Some Assembly Required! My Dream 318 Garden Tractor Build - Part 5

SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED!!! Continuing on my John Deere 318 garden tractor project where I have vowed to work on something for this project everyday. In this update I finally make some progress, but not without finding a problem that really gets me discouraged.

[@richardwentland3489]

Ok, so I would not remember where/how everything goes back together. That could be cuz I’m 69 but I’m pretty sure it was the same when I was 39. It’s just one of the reasons why trades people and mechanics (God love ‘em) have a hold on me. All the more reason to hang onto those gifted and honest (and comp them commensurately)! You have my complete respect for taking on this all day sucker!

[@digdrivediy]

I'm not sure I will remember how to put it back together either!!

[@Georgiagreen317]

@@digdrivediy I've done dozens of these projects. and every time I had to take things apart to install the part I missed. I would put all of those mower deck parts back on. They're seldom in the way of anything and even though you might not ever hang a deck under it, your kids might. (Or some other future owner)

[@bobwatson9290]

45 minutes for the first, 15 minutes for the second. Story of my shade tree mechanic life haha.

[@paulmiller4549]

I don't think a lot of people realize how much work goes into a restored tractor or car. I really appreciate seeing restored tractors. Keep up the great videos.

[@redmondjp]

I work on lawn and garden tractors myself - what always amazes me is how much time it actually takes! In some cases, it is more time-consuming to do a simple job on a small tractor than on a car or truck! The size deceives one into thinking it is simpler or easier, but often the reverse is true - there are the same systems crammed into a much smaller chassis which makes it much harder to access and work on.

[@stromxtc2033]

"Is this your favorite store”?... Politely quiet. 😆 Simple engine swap turned to complete 💯 restoration, EXCELLENT 👍

[@digdrivediy]

True story

[@buttheadsmith7012]

Glad you're fixing all the mechanicals in detail. You will enjoy for years. Love the JD Construction colors. Good Lookin machine. Thanks for posting.

[@snoozieq4584]

Well done! You were right about the sanding and repainting. Sometimes that's how it goes. It's looking great! Can't wait to see the final stretch of the reassembly. Please stay safe working with that rear axle. You really could have thrown your back out doing it the way you did, silly Neil. See you in the next one! 🥰🤗😘

[@digdrivediy]

You're exactly right Susan. Lifting that rear end is what prompted me to go by the lift from Harbor Freight. I hope that saves my back the next time around! Thanks as always for tuning in to check in on what we're up to.

[@snoozieq4584]

@@digdrivediy Wait? Next time around? Are you planning on trying to throw your back out? Don't mind me. I've had too much coffee already this morning. Please take care of yourself. I'm glad that Harbor Freight had a collapsible engine lift that suits your needs. 🥰🥰🤗🤗😘😘

[@michaelmcguire3983]

Just keep thinking “ this is going to be so nice when it’s done “. Take care my friend

[@digdrivediy]

Oh Yeah! I won't want to use it 😂

[@vernonthompson7695]

Just been looking at your dream tractor rebuild again . When you came to the point of deciding to strip all the goodies off your frame, I cheered. Seeing how I have already seen how proud you are when it's finished, I knew that you wouldn't be that proud if half of it would have remained greasy and grimey

[@neilmarshall629]

Holy Batman! That's going to look sharp. You will be happy by going the extra mile on prep and painting.

[@Oklahoman-in6ph]

getting to where you are has been a lot of fun and memories. Lets keep them rolling. Thanks Neighbor for taking us on the journey. Looking forward to reassembly.

[@BigFarles]

A lot of guys around here keep old pop up sun shades and use those, clear plastic, and tape to make spray booths so they can spray in their shop. I know another guy uses a diy hoop house with PVC pipe and his wife starts plants in it in the early spring. I think if you have something like that it makes you feel better about doing it in the shop. If your down here reading the comments……make sure to like and subscribe.

[@digdrivediy]

Those are good ideas for sure. I'm gonna need to figure something out when it comes time to paint.

[@tonynieuwlandt5407]

Details, Details, Details, taking the time on every step will make the end result so much better

[@digdrivediy]

Hope so. Thanks Tony

[@periwinkle-dragonfly]

Nice job, Neil. Your future self thanks you for all the work you put into it now. I have not seen jean overalls like that since my granddad passed 50 years ago.

[@digdrivediy]

Ha! Thanks so much. Those are my go-to bibs when I know things are going to get it a little extra dirty!

[@ThatGuyFromArizona]

Great video. Am I only guy that watches these kinds of videos and spends a lot of viewing time looking around their shop to see what other cool things they have? :)

[@digdrivediy]

You're not the only one ;)

[@vernonthompson7695]

I know that if that was mine, I'd never allow it to get dirty again. What beautiful job Neil.

[@josephdriscoll8527]

Self- drive and patience come out in full force on this project. Thanks for bringing us along on the journey.

[@digdrivediy]

You bet!

[@aprilgeneric8027]

when your done painting, keeping items you painted within 4 feet of the sealed wood stoves works wonders for baking the paint, all that nice dry air radiating off the stove. 21:45 putting back in, your big sockets with a big washer between the seal and the socket, then you can smack the driver hole and usually get a pretty good seat and you can pull the washer out after it's near completely in and adjust accordingly to where you need more pushed in, but a good 3 fender washer stack you can usually go flush with out damaging anything except marking up one of the washers and a bit around the socket driver hole. i cut strips of duct tape to get about 3 wraps around a washer stack in double, tri or quad strips around the stack, just to keep them together, super glue only works for so many whacks before they come apart, alot of times on the first to third. pro tip, when you go to set stuff down, throttle down to a bit over idle so you don't get that jerk drop while trying to slow bleed release doesn't the rear transaxel just drop down one you remove the frame attachment bolts, enough to let you slide and axels off? i've done it with a jack stand for the 4XX series no harbor freight hand sand blaster for hard to reach spots and little parts? the hardware assortment boxes are the best bang for the buck at that place, i have easily spent $20 on those alone every time i go in there. it's not just for the mower deck lift, it's also for a belly grader blade. maybe talk to TarylFixesAll about your motor getting checked out and tuned back to spec?! the manifold rods usually could use a good check and lapping. it'd be a dang shame for that or the hydro to have something go wrong with it after all this work. ^5 Ryan great job, most guys blast them until the edges are round, you did it perfect. not that i don't like rounded edges, somethings just don't work well with rounded edges and usually rounded edges means the thickness of the material is not as good as it used to be nor as uniform as some spots too longer and more grit to clean than others, and you sir did it perfect!

[@digdrivediy]

Lots of great tips and tidbits here! Thanks for all the advice 👍🏻

[@rayarnett2249]

Great video! Already looking forward to the next tractor video. I've watched this one four times.

[@JB-ro3sz]

you may already know this but when painting in cold weather I heat my spray cans in hot water before spraying, it helps keep the paint from running and the paint flashes off quicker. ps I am a lawn and garden equipment tech at a Deere dealer, I started there in 1992 and have worked on many 318s, they are the most popular garden tractor Deere has ever made. when you pull the transaxle to replace the axle seals put a wheel on the opposite side you are going to work on and stand the transaxle on the wheel it makes a good work stand.

[@digdrivediy]

Those are some great tips! Thanks 👍🏻

[@sameaston1301]

I've been looking forward to this for 2 weeks since your last tractor rebuild video! I absolutely love that when you could cut corners and just get it done, you don't. You do what's right and fix what's wrong. From one perfectionist to another, I feel your pain. I can not wait to see the next video and see what you get done. Thanks for sharing this!!! 👍

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks so much Sam!

[@paulweakley3440]

Your videos are super undervalued... keep up the hardwork. You motivate me to finish projects i've been working at for years.

[@digdrivediy]

I appreciate that Paul. It's great to hear this has been a catalyst for other folks to tackle some of their projects too!

[@johnpyle8027]

I laughed and I cried! lol It brought back good and "other" memories restoring my 430. Just FYI it will go back slower and you will cuss. Another FYI, in 50 years when you are doing this again those seals are 1" seals that are on all the utility trailers for like 10 bucks, I found out late too. Look at the brakes too, they are likely soaked now. Whether you think you needed to or not, you will use that hoist ALL the time. I suspended my AC Compressor while I poured a new pad under it, right in place, no recharging. Somehow, I knew you were going to paint it commercial industrial and I can't wait! Keep giving yourself little presents too like the wheels. Keeps you motivated! You will be glad you took the more pain staken route!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks John! Those are encouraging words to me...Other than taking longer to put back together!!!

[@johnbeck845]

The fear in your eyes concerning the flying paint blemish was real!!🤣🤣Another great video!! Well done Sir. 👍🇺🇸

[@timtaulu9914]

Spare time projects are sometimes a pain but committing to work everyday is a good strategy otherwise it would take forever. The payoff is when it is complete and you see the job that your pride built. I also like that your kids are willing to help you. Proud dad😉

[@nightsailor1]

Now we know why it takes a team of experienced A&P mechanics 10-20 years to rebuild an old plane. Keep at it. Do it right,

[@brucemitchell5637]

I couldn't stop laughing when you went to Harbour Frieght, that's 100% me! I don't think I've ever gone into a store like that to buy just one item and not come out with at least five other things that I didn't know that I just had to have. Lol!

[@digdrivediy]

Exactly! And I still leave feeling like I forgot something...

[@C-M-E]

Neil, I'm in 'the boat', although mine looks like it has about a thousand small leaks and is taking it's sweet time sinking! After some life issues and we lost both our fridge and deep freeze in a storm-related power issue (they were on protected circuits that got overwhelmed by lightning evidently. Didn't find out about the freezer til it was good and stinky🤮) we got a new fridge but was an absolute bear that tried to kill me several times. The package weight said it was 352, but I'd say it was well north of 525lbs (!!). I was saved by two neighborhood guys that saw it try to take me out getting it down the ramps from my truck; it took me and some help from the wife another two hours just to get it taken apart so it would fit through all the door ways to get into the house, and had to call in the father-in-law for backup. Another week with the old one in the middle of the kitchen, I decided I'd harvest its body and make it into a chemical storage chassis. Finally got that knocked out this weekend, which of course resulted in a mad scramble to clean up the workshop to find a place for it and move all the racks around. It never ends!! Meanwhile the three boxes of tractor parts (just linkages, pulleys and hardware, not to mention all the bodywork and mid-progress frame fabrication with an engine in my utility room) keep looking at me like the lion at the zoo waiting on its last meal. "Today? Feed me today?" "Sorry pal, maybe tomorrow..." Yeah, ended up doing our taxes that day and had a short-lived bout of depression when I tallied up how much we spent on healthcare that still didn't do jack to net us a reduction. 'Could have bought a brand new JD and A LOT of accessory drives for that!' Sorry bout the rant, felt nice to vent though. Guess you can send me a bill for the therapy, we'll put you on the list. 😉

[@Mark-zz9rt]

Always wanted a 318. Your doing a great job 👍

[@marykoch5168]

We're heading home from Florida, and Aunt Sandy &I are watching your video. As soon as you said "this is looking a little rough" I said "he's gonna repaint it". She said "Mr Perfectionist? Of course he is" It's really coming along, anxious to see it painted too. The fun stuff starts for you now ❤️ Mom

[@digdrivediy]

Ha! I couldn't stand the most visible part looking the worst 🤪 Glad I could keep you busy for at least 28 minutes of the trip! Thanks for checking it out and looking forward to seeing you soon.

[@dwaynewestley7648]

This is awesome ! I was given a Husky garden tractor, on the condition that I get it home on my own. I thought it would be easy , being 3 houses from mine … nope, but I got it home anyway. Spent about 1 1/2 years working on it and got everything working great. Replaced damaged and missing parts, sharpened the 3 blades on the deck. It started , ran and cut great ! I miss having a project. 😊👍🏻

[@mrkevind]

Cub cadet zero turns solved the issue of messy oil changes…check them out. They use a flexible hose that’s threaded into the case and you can direct the oil anywhere you want so that it doesn’t run down the frame. Genius!

[@billyhaddock5540]

Great Job so far NK, on getting the parts-off, prime and painted. Put-back together, and prime/paint the panels.

[@Markam248]

It’s looking good. One day at a time.

[@wootler]

Oh, goodness! You don't watch football, but enjoy the Superbowl (and the wings)! I will never refurbish a JD, but I can't stop watching! I think I am beyond picky when it comes to details that only I will notice ... but I concede ... you win!!! Can't wait for days 76-???. 👍

[@joebacarella2829]

Wow, you made some good ground, re assembly gotta love it, cant wait for the yellow.

[@TheOmniscientCow]

You’re going to be so happy you went the extra mile to get this sorted come summer and the following seasons.

[@chrisw7551]

Me and my dad been considering doing this to our 322 and after watching this series, the patina isn't looking so bad after all lol 😆

[@digdrivediy]

Hahaha! I agree with you completely. 🤣

[@matthartlage889]

Love it!! Can’t wait to see how the yellow looks with that gray!

[@toolwarrior1773]

Don't feel bad, Neil. I would have felt exactly the same way about that oil leak. It would have always bugged me if I didn't fix it, plus, you really can do a better clean up and paint job on that area with it disassembled. Hang in there. You are doing great.

[@digdrivediy]

Right on

[@thatlld0]

I love watching this series! Want to do the same with my lawnmowers and stuff like that

[@zackmurdock6678]

I had to do some painting in my grandpas barn and i took a 40 foot tarp and used zip ties to zip tie it around his garage door arms. and then put another tarp on the floor and hung a couple led lights. it’s not the nicest paint booth but it worked very well and it was cheap and easy to set up and take down

[@digdrivediy]

I may do something similar. Thanks Zack!

[@loutoolguy2644]

WoW I’m liking the new Neil from “just good enough” to just perfect! Way to go! I’m still not sold on the yellow but it is YOUR tractor.

[@jdhogyellowhelmetproductio358]

Looking good Neil ...Can't wait for next video...👍

[@digdrivediy]

Me neither!

[@aaronabbott9568]

It's looking good. Have to get her back together for the ballpark keep plugging away.

[@digdrivediy]

For sure!

[@Crazy.Runner]

Verry big progress, wish you luck and all good 👍🚜🏁

[@joshyoung]

Always look forward to seeing these videos!! Looking great so far!!

[@leol1682]

Neil love this series ove video on your garden 318 J D tractor .

[@arednecksgarage]

You're method of doing anything even a little bit everyday has really helped me with some of my projects Now I just got to get to editing them to put up lol

[@digdrivediy]

That's awesome to hear! Best of luck on your project.

[@ericvortecmax]

I think you should restore the 755 next. You are doing great work

[@berryfisher4764]

Nice job Neil!! You’re going to have the nicest 318 around!!

[@digdrivediy]

At least on my country block! 😋

[@allaboutperspective650]

I always read some of the comments too and I totally agree with my fellow watchers, You are doing a fantastic job and we are glad to watch the progress, thanks for taking us along on the journey.

[@digdrivediy]

Thank you so much!

[@davidfisher69]

Yep, I see you found the rabbit hole, it'll be worth it in the end. Been there, still doing that. Keep up the good work.

[@digdrivediy]

For sure!

[@jimdaly5077]

Good job plugging away. 👍🐝🌞

[@johngianopoulos6668]

Nice work Neil. Can't wait to see the finished product!

[@PaulWhitedWoodStoneIron]

Neil I feel your pain. Thinking a project won’t be that bad but get into it and can’t let it go without fixing certain things through the project because it just makes sense. Either way. Awesome videos of the project and we feel like we’re just hanging out with you through it. Nice way of making everyone feel through the process. And nice touch. 318 push ups. Wonder how many people caught that? Thanks Neil.

[@digdrivediy]

Ha! I'm glad at least one person mentioned it!

[@hollandduck79]

hello👋 from the Netherlands🇳🇱 . nice job on the tractor . thanks for the video Neil . Sincerely Hollandduck 🇳🇱🦆

[@digdrivediy]

Thank you kindly sir!

[@hollandduck79]

@@digdrivediy graag gedaan Neil

[@ProjectsWithPaul]

Looking good Neil, enjoying the build.

[@ronschwope5490]

But when you get done you’ll be glad you went the extra mile. I don’t think in the end you’ll regret what all you did!

[@digdrivediy]

No, you're certainly right. Thanks Ron.

[@hunter7476]

Problems are good, they teach you lessons different trouble shooting skills and to be prepared for anything, my poor 318 is sitting in my barn. I got verdestein v61 front tires and new Carlisle inner tubes for it tightened up the front steering has the plow in it but apparently Pennsylvania doesn’t get snow. One thing in the future I’ll need to look at is adjusting/relplacing brake parts so they independent brakes work like they should. The sump on the engine should also be replaced as it’s damp and has oil residues around it, that’s just me being nit picky though

[@digdrivediy]

Exactly right Hunter. We didn't get any snow either 🥺

[@fatprism8832]

I have a John Deere 425 and watching this series makes me want to do a complete tear down and rebuild and repaint. Thank you for putting the extra time in to do it right and take all the little stuff off before paint. That makes a huge difference. That color is a very good choice

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks 👍🏻

[@jackel440]

Your making great progress! Love the Grey color as well. Now before anymore paint work do yourself a favor and go to Gordon's food service.(There is 2 in Ft Wayne) and buy you a box of thier commercial rolls of aluminum foil. Use that for all your paint masking jobs. Works great for covering wiring,hoses and anything else you can think of. Try it and you'll thank me for the time saving and how easy it works. We do that for our industrial machines we repaint in the factory. Time saver and plus you can recycle it when your done.

[@digdrivediy]

That's a great idea. Thanks a lot for the suggestion!

[@BryanPAllen]

Really glad to see the paint going on, and putting parts back on. Great series

[@spudstudios3342]

Almost there! The paint is looking good so far!

[@dustinhenry6142]

Looking really good it will all be worth it in the end

[@user-fo1yg6yb9h]

Awesome Neil, Your 318 is coming along. I have a 318 I'm wanting to start working on as well. Mowing with a x758 and the 318 is not in use. I have a dozer blade for it and is in good shape as well as mowing deck. Ive restored a few muscle cars and thinking about shooting the sheet metal with John deere green on the 318 but clear coat and buff with atomotive paint. I cant wait to see the color your going with on yours you said industrial yellow. The Patio Tractors were wild back in the late 60's but the Industrial color I'm interested in seeing! Good Job! John

[@timheyboer4786]

Try putting the seal in the freezer first, it will shrink it slightly, and will install easier. Works good with races too.

[@digdrivediy]

That's a great tip. I've done that on heavy equipment parts before.

[@heathmiller8462]

A true storyteller. Great video! 👍🏻

[@digdrivediy]

Appreciate it Heath.

[@FromSteelToWood]

VERY NICE JOB! I know that feeling prior to get over the hump as you say! And the reward when it gets to reassemble the project together!

[@digdrivediy]

Absolutely!

[@robb1165]

Really like the choice of color on the frame.

[@rcamsc67]

For the fumoto valve. Have a short hydraulic hose made and remote mount the oil drain valve on the frame with a npt bulkhead in a convenient yet protected area

[@modarkthemauler]

I was gonna suggest grinding on the engine block a little to make it fit but your idea sounds like it would make oil changes much easier.

[@bobpurs]

Looking great Neil. Gonna look nice 👍✊

[@tee-steel.0158]

Looking awesome 😎 love the attention to detail you have. ❤

[@terryrogers1025]

Sweet, take your time to make time, if you haven’t got time to do it right the first time, when are you going to have time to do it over? You are going to be so happy you took the time to get it right, especially the first time you take it out for a spin. Thanks for the update sir.

[@jimgermain6622]

Looks great Neil! Can’t wait to see the JD yellow laid down. I admire your dedication to your family before the project. You can never get that time back…

[@digdrivediy]

Absolutely 💯

[@willdavidsonakawd3062]

Im loving your dedication to the work you are doing because as im reminded all the time. How do you eat an elephant... one bite at a time, which is what you have done so well of. I love these so keep pushin on!!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Will!

[@regganshark6922]

A little tip for masking off the lines and wires/Awkwark parts, Aluminum foil.... no i know it sounds weird but trust me it makes it way easier with the same results. Just mash it around where you dont want paint no tape required.

[@HamiltonvilleFarm]

Nice work! Getting there!

[@digdrivediy]

Hey thanks a lot Hank!

[@TimothysTractors]

I'm really impressed with how well a job you're doing! It's gonna be too nice for you to want to drive!

[@adampittman1624]

Another great video Neil I can’t wait to see it all finished the frame turned out super

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Adam 👍

[@minitractors1885]

Awesome!!! I got my 318 with a loader running today!

[@digdrivediy]

That's awesome!

[@mikeballa5300]

Looking good. Can't wait to see how it turns out when you finish it.

[@paulatkinson2849]

You won't regret buying a engine crane I have one and as I get older it's easier on the back and less time recovering nice to see it finally going back together colour choice will look great 👍

[@BG-vq9fd]

Your 318 is going to look better than new. Have I missed the new name? I have been in that Harbor Freight many times. There used to be a Fish of Stroh on that corner. I bought an air over hydraulic engine hoist at an auction years ago. Tried to use it to pickup my mower deck.

[@digdrivediy]

I always enjoy Harbor Freight but I feel overwhelmed when I go in there. Like, I'm forgetting something I always meant to buy the next time I'm there! I haven't disclosed the new name yet - I figured I do that once it is officially "reborn".

[@stephenrhodesianridgeback7418]

Very cool 👍 I use too collect and restore 318 / 332 / 322 / 400 s / 420s / 430s . One thing I did do after sandblasting was use metal prep acid too clean the sandblasted parts .I found sometimes fish eye would show up in the paint from silicone deposits . Looking good 👍👍

[@hunter7476]

I use brakleen and wipe everything down before painting I’ve always had good luck

[@stephenrhodesianridgeback7418]

@@hunter7476 Good idea 👍

[@shanesherwood343]

Great Video Neil I have been using the same method of little each day on a play room I’m building for my kids am at the same point ready to paint and crest the hill it’s a great feeling looking forward to seeing that beast go back together

[@digdrivediy]

It certainly is Shane. Glad to hear your project is coming along.

[@matthewkirichkow5279]

Impressive job Neil. Can't wait to see the tractor when finished.

[@jimmyhorton1504]

I was in the same situation with my 318 "refurbish". Had to completely disassemble the entire tractor to fix numerous severe oil and hydraulic fluid leaks. Axle seals, differential case gasket, power steering control valve, numerous engine seals and gaskets. I had boxes and bags full of sand blasted, cleaned and painted parts when I was done. It was worth it when I finally got it reassembled. I am very proud to show it off now. Keep going Neil!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks for the encouragement Jimmy!

[@darcyscott2406]

318 💪 🤣🤣. Looking good Neil can’t wait to see the final reveal. Have a good day from Northwestern Vermont.

[@mwhite1978]

Great video Neil. Keep pushing!

[@RockhillfarmYT]

It Is hard to make it through a week between the episodes of this build series, but here we are From a viewer standpoint I’m glad you went to the extra trouble of tearing it down further to paint better. Very satisfying to watch.

[@digdrivediy]

Really appreciate that Brock!

[@curtanderson8655]

We love all your videos. One thing that I see is that fuel lines and other lines are looking older so it might save some time in the future if you were to replace all the lines you can while you can get to them. Maybe look at the wiring also and make sure it is not getting cracks causing a short. You can whatever you want, just trying to save a headache or 2 down the road. Keep up the great work.

[@digdrivediy]

You're exactly right about that. These few lines were replaced a couple years ago. Actually. I'm worried about the hydraulic lines on the power steering cylinder. I've got a few wires that are in line to get fixed up for sure. Very good point to make about that stuff Curt.

[@ponypwr]

Glad to see good progress made!

[@Sellarmusic]

Really enjoying this series of videos. Projects like this really tax your patience and commitment to the project. You passed the test and definitely made it over the top. Can't wait to see the tins in paint! Thanks for sharing.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks a bunch!

[@johnwoody4905]

Good video and job. Looks really good when you get my age 61 you don't care what they look like only that they run. Take care, be safe and well.

[@billhall7582]

Takes me back to when I had to drop the rear end in my 420 to replace a broken axel shaft.

[@pdmanfarm3520]

Keep up the good work. Great to see the progress. It's looking really good.

[@jacobbuckley8232]

Can't wait to see the rest!

[@d.a.ballou9740]

Another great episode! 😁👨‍🚒

[@farmervonstienrandoms6958]

I love this series

[@bombardier3qtrlbpsi]

John Deere manual in the indoor outhouse 🤣🤣🤣 Nice job 👍