Extreme Mower Testing With My John Deere 318: Will "Restore" Oil Additive Help?

[@kylebartkowiak1332]

Really shows Bill was well favored over the years and after a good engine rebuild that thing will be ready and excited for another 30 - 40 years

[@HenRebuild]

You pulling the truck with that little 318 should be a new John Deere commercial

[@carlmorgan8452]

No people who abuse equipment, should have it.

[@HenRebuild]

@@carlmorgan8452 it’s fine it’s a John Deere💪🏻💪🏻

[@jamesjohnson6239]

Well worth doing a rebuild on the old 318 . Another great video

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks James! Appreciate your viewership!

[@WatchWesWork]

The Onans are hard to kill. You might try adjusting the valves before tearing it down. The intake lash is only .005", so it's pretty easy for them to wear and start hanging open.

[@digdrivediy]

The Onans sure do seem to hang on for a good long time before finally giving up. I need to educate myself on adjusting the valves and I may just try that. Thanks for the feedback on that cause I value your input Wes. Appreciate you watching sir.

[@michaelbenoit248]

I think valves on these twins aren’t adjustable. But I think I’d rebuild it.

[@MichaelTJD60]

@@michaelbenoit248 Yes they absolutely are adjustable.

[@jeremylee6668]

Hard to kill? Easiest engine I’ve ever seen to kill. Ready for my 420 to get it’s Honda repower done

[@digdrivediy]

@@jeremylee6668 Well, it's all relative. I mean the engine is 35 years old and likely never had anything done to it but service and has been ridden like a mule. So, just depends on how long you would expect it to last I guess.

[@bobgrier3103]

Never know what to expect from you but it’s always fun and entertaining. I’ll bet Wes is on to something. Not much of a “green” fan but old iron is old iron. Being old myself, I vote for a second chance.

[@digdrivediy]

Haha! I appreciate it Bob. I never know what I'll be getting into so I'm glad people are willing to be along for the ride. I am certainly inclined to keep the old stuff going, so you might still see him around the barn for awhile. Thanks so much for watching!

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

You were right... her smile made her look guilty! Does she have something in for poor ole Bill? LOL My first lawn tractor was a JD400. I bought it used. It had rear wheel weights, a mower deck, front blade and rear tiller. When I test drove it, the engine ran well but it didn’t seem to have any power. The seller told me that was because it needed new spark plugs... that didn’t ring true.... but, I wanted it really badly. So, I brought it home. After changing the spark plugs, oil and air filter.... I put it to work. Mowing the lawn it did pretty well. I could mow in low range, at full throttle and half peddle in the hydrostat. It would drive down the road in high range and full pedal. Then, I put the tiller on the back. The 3-pt could barely lift it. The PTO had just enough power to mix sand... once it touched dirt or even skinned a worm... it bogged down and played sick. I deduced that the hydrostatic drive was shot. After reading everything I could find (pre - Al Gore’s gift of the internet), I went to the JD dealer to get a quote in rebuilding it. They laughed as they quoted me diagnostic fees, overhaul, wait time the half life of sequoia tree... etc. So, I asked them about trading it for the diesel version... I think it was the JD420. First of all, they had none in stock. Second, none of my attachments would fit it, with the exception of the wheel weights. And C, they were only going to give me $250 in trade, for the tractor and all my attachments. The salesman delivered this news with a smug, over confident attitude... like, this is the best deal you’ll get, Chump! So, I pulled my trailer across town to the Kubota dealer. I told him about the hydrostatic drive issue... and he walked me over to a compact diesel tractor. It came with a 5’ mower, four wheel drive, bucket loader and a 52” tiller. His deal was, $1000 for my trade, one year in-house financing at no interest and $1500 less base price than the JD420. Since it was in-stock, I drove home with a trailer load of orange toys! I have never regretted making that change. I have been running pumpkin colored tractors every since. My brother-in-law is still using that B1700 today. A few days afterward, I got a call from the JD salesman. I told him that I wasn’t interested in their deal. I also mentioned that the $250 trade-in was an insult. He said they could offer $400. I then told him that Kubota gave me $1000 and a better tractor for less money. He finished the conversation by telling me that he hated for me to settle for a second rate brand.... and that he’d be there for me just as soon as I learned my lesson. And, the JD400... a few weeks after trading it, I went back to the Kubota dealer to pick up oil and hydraulic filters. It wasn’t there. I asked the salesman where the JD400 was. He told me that they had changed the hydro fluid in it. When they pulled the strainer out, they found it plugged. After cleaning it and changing the filter, it ran like a new one. It only sat on their lot for two weeks! I personally don’t have a problem with JD equipment. I’ve used quite a few pieces of it. But, that whole arrogance and over pricing thing still rankles my spine. I’ve made a few trips back to that dealer... they were sold out to a company that has five or six locations. They built a huge dealership that covers about 20 acres. The salesman that I dealt with is no longer there... but, it is apparent that before he left, he trained all of their other salesman on his art of customer service! Last year, I decided to trade my second Kubota (a BX24 sub-compact Tractor, Loader-Backhoe) for a new one with quick change mounting and SSQA bucket mount. It was in excellent shape and low hours, I just wanted more convenience and versatility. I decided to give JD another chance. From the time I pulled into the lot... the salesman’s look of pity, over confidence, unwillingness to deal on price or trade.... sent me right back across town to load up my new Orange BX23S! Neil, I was wondering.... dealers don’t seem to get the message. But, perhaps tractors do. Is there a chance that threatening to spray Bill with a little orange paint might improve his outlook?

[@marykoch5168]

LOL...Skinned a worm. Ha, really enjoyed your humorous and well thought out comment!

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

@@marykoch5168 thanks... I think it helps to look for the humor when you can! I appreciate your thoughts.

[@digdrivediy]

I don't want to hear about any KUBOTAS on this channel... 😋 Of course I'm kidding. I think Kubotas are terrific tractors. Most of my friends all have Kubotas and I'm actually the only remaining Deere hold out. Only difference is they have all bought new ones and I have always bought used machines. The secondhand Deere experience is generally trouble free as I allow the first owner to assume much of the depreciation expense. Of course they get to have the best years and usage of the tractor too as seem to finally I take it off their hands just days before would have otherwise been loaded onto the scrap truck! As much as I am a Deere fan boy, I know first hand the dealer experience you are talking about. I'm embarrassed to admit that our local dealership is nearly exactly as you described. Your salesman must have trained their staff as well! So no, I don't think dealers have gotten the message. Our local Kubota dealer is really good too. I'd be happy to have a newer Kubota, but I don't know that I'd ever live down the ridicule at this point. Still might be worth it though :) As far as the orange paint... I'm willing to threaten him, but I'm doubtful it will have any influence on his performing abilities. The problem for the last couple years is that he can walk just fine, but he cannot run. I've got a plan but time will play a factor in getting it done. We shall see how it goes, but I haven't bought any paint yet! Loved your story and willingness to grace us with such a wonderful story/comment Dave. I have been getting behind on my comments lately. I feel fortunate that I seem to be getting more of them but then remorseful when I don't respond as quickly now. Regardless of how many there are stacked up in a row though, I always completely read through yours. Have a great week!

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

@@digdrivediy Neil, I have been fortunate to have an understanding wife. She hates it when I’m in a foul mood.... and nothing puts me there quicker than having to wrench around on a broken down old piece of equipment that I need to use. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind doing maintenance and a few minor repairs... but, my dad never once owned a vehicle or piece of equipment that he didn’t have to spend as much time fixing as he did operating it. We lost whole crops of hay, we’re penned in the snow for a week, had a tank of milk spoil, lost a bin of corn... and endured countless marathon walks to get help... because of broken down equipment. We never took a long vacation because our family vehicles were never reliable enough to make a trip over 150 miles from home. With a job that had me traveling 70% of the time, I couldn’t afford to spend my meager family time muck-anican around. So, I bought a new tractor and resolved to trade it in while it was still in good shape and had a high trade in value. I fully understand fixing and restoring can be enjoyable... but, you have to love it. I just don’t! That you do, is perfectly fine. It is every bit as respectable as any other hobby or interest. I didn’t in any way intend to come off as bragging or demeaning old equipment. It just isn’t where I want to spend my time. I appreciate that you spend so much of your valuable time reading and responding to my comments. I truly enjoy reading them as well! And, lots of comments in your channel.... that’s a blessing! (One that comes with a burden.) I anxiously await the next chapter in the saga of “What about Bill?”

[@digdrivediy]

@@sassafrasvalley1939 Oh I thought nothing of the sort! (that you were bragging or demeaning old equipment) That is one unfortunate circumstance of the written comment. If you could have heard my inflection, you would have know how light hearted I intended my response to be. I struggle with the desire to want to buy something newer all the time. It is in fact the subject of an upcoming video that I have in my head. (buying new versus old) When I was young, I bought junk out of necessity. The older I get and the more I can afford, the more I hate having to work on the junk now too. I used to be the same way with vehicles but about 10 years ago decided I didn't feel like wrenching on them anymore. So, my wife and I have stuff that is new enough now that most generally, only gets maintenance and anything beyond that, it goes somewhere else. So, please know I respect the new tractor purchase as much as the trash to treasure style purchase. Besides, we gotta have folks that will buy the new ones so that there are eventually some nice used ones on the market! You've given me some more great inspiration for the "old vs new" video now too! I can really appreciate those stories of your youth and how that could influence. Good stuff. (although sorry you had to endure) Thanks as always!

[@tonynieuwlandt1290]

That was fun to watch, I'm still leaning towards saving Bill

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Tony! It was a fun experiment too! Bill's life may be spared. We'll see.

[@andrewsamanthamadison3320]

After pullin the 750 with the TLB and trailer, bill has earned his full restoration!

[@digdrivediy]

He at least deserves a day of pampering! I think he will feel refreshed!

[@Thecowboy1950]

I’m not surprised we always moved big loads of corn in our yard at combining in the fall

[@digdrivediy]

It's amazing what they will do! That's cool to hear William!

[@ESNB74]

First things first.... A 318 is a Garden Tractor (GT), not a Lawn Tractor (LT). A garden tractor is designed to use ground engaging equipment, IE mold board plow, sweepster,etc.... Lawn tractors are for mowing and pulling lawn trailer and a fertilizer spreader. I've pulled some really amazing things with my re-powered 318 that many people didn't think was possible for it to do. BTW.... Great videos

[@digdrivediy]

You're right about the Garden tractor bit! I always say garden tractor but thought I'd throw a "lawn tractor" in there for the KZbin algorithm to hear! It seems like more and more folks don't say garden tractor these days. Sad really. I really love these 318s and all the other GTs that helped us get stuff done. Thanks for comment, kind words and for watching!

[@ChrisSipes]

I always get a kick out of your videos Neil. Some useful content and always entertaining.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Chris! That's what I'm shooting for when I put these together! "Infotainment" 😋

[@keithgrubb6247]

I just stumbled across your videos and I love watching. I say restore bill and let us see that journey. You and your wife have a beautiful property and I can tell you guys take pride in everything you do. Keep up the good work!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks so much Keith. We like trying to keep it looking nice and I appreciate the kind words. My wife does most of the work! Thanks for watching!

[@BuildALotAcres]

Ole' Bill's still got some giddy up and go!!! Those old gt's are tough as nails!!!

[@digdrivediy]

I know it. It was surprising to me. I thought he would stall out and fall flat on his face.

[@kyleanderson5315]

Great video, I have a 318 I'm facing the very same decision on, I need to narrow down a bit more where my problems are coming from. I get a good bit of blue smoke under load changes, the PTO actually ALMOST stalls out the engine when I engage it. I've got too much time into working on this machine to stop now, so the "recycle" option is off the table for me. I hope to see you keep Bill alive and well, either from a rebuild or repower. Great video. Those little machine sure can pull.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Kyle. Yep, I've been down this road before with a couple other tractors as well. I suppose when you're running 30 year old machines, these are the decisions we are gonna face eventually. Good luck with determining what is going on with yours and thanks for watching!

[@robertblain9968]

Still say restore bill. These machines still hold a value

[@digdrivediy]

They certainly do. I don't know what I'd do without them. I don't know what I'd buy to replace it that wouldn't cost a fortune!

[@superair05]

We had/have a 318 used at our boat marina from 1990 to 2015 ish and it’s still kickin. This thing has lived the hardest life ever by far. We have a hydraulic Quik hitch on the front with a hitch ball welded on it, big weight box on the back. This thing would spend hours each day moving 5-6000 lbs boats around the yard. Tandem axle trailers, whatever. We just beat the absolute piss out of it. You can do reverse full speed then slam the hydro to forward and wheelie til the weight box hit and let it slam down. She loves it. Broke all the mounts off the transaxle multiple times. Weld it back together and the thing just keeps going. It literally will not die. Just an amazing machine. So I say you have no choice but to restore and keep this thing going

[@digdrivediy]

That's awesome! They're tough for sure!

[@khtractors]

Excellent video! Using the engine drive attachments definitely loads the engine more then anything else. If you ever get time I’d love to see more of your toy tractors, trucks and such I’m seeing around on the shelves! Have a great week!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks a lot Ben! Thanks for noticing one of my other obsessions. I've been gathering and collecting toys since I was a kid. I have them everywhere. I'm one of those heathens that takes them out of the box so I can push 'em around a little bit. I love the old junky ones as much as the new ones too! Maybe I'll do that video one of these days. Thanks for watching!

[@michaelhauser603]

No one noticed the mint Honda three wheeler in the background?? I'm a big three wheeler guy... On a side note, I just bought my first 318 today from an older lady selling her house. I got the tractor plus a twin cylinder plow and the snow blower for $2350. I will now be following all these videos 👍

[@digdrivediy]

My grandpa bought that 200S new in 1984 or 85. He passed away in 1992 and my uncle had it for about 20 years and then he gave it to me. I ride it about once a month in the summer. Congrats on your new 318! That's a good score.

[@wittepm]

I love that you can do all the initial tests without having to worry about stopping traffic. :D

[@hollandduck79]

from the Netherlands thanks for the video Neil and Mrs.Koch

[@digdrivediy]

Hi Hollandduck! I showed my wife that my favorite viewer from the Netherlands mentioned her in a comment. That's pretty darn cool! Thanks as always for watching!

[@hollandduck79]

@@digdrivediy she was there and did the work behind the wheel. I think that is also a nice view of a woman behind the wheel of a truck 👍 . here in the Netherlands more and more women are getting on the truck, it is becoming more and more normal for a woman to be behind the wheel. I think a very nice and good development

[@jackbegley8573]

Back in the 80's I helped design a 3 wheel all terrain gas/electric wheel chair. As we were shooting a video on it, had a delivery semi come to shop. We hooked up to it, and as we started to pull it, the driver just shook his head in dis-belief that a power wheel chair was pulling his truck with the 35' trailer.

[@digdrivediy]

That's awesome Jack. I never would have guessed that either. Must have had some wicked torque and traction! Thanks for sharing a cool story!

[@C-M-E]

I can't recall the stats on the hydrostatic version of the transaxle in the 318, but the Peerless 2300 geared version is rated for 750 lb/ft of torque (!!). They used the same transaxles in aircraft tugs in the 70s to shuttle around 737s. 😉 While I don't have one sitting around to confirm, I look forward to some serious stump pulling after the engine swap is done!

[@digdrivediy]

I'll have to load the Dump Truck bed full too!

[@m.g.540]

Saved a JD 318 from being pushed into a dumpster, with a snow blower and mower deck, used many Miller welding machines and they used Onans that were as old as me, and they had never failed even on 24/7 jobs, just stopped for refuel and a oil check and they ran round the clock, many of the newer machines with offshore engines could not handle it and exploded on some of those welding jobs, but the Onans slogged through and never quit, so i took the 318 home and patiently sorted it out years of neglect, It retains the Onan it came with, did not want to shove a china engine into it and have it explode like the welding machines with china engines did, It runs as new and looks like it too, great unit the 318.

[@digdrivediy]

You're 318 is my kind of 318!

[@stevendegonia]

You need to deck the heads, seat the valves, set the lash and clear the carbon deposits, basicly a total head job with new gaskets and possibly new head bolts! You a lucky man with a gorgeous wife and beautiful daughters that are willing to help you with work when needed!

[@digdrivediy]

Hi Steven! You certainly sound like you know what you're doing on these more than I do. I think you're likely right with all of your suggestions I just don't know if I'll have the time or know how to do it yet. I appreciate the kind words my friend. Yes, I'm a very lucky man to have the wife and kids that I do! Feel like I don't deserve it some days. Thanks so much for watching. Great to see your name pop up in the comments.

[@stevendegonia]

@@digdrivediy A trick to decking the heads is to get an absolutely flat surface big enough for a full sheet of at least 220 grit sandpaper and only remove about a 0.001 to 0.002 thickness of aluminium from the heads, you just want to take out any warpage, then reseat the valves and adjust the lash to specs, then re-install and check compression.

[@digdrivediy]

@@stevendegonia Great tips!

[@MrTimbo901]

I just fired up my JD 318 after about 5yrs of sitting outside and now I want to have mines rebuilt. 👍🏼😊

[@MrPhatties]

Seafoam it - it helps with the valve deposit buildup. Would make for a fun video series to see which "fix ups" work before taking the heads of and rebuilding.

[@digdrivediy]

I've used seafoam in the past with mixed results. Would be a good video series though. Thanks!

[@roncorbin1500]

LOL Neil what a test, can't wait until the Big Question what's next. R R R!

[@digdrivediy]

Appreciate it Ron! I figured I'd read all these comments first and see if it changes my mind, but so far I'm gonna stick to the plan! Thanks as always for the great comments!

[@Chasesrepairshop]

PLEASE restore bill. I love 318s and seeing bill like that hurts me. You gotta save bill+

[@Reeser00]

This video sealed the deal, I’m buying a 318 tomorrow 😁. Awesome video

[@Reeser00]

Little update, bought my first 318 today. It has the ag tires and 3-point. It felt very powerful. Mowed my entire yard with zero problems. Very pleased!

[@aaronburford5701]

Enjoyed watching a d listening to the reasoning of the issue.

[@mitchellconant9336]

I pulled a full fedex truck out of a small ditch with a 316. That is something I don't regret not having to do twice - my truck and my bigger compact kubota were both out of service at the time.

[@digdrivediy]

That's cool Mitchell. I love hearing stories like that! Hard to believe what they can do sometimes! Thanks for sharing!

[@tonycasterline8936]

"I know what I'm gonna do, but..." Such a tease, lol.

[@digdrivediy]

Haha! My first ever KZbin cliff hanger...

[@carlmorgan8452]

Valve adjustment

[@ke6bnl]

I used Restore in a smoking forklift, took about 6 months and stopped smoking. Worked for me

[@digdrivediy]

That's great to hear. Maybe in time it would show more improvement. However I don't think I'll be that patient to see! Always great to hear a story of when it works though. Thanks Ed!

[@KingsOutdoorLife]

I'm a very ender, and finding your videos in the middle of the morning is killing my work efficiency. I appreciate the Monday Morning break! Your wife is such a good sport. Do you Remember me mentioning her interrupting your video with a blower a while back? Well, yesterday my wife fires up the blower right as I set up the GoPro for a video. You know what I told her - NOTHING, absolutely nothing! ;-)

[@digdrivediy]

Haha! I appreciate you being there till the end! Yes, I do remember your mention of that and I think my thoughts were the same as yours:. I didn't interrupt her either 😂 Sorry to cut into your productivity but I'm grateful you've allowed me to be a part of your break time! Have a great week!

[@gtr1952]

I know this is an older video, but I'm new. 8) Mine is a 1999 320 named JD. Not very creative I know but it just stuck. My 2500 HD Silverado is named Angie. She is "silver" color, so when she didn't have a name after a whole week, I used the name from the chart, Ag for silver, so "A" an "G" is "Angie". My very first truck back in 1973 was named "Hemorrhoid", guess why? LOL Anyway, I love my 320 JD! When I bought her I wanted one with an automotive type steering, HD hydro drive, hydro lift and the larger tires, Got it! The 18 HP Kawasaki engine has been great! I do 2 oil/filter changes/year, and always run Mobile_1 straight 30 wt. Beside 2 batteries, she has only had 2 repairs. A new 'air clutch' for the PTO and a strange one, the threaded valve adjuster on the intake of 1 cylinder backed all the way off! The 2 nuts, bolt and rocker arm were laying in the valve cover when I took it off!! I put a new push rod in, and all other parts, adjusted the valves on both cylinders and she runs like new! Factory mistake, Mobile_1 extra slippery LOL, nobody knows. 8) Sorry for long post 8( Cheers, --gary

[@66Oliver]

During your pulls, it sounded like the governor isn’t responding to its best ability. That might be another reason why it’s down on power. It just goes down with the load, instead of trying to compensate for the load. As for the sudden dying, it sounds like it’s losing ignition all of a sudden. That compression does suggest that the ole Onan is tired - I’ve seen good engines reach 120PSI. Personally, I’d rebuild it. Those Onans are torque monsters, and are a great engine if they are rebuilt and cared for right.

[@digdrivediy]

Very astute observations! I agree. The governors are always fickle on these things too from my past experiences with them. It has had two different issues with suddenly dying. I think you're right about one of the instances being ignition. But, sometimes when it dies it is when it is under heavy load and I can just feel it can't catch it's breath to come out of it. They are certainly great engines. Thanks for the great observations and comments.

[@zchilli0808]

As an old mechanic once learned me (aggressively I might add), “They can’t make mechanic in a bottle!”.

[@FloridaDeere]

Ha, "till the enders" and a cliffhanger! Rebuild is my gamble, but I guess we'll all see.

[@digdrivediy]

Hey, thanks for being there at the end! Yeah, I've never really done "series" style videos because I like each one to be able to stand alone, but thought what the heck. Hope it pans out. Thanks for watching!

[@shanesherwood343]

I have been thinking about buying an old John Deere garden tractor to cut my grass pull a plugger and spread fertilizer after watching your videos I’m sold on the old 300/400 series love them old tractors

[@digdrivediy]

Oh yeah, these tractors are still a good buy even today. Best of luck to you! You can find plenty of them out there!

[@KlineFarmchannel]

I have a 318 with a 5 foot Snow plow on the front and has wheel weights but it has turf tires on it and it likes to spin but it has a tremendous amount of power I'm not surprised at all that you could pull that much

[@digdrivediy]

They're pretty incredible machines. Thanks ty!

[@casycasy5199]

great tests.shocked it pulled all that weight.i think old bill is saying restore medium worth it

[@digdrivediy]

I know. I couldn't believe it myself. Guess I had never had a reason to try anything that heavy. I think ole Bill is probably worth having around! Thanks Ron.

[@peterbiltpilot516]

That's a good hydro in that thing. I would try valve adjusting since it is part of maintenance. Fairly easy to do.

[@digdrivediy]

May do that.

[@nehem11e]

If you want to take a smaller step before rebuilding, valve lapping or even adjusting the valves. You could try some quick fixes for the top end like "sea foam". Sometimes crud gets built up at the top of the cylinder and prevents the valves from seating properly reducing compression. Before doing that, a diy guy like you might have a borescope with a mirror (they make them now that just connect to your phone) to look down into the spark plugs hole and then back up at the cylinder head.....

[@digdrivediy]

I should look in there. That's a good idea. My FIL has a fiber optic scope thingy I could use to have a look. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@bobbywright5983]

I really like the originality of the. "Paint job" on Bill

[@MrMarkpeggy]

Nice tractor! My dream garden tractor 🚜 is a 318 also.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

That JD318 is a beast! Now it makes me wonder what my JD 2210 can tow?! Maybe I’ll do a a future video on that. Can I borrow your dump truck, trailer, and TLB? :)

[@digdrivediy]

Haha! I'm sure your 2210 can outdo it for sure! I was surprised though what the little guy could do. Appreciate you watching!

[@Rodya6272]

I bought a sears ss18 that had good compression with the valves slightly out of adjustment. After adjustment it ran better, and I believe it is a very similar engine to what's in your 318

[@digdrivediy]

Worth a shot!

[@wkualum3194]

Damn Neil. Was hoping Restore would work for Bill. I think I was one of the first to suggest it. 😉 looking forward to the next one. Wish I lived closer, you and I have very similar personalities.

[@digdrivediy]

I wished it worked too. Oh well. I didn't have my hopes up. Where are you from? Glad to meet like minded folks. Thnks for watching sir!

[@wkualum3194]

@@digdrivediy We live up in a little town called Fenton Michigan. Several years back you took a video for me of a john deere 318 with a loader on it that I was going to buy off you. It didn't work out but have been a subscriber for a while now. Keep up the good work on the videos!

[@digdrivediy]

@@wkualum3194 oh that's cool! I remember doing that video! Thanks so much for watching!

[@Iowaflyboy1]

Bill is a ‘beast’. I was shocked it could pull your truck and trailer. I think John Deere should sponsor you and Bill. Repaint it and make it pretty. I was firmly in the scrap it camp but that was an impressive display! Even if it didn’t cut grass it would be great for moving a boat around in your shop haha!

[@digdrivediy]

Right on Tom! I too was obviously surprised. I like the sponsorship idea. That would certainly be fun! I think I'm gonna keep him around but he may be feeling different on the inside. We'll see. Thanks for watching!

[@paulatkinson2849]

Yeah rebuild the old girl and do the same test will be a good comparison and another vid for us all to watch 👍

[@Drew-in-NoDak]

pulled quite a few stuck cars out of the snow with my 322. with the cab,blower and weights. it is just over 2200lbs. didn't spin a wheel especially with chains and ice.

[@johnhall1614]

I would save it, I have heard of some people recovering with the predator engine. Honda and vanguard also. I love my 318 like you do. Mine never mows, I have a 4 foot mechanical tiller. It does all my garden tilling duties

[@digdrivediy]

I describe what I'm going to do in my most recent video: "Tractor Addict". Thanks for watching John!

[@rickyoung360]

Another great and entertaining video, Neil! I agree with Watch Wes Work below. A valve adjustment is a pretty easy thing to do. If the valves are out of adjustment it will affect the power of the Onan and a simple adjustment may give the old girl some new life!

[@digdrivediy]

I'm willing to give it a shot. I've never adjusted the valves on one of these so I'll have to look into it to figure it out but it would be good for me to learn. Thanks for the great suggestions. I used your comment for the wet compression suggestion I think as I had never done that before either. Great that I can learn something by making these goofy videos too. Appreciate your viewership Rick!

[@rickyoung360]

@@digdrivediy Here is a good video on 318 valve adjustments. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2Gsg2yZqNySidE

[@digdrivediy]

@@rickyoung360 Thanks Rick! I didn't know I have to tear half the engine apart! Well, everyone seems to think that'll help it so I may just try it. Really appreciate the help to steer me in the right direction!

[@rickyoung360]

@@digdrivediy It would be a shame to scrap the tractor or spend a bunch of money on a re-power only to find out that a valve adjustment would have given the old girl new life. I'm a cheapskate and like to explore the low cost options before laying out a wad of cash. LOL!! Good luck! :^)

[@digdrivediy]

@@rickyoung360 Totally agree!

[@meirionevans5137]

Jees Louise, give Bill a medal, 38000lbs not bad for 18 horses! I would say the only problem is the nut. The one in the seat.

[@digdrivediy]

You are certainly right about the nut in the seat! 😋

[@jimmyhorton1504]

Those last generations of 300 and 400 series were the best ever! Heaviest frames, axles, hydro's and no expense spared engineering. They just kept improving from 1963 on. CUT's killed the big garden tractors market IMO.

[@digdrivediy]

I agree Jimmy. I loved that era of machines back in the late 80's and 90's. Cub Cadet, Simplicity, Wheelhorse, Deere and others all made each other better. Appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@mad-mason0319]

My 99 335 weighs 650 pounds without weights or mower deck. I had to pick up the front end (I forgot what for) and I ripped my fingers open. My back and neck went out (yes I used my legs) and got a migraine so bad I couldn’t see out my left eye 🙃

[@JoshAllen17Goated]

My 07 Cub GT2544 weighs 800lbs without the deck. And holy crap if you try and lift up the rear of front end that is a mistake. We tried so hard to lift it up but you couldn’t. It was so heavy that not only were your fingers and back destroyed but your nose started to bleed like crazy. So we got a mower jack and it was too heavy for a 750lb mower jack and the arms that hold the front wheels snapped off! Ive never seen something happen like that before ever.

[@JoshAllen17Goated]

@@mad-mason0319 Wow are you ok now?

[@mad-mason0319]

@@JoshAllen17Goated yea after a quick trip to the chiropractor. And some sleep. Wasn’t worried about my fingers they’d heal in a few days.

[@hunter7476]

Good. Idea I just got my 318 yesterday with a 50 inch deck 54 inch power angle plow and a 48 inch snow blower it is in very good shape it’s a 1992 your videos are good also you need to make sure you use a thick oil in those old onans such as sae30

[@digdrivediy]

Very true Hunter! Congratulations on your 318! Man, you got all the goodies! You're gonna love that machine. I wish I had a 1992. I think that was the last year for them if I remember correctly. Good luck with it and thanks for watching!

[@hunter7476]

@@digdrivediy thanks good luck with bill I think he’s got some life left in him yet

[@Thecowboy1950]

Pennzoil 10 W 40/. Over 4000 hours on my P220 on an engine

[@davedave672]

I recently sold my 318 but a couple years ago it could barely drive - just weaker & weaker. Made new plug wires & it was back to normal. I was surprised. Never did check compression though.

[@digdrivediy]

That makes sense. My plugs were replaced last fall.

[@davedave672]

@@digdrivediy on mine the plugs didn't make a difference. The wires had failed. I also have an 8N with bad compression from bad valve seats (I think). These old engines can be annoying. I bought a 1025r last fall out of frustration - it's reliable at least.

[@hc7190]

That's interesting as I had to put new plug wires on my onan in an old wheel horse mower and what difference it made .

[@davidshipulski4532]

Great video! I used to have a 318 with a 44 loader but it was kind of a lemon! I bought a 140 h3 about 3 years ago now. One of my neighbors was moving some big boulders out of his yard. He was trying to do it with a 4x4. I went over with my 140 and put a strap to the rock. This rock probably weighed maybe 1000 pounds. It pulled it no problem.

[@digdrivediy]

That's awesome! I really like 140s too. It's amazing what the little 14 hp will do. Thanks for sharing David.

[@captainchippy8559]

beautiful property

[@JesseCase]

Bill is still a beautiful beast of burden! Well other than the fact that he is one of those green things and not orange as all tractors should be, but we will try to over look that fact. He still has many years to offer with a little TLC.

[@digdrivediy]

I agree!

[@mad-mason0319]

i have a 1999 john deere 335. it was my great grandfathers. he only had it for about 3 years before he passed. then i was born a year later. when i was old enough it went to me. now i maintain it. everything from oil changes to $100 drive belts. that thing has only had a small hand full of parts replaced like the drive belt, fuel pump. and as of last year a carb rebuild (only did that to find why it was running weird. turns out it was the clacky rockers that were looser than my you know what after taco bell.) and i used it to pull a 20 foot car trailer UP HILL and was BURIED in weeds with 2 flats on the same side that didnt spin. and... honest to God i though it came off when i started moving. I COULDNT TELL IT WAS ON THERE. also i will say im preeeety sure it could do it ONLY because it has big pleated rear tires. but if you cant do that with a similar mower then thats likely a traction issue not an engine power issue. And I will say that I knew it was WAY more capable than just a car trailer after how effortless it was. And now that I seen what yours was capable of in poor condition. I have enough confidence to say that I think mine can pull the wall off a house

[@digdrivediy]

Awesome!

[@gordonbrown6616]

Nice video, repower it, spray it with clear to preserve the patina

[@digdrivediy]

I like hearing that Gordon. You're the only one who has said to preserver the patina! I happen to really like the way he looks and I don't think I'm going to repaint him. Then nobody would recognize him.

[@wadeshull8227]

John Deere of those years were the best ever made....

[@bradclarke343]

Restor Bill he deserves it 318’s are great tractors

[@digdrivediy]

318 is my favorite Brad. I think Bill may live on. We'll see.

[@MikeCris]

Scotty Kilmer recently did a video on that Engine Restorer...he says it's snake oil.

[@digdrivediy]

Haha! I could see him saying that for sure. I watched the Project Farm video and he had good results. I think it likely only works in the best scenario for it.

[@owentimo]

@@digdrivediy Scotty is entertaining that's for sure. ;-) Project Farm's objective tests are invaluable.

[@michaelbenoit248]

If you end up selling it, throw it on a 318FB group & I think she’ll find a good home. I’m not that surprised at the outcome. I’ve got a Yanmar L70 I just put into my sears st16, & might put my other engine in my 212 whose engine has stalled out & sometimes wouldn’t start again. It started happening after I added some diesel oil I had on hand/1qt cuz it was low again.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Michael. I think I've got options at least.

[@andrewsamanthamadison3320]

Really thought when the tractor was buckin and doing a wheelie you were going to throw your hat in the air and yell YEEHAW!

[@digdrivediy]

Haha! I felt like it! I was grinnin' from ear to ear and kept looking at my wife in disbelief when it finally pulled the backhoe too!

[@machone7580]

Bill's engine may be tired, but the Sundstrand hydro drive seems fine!

[@digdrivediy]

For sure. No issues there!

[@firenado4295]

those old hydrostat drives are bullet proof they will move basically anything if you push the peddle down s tiny amount cuz you get a huge amount of torque. we moved a mobile home with a newer jd mower but annoyingly it has a bypass valve that limited the torque but it still moved enough and after all its just supposed to be a mower so fair enough.

[@RCPSU4]

I was really hoping the Restore would pull something out. Sounds like a good rebuild potential (and bringing in some of your friends and neighbors) to help out. Otherwise, I'd find a 1000cc Harley-Davidson engine and make a puller.

[@digdrivediy]

That would be cool... A Harley Deere!

[@shazaidi]

I have a JD 318 that I bought with a broken conn rod. The engine is easy to teardown and rebuild. With a valve leak you probably have some lashing issues. There's an issue with people not putting on their belly pans and grass gets stuck overheating the engine. Valves coud be burnt. Either way if you address those issues you should'nt have a problem.

[@bradyanderson5879]

As long as the tractor has compression anything can be fixed with the motor, part depending on what you can get. For parts consult your local John Deere Dealer, the should have parts logs for a lot of equipment

[@digdrivediy]

Very low compression though. I'm sure it can be fixed. Thanks for watching!

[@bradyanderson5879]

@@digdrivediy no problem. If you have any questions, I’m glad to answer. I’m actually one of the technicians for Minnesota Equuoment

[@rayarnett2249]

I believe I would put the motor out of your 316 in bill because it is obvious the rear end is good and it has split wheel brakes. And sell the 316 for parts.

[@RCALivingStereo]

Impressive I just bought a new x738 I had a few bigger size rocks I want to move to other side of property and was wondering if it would pull those Guy my answer here 😂 Amazing power

[@berryfisher4764]

I vote rebuild for bill. Never give up on the onan!!

[@digdrivediy]

I'll count that vote Berry but I'm not sure about the Onan yet... Stay tuned.

[@trevorrowe6231]

If you know who has the fields around you ask them if you can run the test in their field so you can put both the backhoe buckets down without tearing up anything that is cared about

[@digdrivediy]

That would be quite a test!

[@drivingmylifeaway7149]

I have a 4-14 8 wheel horse (14hp) drag buses around the lot with it all the time (full size buses) occasional semi now and then As far as the engine restore. I had a 6.0 powerstroke, wiped the turbo. Lost compression. Engine restore made it run for 2 years after that.

[@digdrivediy]

Holy cow! That is a heck of a testament to that stuff then! That's sweet to hear you've towed some semis. Thanks for watching!

[@ryanvalleyirrigation9684]

Hey Neil Love the videos. Have you mowed the grass yet. I have Friday i mowed in the evening.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Ryan! Oh yes. We have mowed 6-8 times already this year. The grass is really growing right now! Thanks for watching!

[@AndWhatISeeIsME]

Maybe do a repower series? Mine has a Honda GX630 and a JD 420 2 speed diff, it's an impressive little machine.

[@digdrivediy]

I'm planning to change out the engine with another tractor. Maybe yet this summer.

[@jackd2180]

I would love to see it rebuilt , but repower is probably the less expensive way and way you will go .

[@digdrivediy]

I'd like to rebuild it too, but I already have an engine so I think that's a route I'm going to go.

[@jackd2180]

@@digdrivediy I hope you make a video . I cant wait to see what engine and how you refit into the beast of a machine. Subscribed!

[@digdrivediy]

@@jackd2180 Oh, I promise there will be a video on it! 👍🏻

[@ChrisSmith-io5vw]

Hey I saw John Deere's from 1981 to 1983 I sold the 317 the 318 I like them both if I owned build a 318 I would run it until the engine stopped Keith's oil check and take care of it till then

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Chris. They are all good machines from back then.

[@ChrisSmith-io5vw]

314 are rare one s

[@thunderwolf-grr]

Honestly here in the condition you have with your engine it's probably best to lead you to valves and basically Do a valve job on it it's really easy to do and not hard all we have to do is lap devouts on it I would highly recommend watching Terrell fixes all he has good valve job lap in videos or watch a Mr. Beef on KZbin he has good videos on own engineers John Deere's she has a whole tear down video I would highly recommend him if you have to tear down the engine and we build it

[@enduser1982]

Dude, In my research it's the pistons and also owning a 89' 318 ..Being the pistons are horizontal over time the walls get warped causing the problem at hand. It's new motor time. Pamper yourself. Put the 316 motor in the 318 and get rid of the 318 ..huge upgrade going from one to another

[@hunter7476]

318 is better than a 316 but swapping mow toes isn’t a bad idea

[@digdrivediy]

Shhhhhhh. Get outta my head! 😉

[@mr.astrophysics9115]

I have a Craftsman T240 Turn Tight tractor with a Kohler 7000 series 22 horsepower 725cc V Twin engine it's built like a little tank I've pulled my 3600 pound camper in and out of my driveway..

[@TF856]

Build one that has several engines in line on a long frame. For tractor pulls or racing.

[@ilmo2313]

But Bill still towed 38380 lbs. Ole Bill is not going to let you give up on him. Hi Kara. I see the drums setup in the shop. Who plays the drums? Let's here "Wipe Out".....do it in a video!!! And get the girls some guitars. JUST DO IT......LOL

[@digdrivediy]

Haha! Yeah, when you can still pull something like that it makes you wonder if you shouldn't be giving second and third chances! I thought it was pretty awesome. Those drums taunt me all the time to play them. They are mine and I don't practice as much as I should but I still whack away at them once a week for band practice. The girls were supposed to get started on their ukuleles that they have but they are too distracted to stick to one thing. I told them guitars could be the next step. I don't want to drive subscribers away so I'll probably hold on wipeout for now :)

[@gabrielchristopher9625]

Great video! I’ll never look at an old 318 the same. Is that a Honda ATC 200 I saw in the background? I have a 1984 200M in the garage. Love my trike. Little bit of work, little bit of play, and always reliable.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks so much! Yes it is an ATC 200. My grandpa bought it new. Been in the family since 1985. Thanks for watching!

[@hacxer8424]

My 35 year old sears craftsman rear engine mower pulled a big tex 6x10 trailer with my toro wheelhorse 267-H on the trailer and motherboard wheelhorse I have is 550 pounds about 1800 pounds on the craftsman it did a wheelie so I stood on the front of it and it did just fine

[@digdrivediy]

That's awesome! Incredible what they will pull.

[@ccroson7935]

I have a John Deere 300 garden tractor and I use it every fall to pull my camper in so the camper trailer hitch is facing the garage because I want the door to be opening towards the driveway not towards my neighbors The trailer is 30 feet long weighs 10,000 pounds and the most stunning thing is there’s 1300 pounds of tongue weight and the John Deere 300 pulls it without any problem

[@digdrivediy]

Man, that's cool. I'm still often times amazed at what these little tractors can do. I'm glad you figured out yours is able to move your camper like that! Thanks for watching again!

[@adamf9000]

Can’t wait too see what happens with bill

[@digdrivediy]

Stay tuned Adam :)

[@adamf9000]

@@digdrivediy I will ! I love those older John Deere’s.

[@jdhogyellowhelmetproductio358]

Bill is ready for Harlan garden tractor pull day.....

[@digdrivediy]

Haha! That's a good idea.

[@alancoleman4370]

With my headphones downstairs, I watched this video with the volume turned down. My wife's comment: "Why is Kevin Costner talking about lawn mowers?" Perhaps you have a new career in voice-overs....

[@digdrivediy]

Haha! I've heard the Kevin Costner comparison before. Voice over wouldn't be a bad way to earn a living! Thanks for watching and thank your wife for listening!

[@hunterm.172]

Dang….Bill is a beast haha

[@bigchew3149]

Bill Might Be Tired But I Would Still Like To Have It To Mow Our 2-3 Acres With..We Ben Push Mowing It For 2 Years & That Got Old Very Fast..lol. But No Desent Deals On a Riding Mowers around here Or a Zero Turn So Push Mowing it Is for the foreseeable Future !

[@digdrivediy]

There's gotta be some deals out there; I'm sure of it!!

[@bigchew3149]

@@digdrivediy Well May Be But Nothing i can Find..im in a small little Hick Town in ky..lol.

[@dougbunn5018]

How about bad bi-pass valves in the hydraulic motors?

[@357bullfrog9]

When you hooked on to the truck and trailer with the backhoe I would have bet good money it wouldn't do it but it did

[@digdrivediy]

I thought it would be a big joke and be a funny thumbnail. I never expected it either!

[@wesKEVQJ]

I was having a low power under load and it turned out my intake manifold was missing a bolt. It ran hot as well.

[@camperman3d250]

One time my dad stalled out heading back from the shop with his old truck and camper it was cold out and nothing was running other than my lawn mower Trevor and he's just an old Murray and we were able to get Trevor with his back tire chains to get my dad and his tractor all the way back to the house just he couldn't get up the driveway by then the tow truck was running so never underestimate a lawn mower how big or small

[@hotrodgavin6543]

I'd recommend a re-power with a Kohler Magnum series engine like an 18 or 20HP the one i have it runs smooth and has plenty of power its a 18 and all i did was clean the carb and bought new spark plugs and head gaskets

[@digdrivediy]

Those newer Kohlers are really nice. I had a repowered 318 that had one once. Should have probably kept that one!

[@owentimo]

You don't need that much HP for the Sundstrand Series 15 Model 90 hydrostatic transmission to put a lot of down torque. It's the PTO thats sucking all the HP from that worn out Onan.

[@digdrivediy]

I can certainly agree with that!