The K301AS...

I've read conflicting information, some sites say this 312 should have a Kohler K301AQS, others say K301AS. Only difference is oil pan (apparently), and I've got a K301AS in this tractor.

When the motor was in the tractor, you couldn't make a full rotation of the crank before it would bind. Now I have confirmed why:

Upon initial inspection, I do not see any significant damage. The motor was still full of oil, no signs of heat damage, and no apparent cylinder wall scoring. If I were to guess, based on the nut that was lying in the pan, one of the connect rod cap nuts came loose and unthreaded. Deeper inspection and clean up will be required to determine if we can rebuild this one!

First Round of Clean Up

So with some key components out of the way (hood, hood support, motor, fender pan), it was time for a good pressure washing and de-greasing!

Before Shots

And After Shots!

I'm quite impressed, the bones of this tractor are rock solid and rust free. Lots of moving parts that need some help (lots of slop in the steering for example), but that is the easy stuff with a solid frame! They don't make them like this any more!

The Beginning - 1977 John Deere 312

This blog, tractors1982, will chronicle my latest project, a 1977 John Deere 312 Garden Tractor. I traded my 1990 John Deere RX75 for this non-running 312, however with some time and effort this 312 will be a good long-term investment.

Not the cleanest, but it is a solid and complete tractor

Rear lift bar and rear PTO included!

The original K301AS 12HP single cylinder engine needs some attention. I pulled the cylinder head to confirm that the piston moves independently of the crank shaft! There does not appear to be scoring in the cylinder, and no metal shavings when I drained out the oil.

Can't do anything with it in the tractor, so out it comes!