Bringing John Deere 318 Back to Life - Electrical Nightmare

[@digdrivediy]

I know a guy with a few mower decks. If you're ever in the North end of the state I can hook you up with one! Matter of fact this guy has lots of 318 parts and can hook you up with about anything for your 318 project. He'd love to see another one saved from the scrap pile. (It's me. I'm the guy) Good progress Mike and thanks for the shout out!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Hey! I might just have to make the trip sometime!

[@alexkiefer5837]

And Neil has a friend close by with yet another deck in his barn and a set of tires too that all need a home.

[@mattsarten7726]

Just saved my first one and will be looking for a TON of parts. Located in Madison County!

[@Huntersprojects]

I just bought my first Deere 318 with a 49 snowblower deck chains a and a whole other parts tractor for 750 bucks

[@Denkar11]

Dude, I finally figured out why I like your channel so much. It takes me back to when I was a kid watching my Dad working on one of his pet cars that he was always finding, fixing, and selling. Wasn't much into it then, but watching you really puts me back with my Dad (long since passed). So from a 70 year old thinking of his father, thanks, man.

[@nicoleking772]

Daddy always MADE US help him when he worked on his projects. At times I H8ted it, others it was fun. Now, I wish he was still with us so WE could wrench on things together with me and his grandkids

[@genesispuredeaf2390]

It is a style of living that is disappearing too fast. In our “microwave” society combined with throwing things away that are no longer new, seeing someone breathe new life into something (with optimism) is nice to see.

[@CaptainKleeman]

I needed this comment, thank you sir

[@tbix1963]

Amazing insight, I’ve never seen a truer comment.

[@alanbierhoff6831]

My favorite thing about this channel? NO EGO! Mike is just a humble guy

[@robertneilitz4926]

what is the worst ego channel ?

[@moparman1962]

Derek of Vice Grip Garage has been advising people on his channel since day one that a person should never use carb or brake cleaner or ether (starting fluid) to test or temporarily fire up an old engine that hasn't/probably hasn't run for awhile. He keeps something like an old plastic honey bottle with a screw on cap with a nipple on it around and the plastic bottle is clear, making it easy to see that it has light blue or green colored GAS AND 2 CYCLE OIL MIX. Why use gas and 2 cycle oil mixed slightly richer with oil than for a chainsaw? The oil LUBRICATES the cylinder walls and rings WHILE the engine is CRANKING OVER vs. cranking the engine over on washed down the cylinder walls and rings WITH NO LUBRICATION AT ALL. Using those flammable sprays IS A SURE WAY to further scar the cylinder walls and cause MORE compression loss and oil ring sealing loss to an already old, well-used engine. It does make a LOT of sense. ;)

[@CaptainKleeman]

Imma pass. 👍

[@michaelrobbins9679]

The adventure is worth sharing... As long as somebody is watching! 2023. Captain Kleeman

[@addiemellody5688]

i don't understand the "mechanics" of what you work on, HOWEVER......i admire your determination and optimism, and i love your way of explaining things....so funny and entertaining!!!

[@CaptainKleeman]

I appreciate it

[@G32na]

Mount that relay so that the wires come in from below - then water won't drip into the relay, but drop off the lower bend of the wiring - standard practice for outdoor wiring connections.

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

Cap’n no duct tape? The previous owner obviously wasn’t a professional! With both you and Neil posting on Sunday morning… I get a double dose of tinkering joy one day a week. That is what helps me make it through the week. Thanks bud.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Always appreciate ya watching

[@tymbndr7283]

I'm just watching with interest how this projects goes and then you have me laughing so hard with that outro! Perfect Capt. Kleeman outro. Well done sir.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thank you!

[@tsparky236]

Why do people have to lie like that other than no conscience at all. 😡 Thank you again for a great video sir.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Appreciate ya watching

[@kevincollins7911]

I love and am hooked on your content I actually belly laugh at your humor your talent on wiring and mechanical knowledge l am a retired equipment operator and enjoy your drive and ability 👏

[@CaptainKleeman]

Hey I appreciate that and thanks for watching

[@Oldyellor]

I had fun this spring myself. Restored a 316 from a rust bucket to a fully running and new looking machine

[@CaptainKleeman]

That's awesome!

[@ryanclawson9275]

Looking forward to this project. I just got “my” 318 (well, it was the family one, I’m just the new caretaker) last weekend and I’m already getting ideas from Neil’s build. I might have to find another, my little one has already said that it’s her tractor. 3 generations, 1 tractor. Why not! 😊

[@CaptainKleeman]

That's awesome!

[@donash3199]

Hello Captain. Your Vlogs are the most interesting and versatile on KZbin. You are the master of DIY. 👍

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks 👍

[@peterduran8564]

Even if you weren't teaching us about tractor repair you sure taught us self control I'd have been hitting it with a bat long before this. Love the videos 😊

[@blackjackuk79]

Now that's just made my Sunday 🎉

[@dondwyer3679]

I was waiting for you to say it was just that easy to do! Ha! A lot of investigation. You do good work

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks for the support Don!

[@chillywilli]

Ran when parked probably means pushed when parked. The way of people thinking that they try to eliminate a problem but create a new one, and you have to reverse think it all on the go.

[@andrewwilliams8365]

I like how the mower blades on the deck you took off were on upside down. I bet it looked very unique once he got done mowing the yard.

[@bluegrallis]

My wife's Grandpa worked on lawn mowers out of his garage after he retired, and MANY times had people bring blades in to be sharpened, then brought the whole mower back when "it wouldn't cut grass after the sharpening." 🤣🤣🤣

[@gregoryfisk6904]

You noticed that too l o l

[@mikesmith8952]

Those Relays are used on everything, auto's, trucks and anything motorized or needing electrical switching. A lot cheaper to swipe them off junked auto/trucks. Maybe your old Ford Ranger, Subaru has a few extras!

[@dmaxdan]

If it makes you feel any better, Old Ariens GT18 mowers were designed the same way with the engine needing to come out to replace a starter... fun times..

[@brucehuff5566]

If it was easy everyone would be doing it. Great video. Stay safe

[@CaptainKleeman]

Very true

[@jeffmentzer9186]

Mike, you have patience a hundred times what most of us have I believe! I would have stopped at pulling the engine!! As always, thank you very much for bringing us along on your adventure buddy!!!!

[@garymessina1609]

Pushed to a spot and forgotten talk about suffering through Mike time to find something better great video thanks Mike

[@CaptainKleeman]

Find something better?

[@stevendegonia]

One of the Best Outro's EVER! 🤣🤣

[@CaptainKleeman]

🤣🤣

[@heatherlane9270]

Fixing things and having fun. Deck has had a real doing.

[@HankinsExcavating]

I just can't turn down a good project!!! The satisfaction of getting something running again is priceless!! Nice vid Capt

[@CaptainKleeman]

You got that right!

[@dansullivan2954]

Maybe, "ran away from it when parked" is more like it. You my friend have more patience than a saint.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Have to with my budget

[@rickhaver5876]

You gotcha a project there! Looks like a lot of fun! Really enjoy your videos. Oh, great job of editing!

[@edwardgriffin8092]

Your luck with starter motors is holding up just fine Mike. Same thing with the 555, wrong starter motor sent to you. (Was that the same company?).

[@firemanjeffgg2440]

John Deere probably charged an arm and a leg for that "refresh" kit and they just throw the spark plugs in the box without a care in the wrold😂. True customer service

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thought it was interesting

[@stanba81]

Fancy tractor with custom striping cut deck and cooled seat. A real gem!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Pretty fancy!

[@dansevern3291]

I see that even "classic" tractors have trouble with that "thought out for easy maintenance" part. Of course, that may be "confidence" of that "that'll never break" type. Thanks for the video, take care.

[@tonynieuwlandt5407]

That 318 of Neil's is pretty sweet, but I'm impressed with your process of figuring out the mod's from the previous owner and working thru the steps to get it running. Good job!!

[@danielleeper8340]

We live by Neal, super great guy and does soooo much for our community. Could watch your channel all day.

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪

[@thebear5454]

You have way more patience than I would have had with the wiring Mike. Electrical has never been my "cup of Tea" (more like my Nightmare)

[@CaptainKleeman]

It can be frustrating, a good wiring diagram goes a long way

[@thebear5454]

@@CaptainKleeman So does a stick of Dynamite. 😂

[@genesispuredeaf2390]

Some people never get it….the desire to fix something that is not working because of electrical issues. I agree with your comment about his patience but I think his explanation about being a mechanic explains it well: “I’m not a mechanic, just someone who doesn’t have money for one”. He gets excited when he gets something back from the dead. Chasing down bad connections isn’t magic but it does require a few tools, patience, and as Mike said….good schematics help a ton. I used to be “that guy” but now just watch others do it on YT.

[@rhondasweeney7271]

What a great thing to get up in the Captain is on KZbin! It's too bad that the ignition mechanism did not work. So next is your carburetor. You'll get it fixed! Thank you again for sharing!

[@MatthewJRedmond]

Can't wait to see her running again, and more so can't wait to see what you build for her. Definitely a sweet little garden tractor with possibilities galore. Thanks for bringing us along Capt., keep up the great work my man 😁👍

[@CaptainKleeman]

Gonna be handy

[@AnyFishWillDo]

Heck of a project. I'm just glad you are the one doing the work and I get to sit back and watch it getting done. Great video as always.

[@chetthejet3896]

For Sure!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks 👍

[@Jimmyfisher121]

Thank you Mike I just love your can do approach to life, and of course you wild sense of humour.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thank you sir!

[@DavidB-Scotland]

Ran when parked - missing the all imporant word 'last' as it always does . Enjoy watching your trouble-shooting and yes, Neil Koch's channel is excellent, been watching since your original recommendation over a year ago. Keep up the good work Captain! 💪

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks David

[@bobbydawson7706]

Good morning CAPTAIN. YOU have another awesome video ❤🎉🎉

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Bobby

[@garulusglandarius6126]

Love these videos, before computerised / very modern vehicles ( 1960s-1990s ) I always worked on my own cars . Overheard cam and followers with a feeler gauge, clutches , gearboxes, suspension, breaks , self installed alarms , engine timing with a strobe light , weld repairs , tins of spray paint, pin switches ……………….. and so much more. The good old days but just not economic or even possible these days . Love those days and you Mike take me right back there 👍 excellent video as always 🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks for watching

[@robertadriver6931]

Absolutely great, you are the most ingenious person I have ever seen on UT, always finding a way to meet your needs.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Appreciate the kind words

[@home-powersystems7782]

I was in the neighborhood and heard you got a new pile of..I mean a new used mower. You have made great progress on the Deere. Very enjoyable talking with you. See you later Captain.

[@rwhurst6426]

If only design engineers were required to operate and do the maintenance on the end product…dream, dream, dream!🤣

[@Crewsy]

Your outros are definitely “unique” Captain. 😉 Working your way through the 318 is basically how I fumbled my way through getting my Dad’s push mower going that hadn’t run in over 2 years. Spent so much time cleaning the carburetor and when I took out the old float seat I discovered new seats are sold in multi packs and a new carb cost the same as a multi pack of seats. 🤷🏻‍♂️ Sometimes a step by step approach gets expensive as you replace parts that may not need replacing but in the end you know what you have.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Luckily so far everything I have replaced needed it. Now adays when it comes to carbs, it typically is cheaper to buy new carbs than rebuild. Pretty wild

[@andysukosd8177]

Great video, I want to hear it run. I know it will. Great job !

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Andy

[@daveandkathynagoda6359]

Great project and video. 😀. I agree with everyone else, you have sooooo much patience.

[@CaptainKleeman]

A fella has to either have patience or money

[@pinwizz69]

Boy,you really found easily the sketchest ran when parked project I've seen yet on alll the KZbin channels I'm subed to. Even MartyT and Darren Mustie1 would be moaning about that slightly neglected and abused pile of nuts and bolts. Captain, I actually have no doubt that you'll get it back on the job after what you did on the 555.

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪

[@Histandard2011]

Did anyone else notice at 7:50 the blades are on upside down? Curved air lift part of blade goes up, not down.

[@aldimore]

Yup I bought a used mower once and blades were upside down. Not that rare imo.

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

My son-in-law brought his blades over… he had taken them to his neighbor to be sharpened. Then he put them back on. When he handed them to me… he told me that the neighbor didn’t get them sharp enough. I pointed to the grass on the backside of the blades and told him to turn them over and try it again!

[@Histandard2011]

@@aldimore I had a mower shop for may years and you can only imagine what I saw and had to deal with. Most often the cause of the failure was do to the neighbor borrowing the mower or their help fixing it. The owner just could not admit they had screw it up.

[@Richard-C]

i really admire your courage and dedication on these projects, if everyone had your optimism the world would be a better place,great video Mike,thanks for sharing 👏👏👏👍👍👍👌👌👌

[@martyworley5427]

I was just working on my John Deer LA145 yesterday putting on a new drive belt and pulleys and just to change that I had to take so much stuff a loose . Thinking it was a 45 minute to an hour job took me about 4 hours to change. Great video. I hope you’re having a great weekend.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Marty

[@DJ2CM]

Hi Mike, you do love your projects . that feeling you get when it all working I'd priceless 👍 oh also those blades are on upside down but you probably new that . stay safe and enjoy the making it work !! 🇨🇦 Craig

[@CaptainKleeman]

It's also missing the middle one and the deck is getting scrapped...

[@toddwagner2354]

Ignition switch, all new means is never used. I have a working 400 and a free non-working 300. After watching your video I'm very afraid to tear into the 300 to get it working. Great videos.

[@CaptainKleeman]

If ya get rid of it let me know!

[@wolfpacva]

glad u like JD lawnmowers the only thing they are good for is scrap metal. I wonder how we ever ran mowers without all the safety switches. You are always so positive.

[@CaptainKleeman]

I wonder if people will ever just be happy for someone without inserting a random bit of negativity

[@wolfpacva]

@@CaptainKleeman Sorry i was just voicing my opinion I wont do that anymore. Have a great day

[@4051a]

I know you will get it figured out. I am in the process of doing the same thing to a 1450 IH Cub Cadet. Good luck

[@CaptainKleeman]

Awesome!

[@maxobara1496]

Always learning, great video Captain 👍🇺🇸

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks max

[@philliptennis3537]

Great video Captain.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thank you kindly

[@rmacsrmaddog2192]

You couldn't afford the labor to have someone else fix the tractor. It was essentially unfixable. Another addition to the fleet.👍

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪

[@jasonharlan6100]

I have a 332 diesel version. I have the blade for the front and a 3pt. I’m currently working on building a box blade for it. I love to find a rear pto but they want a fortune for them

[@loutoolguy2644]

Great work so far, nice job figuring stuff out. I hope she’s a good runner in the end!

[@CaptainKleeman]

She will be!

[@tbix1963]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, ideas and videos. Great video, unfortunately your making me miss my favorite lawnmower from the past 😂. Looking forward to seeing you succeed in your quest. Wishing you and your family the best.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks!

[@patrickcolahan7499]

Love watching you work through these issues. Like others have mentioned, brings me back to my earlier days when I didn't have much money and would buy projects, often to get running to trade up to, God willing, to the ultimate desired item. Amazing what people do to equipment with the thought of getting something running without spending any money. Most often, to the wire harness. Thanks so much for sharing. All the best.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Patrick! Always appreciate ya watching

[@wallbawden5511]

your knowledge on these smaller engines is great circularity leave me behind some what i'm not fused on wearing but can do just don't't like to is all keep u your good work mate your getting quite the collection of small machines for sure Cheers

[@grosseileracingteam]

Hey Mike. Those JD 318's look like pretty cool little tractors. Thankfully I've never owned anything made by JD. I refuse to pay what they want for parts just because they are green and yellow. Be thankful it's not Kawasaki powered. I only own and work on Briggs or Kohlers. My brother has a JD for snow removal in northern Michigan. He hates it. I've been trying to find him a decent deal on an old Ford 1220 or 1520 4x4. Thanks for posting.

[@CaptainKleeman]

After market parts are always an option. Appreciate ya watching

[@rons3103]

Mike, I think you may have bought that JD 318 from my former neighbor, but this one is almost running again. Unlike you, his DIY skills are beyong Godly as he always seem to F things up! 😂😂😂

[@ericpaul4575]

“Ran when parked” my butt.

[@CCscott]

Maybe after it’s first or second year of use

[@chrishelms1967]

Ran when Parked.......in 1993

[@lyleminyard2308]

Kleeman worth the time just like the 555 great job

[@CaptainKleeman]

Definitely 💪

[@alexosborne5629]

Uh oh, electrics 🤯😂 You are quite a dab hand with wiring now, and the patience to match this type of problem is phenomenal 💪😁 And after all that work, the new ignition switch didn't work 🤦‍♂️ But yes, optimistic Mike is getting it done 💪💪💪 The 15 seconds of thought was priceless Sir 😂😂😂

[@CaptainKleeman]

Appreciate ya watching alex

[@tomswindler64]

The man of many talents.whoever designed that nightmare,hopefully they are no longer employed there,great little video as always.keep on doing your thing.kudos 😎😎😎👍👍👍

[@CaptainKleeman]

I think they went to work for Kubota!

[@warrenvalentino5763]

Great video. Awesome project. keep at it, you will get it running/working. Love watching your videos. :)

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thank you

[@oddtechman]

oh mike.. you sure do buy them dont you lol.. love watching you wrench on stuff.. you just have such a unique way of doing stuff and there are not many channels out there (mustie1 and Andrew Camarata) aside that do things outside of the box and i love it :)

[@CaptainKleeman]

Appreciate the feedback

[@oddtechman]

@@CaptainKleeman dont ever change how you do stuff Mike! You have an impeccable work ethic and doing stuff with nothing but whats laying around. not everyone has a fully kitted out workshop or toolkit and its good to see field mechanics at work still :)

[@dpsears240z]

You got a mower with the "Striping Kit"!😅

[@robertzapatka1082]

Methinks the previous owner was less than honest. But did that stop the Captain? Wiring shot, but did that stop the Captain? Starter shot, but did that stop the Captain? Wrong starter and defective new parts, but did that stop the Captain? etc etc etc. What an awesome Sunday morning funfest!!!

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

You were warned by his intro video where the boat plows through the dirt to get to the water. He’s unstoppable!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Appreciate ya watching

[@jw.smedinga4538]

Hi Captain Kleeman. Maybe you can use the hydraulic parts you scrapped from the boat. For a nice front hitch on this John Deere tractor if you keep it for yourself. greetings from the Netherlands.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Interesting idea!

[@SF-fm7ov]

I thought mine was rough until I saw this one. I just bought a 420 "ran when parked 2 years ago" for $350. Someone painted it flat black so I about passed on it. I use a quart size fuel tank with a shut off that I hang 3 feet in the air to bypass fuel supply problems. It makes it easier to get them running. Mine also has a loose starter that works. I hope the mount is not broken on the engine. Like you, I get a great feeling when I buy something cheap and fix a few problems and then it runs.

[@Crewsy]

Looks like Kubota must have hired an ex JD designer. There’s no reason why that started needed to be installed that way except the designer had no consideration for the end user of the machine.

[@kaoskrew8577]

This looks like the perfect project 😄

[@leol1682]

Like this video Capt.on the John Deere 318 .I got a John Deere 300 .

[@LukesJohnDeereGarage]

Great video. That's not actually the rear PTO, but a stup from the hydro pump that rotates with the driveshaft. There were a few different rear PTOs available- the 2000 RPM gearbox was the most desirable, but hard to find implements these days. Really solid machines though! Those wiring messes are a blast!

[@williammatthews2948]

Momma said there'd be days like these.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Definitely

[@carloskawasaki656]

Thank you ,another great video, i learn a lot of mechanic and thank you for sharing 👍👍👍👍

[@CaptainKleeman]

Appreciate ya watching

[@cyndikarp3368]

You will get it fixed to use. It's got a good possibility of running with more tinkering.

[@robertbowling8393]

I have to give you kudos! You've got (or had) yourself a task. I have several 318s, and .I'm finding that they were fantastic tractors new. I'm finding that buying them used (usually with tons of hours) they can and usually are a nonstop mechanical challenge. I bought an old 83 model with high hours, and it ran great tge first couple of months. I have a couple of newer ones (a 91 with just over 19 hours since new) but I keep it in storage. I have a 92 that's going to be a problem child as well. I had a new starter installed, but still no 14v to tge starter. I'm finding now it's going to be a TDCM (time delay control module), which means just over 200 bucks. I've already gone tgat route with the old 83! I love these 318s, but they're costly, plus require tons of hours playing mechanic

[@enim83]

Excellent trouble shooting video. Ive been slowly learning more about my 318 as i have random issues now and then. Great video for the electrical

[@stephenneat4277]

Bluffton Indiana , Almost Heaven lawn mower grave yard. Has all kinds of John Deere parts. I’ve got parts from them myself before for my fathers 3 - 314 he has.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Oh awesome tip! Thanks

[@salmonhunter7414]

Very nicely done.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thank you very much!

[@bobgrier3103]

Magic Mower Motor Moments with Mike (one up on Tractor Time with Tim)!

[@JOYR1234]

thanks for the videos that you do

[@Thecowboy1950]

Them jd 318 are great tractors I have to of them both were bought used and one of them has over 8,000 hours on it now with the second engine having just under 5,000 hours not bad for a tractor that is 38 years old

[@CaptainKleeman]

That's awesome

[@philmintz8150]

I’ve got my Dads 31 year old 318 which has been well maintained and garaged. It still runs great and is a beast cutting grass. It also has the hydraulic tiller attachment which is awesome. Once you get the issues straightened out, you will love it. Good luck.

[@alanbierhoff6831]

Note to self: Do not watch Captain Kleeman videos while drinking coffee unless I want to flush out my nose and sinuses with said coffee 👃 😆

[@CaptainKleeman]

🤣

[@alanbierhoff6831]

@@CaptainKleeman I have to remember that my coffee pot is not a Neti pot 😎

[@timothyreed6054]

Regarding the broken fuel pump. I have tapped the the broken hole then screwed in a threaded barb with epoxy.

[@clarencewiles963]

You got this. If you go to the daily maintenance manual and start from the beginning from the equipment list of things that were never done ✅ 😢in the end you’ll find all the bandage 🩹 have been pulled off. 😊

[@GrumpyXer]

The previous owner didn't like spending a penny on anything! I hate that.

[@trentherring5640]

Turkey Run SP is really close to me. I love canoeing there.

[@CaptainKleeman]

We went canoeing there for the first time. Really enjoyed it

[@ErictheAmateur]

I share your love of old John Deeres. I sorta inherited a John Deere 1020 from the 60s or early 70s when my dad passed away. I found an old broke up box scape out in the woods by his shop and got it welded up good enough to use. I’d like to know what your resources are for getting parts for your John Deere restorations. I was found an old broken bush hog that I plan on making a land rake out of using your video as a pattern. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@CaptainKleeman]

If I want actual John Deere parts I go through weingartz online. I use eBay and Amazon for anything after market

[@ErictheAmateur]

eBay and Amazon are great resources. You just always seem to be great at researching what to do. I usually wind up taking off three things I didn’t need to just to get one off. I’ve never heard of your John Deere parts source. I’ll definitely be looking them up.

[@gilbertmick62]

Bonjour Mike super tes vidéos je te regarde des que tu mets une nouvelle vidéo tu m, épaté je ne comprends rien en anglais mais juste toi qui montre les gestes je comprends tu et formidable a la prochaine vidéos 🇨🇵🇨🇵🇨🇵🤗😘 De papy Gilbert de France bisous bisous ❤️❤️

[@jobcacka1330]

I think you have good reason to be optimistic.

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪

[@genesispuredeaf2390]

Perfect timing. Thx for the video

[@CaptainKleeman]

Very welcome!