hydro fluid, but check the level.

One thing to check is to make sure it has the belly screen.