I Fixed a Non Running John Deere Garden Tractor - Now I'm Selling it!

[@moparman1962]

Just as an FYI for all "Do-It-Yourselfers" out there...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 uses something like an old plastic honey bottle with a screw on cap with a nipple on it, and the plastic bottle is clear, making it easy to see that it has GAS AND 2 CYCLE OIL MIX inside. Why use gas and 2 cycle oil (mixed on the oil-rich side)? The oil LUBRICATES the cylinder walls and rings WHILE the engine is CRANKING OVER vs. completely washing down the cylinder walls and rings so they HAVE NO LUBRICATION AT ALL. Using flammable sprays IS A SURE WAY to scar the cylinder walls and cause MORE compression and oil ring sealing loss in an already old, well-used engine. It makes a LOT of sense. ;)

[@Thomas59374]

Nobody worried about what grandfather time says, the Capt did a great job

[@JoeDriscoll-ux6ig]

I envy the patience and determination you have to get these tractors going, I get bored on my projects and rather watch you make it happen.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Lol appreciate the support

[@mikesmith8952]

Some people have a mechanical aptitude as well as drive to tinker with machines. I'd bet you enjoy other hobbies is my best guess, not that it matters. Gl.

[@everestyeti]

If it had been me, it would have been a quick trip to the scrap yard. 🤗

[@Manoffire260]

I bet I sold 100 318’s back in the ‘80’s - they were so good they literally sold themselves! Glad you are able to resurrect another

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪

[@retiredchiefcharlie]

You’ll have no trouble selling the 318. It’s a great project for a young fella to take apart and fix. That’s how we all learned.

[@jaybrown7177]

I bet Neil Koch would love another 318. His last revival was amazing.

[@alanbierhoff6831]

At 24:57 when the tractor took off backwards and you said “I think we went the wrong way”, I had iced tea shooting out of my nose 🤣

[@CaptainKleeman]

🤣🤣

[@americanpatriot2.06]

Seeing the 318 take off in reverse had me rolling! Reminds me of the time I was adjusting the linkages for my uncle's craftsman zero turn. It had a slight turn to the left that need to be corrected. Did some adjustments to the left handle and took it for a test drive. It wanted to do a left-hand circle in the garage! Adjusted it the wrong way too much! My second attempt didn't fix the issue. Turned out it wasn't the left handle that was out of adjustment, it was the right. The whole process took me an hour before I got it right. 🤣🤣

[@sharronbell852]

My day hasn't started till I have my daily dose of Kleeman. Thanks Man

[@CaptainKleeman]

Appreciate the support

[@garulusglandarius6126]

“ the rustier the blade the better “ 🤣😂🤣 excellent and enjoyable as always Mike 👍Wishing you and your family all the best in life from Britain 👍🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks 👍

[@tbix1963]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, ideas and videos. Tractor was starting to show promise, hopefully it’s next owner is as handy as you and completes its resurrection. Certainly looking forward to seeing what’s coming up next. The wash certainly helped my sanity, all I could think of once you took the fenders off was where’s the pressure washer. 😂 Wishing you and your family the best.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Tom

[@robertzapatka1082]

Amazing what a bath can do for a forlorn piece of equipment!! Nice work Captain!!!

[@CaptainKleeman]

It goes a long way!

[@alexosborne5629]

318 lives !!! Prospective buyers only need to watch your channel to see exactly what you have done, now you can truly say ran when parked !!! 😁 Intrigued to see what you in store for the next project Captain 🤔😁

[@CaptainKleeman]

Some great stuff coming!

[@dfusit]

“I think we went the wrong way”😂. You are such a treasure to watch Captain. Great job getting that old girl running again. Stay safe.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks so much

[@JPFogs]

Always look forward to your videos! Looking forward to seeing the replacement for the 318, and everything else you have going on

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks 👍

[@doritleis2773]

The Garden Tractor to haunt Spark! You can your Hoppy to enjoy life and repair the John Deere Traktor.. You shine how the Sun this to make and to Explain. 👌😊

[@keithburke8577]

Im pretty sure the ignition switches are good. I came across this in the past. Most mowers use the key switch to shut off spark by grounding the coil in the off position. In your case you have a powered coil hence the terminal out to the side on the switch. This needs to be connected to coil (items requiring 12v)to complete the 12v circuit in the run position.

[@northalabama2264]

I could watch you work on things all day long. You are a pleasure to watch and thanks for the entertainment

[@rhondasweeney7271]

Love the video you work really hard on that tractor. I can hardly wait to see what is next!😊

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks 👍

[@bullittdog4352]

That intro with the start up and all the banging and dust flying I thought you through the crank out the bottom of the engine..lol. Once you got it running and driving it sound pretty strong and has the makings of a nice tractor.

[@dansevern3291]

Good idea, limiting the number of projects. It does reach a point where just keeping track of projects is a project in itself. Thanks for the video as always, take care!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks!

[@leer-winnobbeefarms2131]

Lots of people love Greene, especially the older stuff. Good Luck on the sale! Fun video! Thanks, Mike! Lee

[@resto_roller]

Just a tip for when the covering comes of the throttle or choke cable, use heat shrink tubing to repair the covering

[@moparman1962]

Yes...or the harder plasti-dip like you can buy to re-cover your pliers, channel locks and screwdriver handles with works well also. If a guy is going to use heat shrink, it is a good idea to wrap one heavy layer (overlapped and pulled tight) of good quality electrical tape on the metal cable coil housing first, the heat shrink will suck it up tight against the coil and into the grooves, helping to keep pressure on it AND keep any water from being able to occupy any space inside the repair. ;)

[@garysoykin2783]

You got a little bit of that carb cleaner in my eyes so easy there lol

[@kirk467]

That’s the tires like I put on my zero turn snapper that they don’t make anymore, it’s a 2005 model! But the 15hp engine just won’t die and it still cuts great! I couldn’t stand it because it would get stuck in a puddle! Now it’s awesome and really doesn’t tear up my yard unless it’s soaking wet after a all night rain! Looks great Mike, you got this brother, no doubt! I just ordered a new carburetor from eBay and I’m waiting for it now, 15 bucks! And spare parts afterwards from the original carburetor! lol 😂. Of course mine is gravity feed, your JD probably has a fuel pump like the one I owned 25 years ago!

[@Andrew-ky8oc8cq4n]

Kleeman:things are not going well Me:yay! More quality content!

[@CaptainKleeman]

🤣

[@janieweyers6230]

That cleaned up super nice. It wouldnt have got that cleaning if you didnt have to pull all the covers off.

[@madsciencegary3830]

I see your pressure washer has the self-cooling spray that comes out where the gun connects to the chrome tube. Every pressure washer I've ever owned developed that feature. I never bothered to figure it out till now, but since I was already on youtube, I found out it's just a o-ring that needs to be replaced. I actually have a huge assortment of o-rings in my barn, so maybe next time I use it, I'll stay a bit drier.

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

Ahoy Cap’n! She purrs like a kitten… almost! Good luck on selling her. I’m glad the crows feet came in handy. I’d almost forgotten about them. I read that you lost one of Tell City’s Finest. Sorry to hear that. I hope her family and friends hearts heal soon. I had a similar jam up on my tractors PTO lever. The dadburn squirrels had packed acorns in the slot where the shift lever pivoted. It took half an hour to find it. I went nuts on it. A screwdriver, prybar and an hour later it was shifting like new! Looking forward to the next adventure, bud.

[@genesispuredeaf2390]

Thx for the wake up gideo

[@genesispuredeaf2390]

Clearly, I wasn’t fully awake…I meant to write “video” not gideo. I loved how you fully explained what you did and why….this should be a perfect project for someone who wants to take baton from you and finish the run. Alternately, it could be a low cost work horse for the next person who wants to just run the wheels off her. I think you were just about to tell us what the upcoming excitement was when the camera battery died. Perhaps you will let us know next time. 😂

[@Bman2020]

Wonderful watch excited to see what is coming up 👋👍🇨🇦

[@Crewsy]

@@genesispuredeaf2390 I took “gideo” as a play on words combining giddy and video because along with getting injured by not wearing all of our proper PPE while watching Captain Kleeman’s videos he usually gives us a good laugh or 5.

[@genesispuredeaf2390]

@@Crewsy perfect…wish that happy little accident was the case. I do get excited to see the KLEEMAN videos …he is as authentic as they come IMO. It’s refreshing that he is fearless about the optics and simply just focuses on his target goal. In this case, he admits that now is not the time for another project. I’ll bet he ends up getting another 318 at some point after he can refocus resources (time/money) off an existing project….plus he left a teaser of something coming up which sounded exciting. The 318 are good machines for a number of uses …and there is a ton of old ones out there so the market will likely pick have some role in a next one to fix and keep/sell. The video it will facilitate will get good traction either way.

[@dougyurecko6500]

Nice project for a John Deere lover. Hope you and the family had a good holiday, if you were off. Stay frosty brother.....

[@CaptainKleeman]

I think so too. Thanks Doug!

[@kirk467]

Seems like you can fix anything Mike, l was using Utube to fix different things but now I’m broke down and old brother! Can’t do anymore of that bending and squatting anymore my friend, two knee replacements took care of my maintenance program! I still like to watch you guys do it on Utube! I couldn’t because I’m not camera friendly Mike, you’re brave my friend! 👌🏻👍🏼👍🏼 You know Mike, that’s the main thing I didn’t like John Deere, because they make it too hard to get to things! I checked out the zero turn John Deere, loved it and everything about the performance of it! Checked it out closely and so hard to work on brother! Seemed like you had to remove so much just to get to everything for maintenance! I walked out! I know you’re repairing this one to sell and I’m not knocking you my friend, I’m just voicing my opinion of the mowers! No criticism intended my friend, always enjoy your channel and content Mike! Stay cool brother! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👌🏻👍🏼👍🏼. Thanks for sharing, Kirk from Louisiana sending prayers and good vibes! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 I hope you and your family had a wonderful 4th of July weekend brother!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@garysparks2681]

And once again, you've proved them wrong. You can make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. Good job. I thought it would be part of the trade-up, for the camper. 🙂

[@CaptainKleeman]

The trade up series ended a while back. Thanks for watching!

[@jerryoxley9556]

Hi Mike, Great vid! Flat head screws! Yeah they’ll come out fine!! I have to admire your tenacity, I’d have given up a long time ago! Jerry...UK

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Jerry!

[@everestyeti]

Really admire what you do Captain, I'm sure as I've got older I've lost any patience I had. As a younger me I would definitely had a go, but now it would have gone straight to the scrap yard. 😂👍🤗😊

[@davidcolesr.8628]

I’m glad I’m not the only One that Questions My Own Life Decisions

[@CaptainKleeman]

🤣🤣 it's pretty common I think

[@buddyreed2623]

Hello Mike. With the way that your videos are, I am sure that there is not a dull moment in the house when everyone is there. As for the wiring, it looks like a shade tree "experienced on John Deere Tractors" mechanics job, so there you go. If it works, run it. Have good days!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Buddy!

[@buttonmonkey6845]

Project rationalisation- that’s deep stuff, congrats on your journey of self realisation. I am nowhere near that point 😂😂. Just got myself into anther one (site dumper, I think they are known as in your part of the world) brake master cylinder rebuilt yesterday, leaking ram repaired and going in tomorrow and the engine/underside pressure washed. Hopefully won’t find any more oil leaks! So back to the building project for me next week. Ya all have a good one😀👋🇬🇧

[@firemanjeffgg2440]

Guys, it's ok. He had his safety Crocs on. Not only does that make him OSHA compliant, but it also adds 10 more horsepower.

[@andysukosd8177]

Love your repair videos, I always come across the same problems as you do. I had wire nuts also going to electric clutch. I can’t believe what people do, fix it right the first time. Thanks for sharing !

[@harveylong5878]

Rather wire nuts than those garbage scotch locks. At least there wasn't Romex/UF on the 318

[@jester-gq9jq]

I love the intro! Technical difficulties I assume🤪😂👍👍👍

[@CaptainKleeman]

Not sure what you mean

[@davidcolesr.8628]

Good to see you Captain

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks!

[@richardharris7714]

You need to steam cleaning soon

[@Southalabamaoutdoors]

That's the beauty of America, you can always ask what you want for anything for sale..

[@CaptainKleeman]

It's a pretty good deal for someone

[@RangieNZ]

On these type engines/machines, the coils are normally magnet powered from the flywheel. The wire going from key switch to coil, is a kill wire, that connects 'ground' onto the coil wire, in order to stop it working.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Not on this one 👍 it requires 12volts from the battery

[@flick22601]

With that spaghetti wiring job, I'll bet the leads on the switch got moved around. Select the blade on the switch that is getting power when you want it to, trace the wire that connects to it and split it so it also feeds the coil.

[@CaptainKleeman]

The switch was bad, I showed it in the video

[@pinwizz69]

Good job finding and fixing at least the basic problems on that little 318 JD Captain. I'm pretty sure that someone's gonna buy it and finish refurbing it. Then enjoy getting odds and ends done on their property. I do know they were good little tractors in their day and are highly sought after. There's even an owners group you can join to get good advice on repairs and sources for parts ect. You definitely priced it right.

[@bradmcclure1917]

Awesome work ethic and good video content. Stay fun

[@priestley749]

You have the patience of a saint.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thank you!

[@jeffwilliams3642]

Funny i was thinking the very same thing.

[@kimber1958]

nicely done

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks!

[@heatherlane9270]

Scrap it - no way - Captain Kleeman will fix it. Will be a good purchase to the new owner too. Fun work.

[@MatthewJRedmond]

You know Capt. I thought maybe it was that you decided that you had enough projects, and maybe you figured it made more sense to put your time and money into projects and plans for the 755 or even the 555. Turns out was half right 😂. Look forward to seeing what "questionable" project is taking the place of the 318. Best of luck I ypur adventures and look forward to seeing the fun unfold. Keep up the great work my man 😁👍

[@Eric-fv4jx]

That coul wire should be hooked up to the "I" (eye) spade on the ignition switch. I= ignition.

[@Crewsy]

The run away 318 was just it trying to show you where you dropped the wrench and 3/8’s extension. Hopefully whoever buys it lets you and by proxy, us know how it all works out and maybe even some video footage you can add of it running and working.

[@francoisbouchard602]

Good.job😄👏👏👍👍👍Nice

[@daveinmn2728]

Didn't read all the comments so here ya go. There a 2 styles of those ignition switches. Magneto ignition and battery ignition. They generally are not interchangeable. Magneto switch removes and applies ground to run and stop the engine. Battery switch supplies and removes 12 VDC to run and stop engine. Make sure you are getting the correct one. They look identical, they could be mispackaged at the supplier or the fine folks in China cloned the wrong one.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Says direct replacement for 318 from stens.

[@jeffmentzer9186]

Great video! If I had just not fired my zero turn mower I might have drove to purchase that from you! I think that is a very fair price Captain. Thank you for bringing us along on your adventure!!!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Appreciate ya watching

[@brucehuff5566]

I hope it works out. Sure will be fun watching. Thanks for all the great videos. Stay safe

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Bruce!

[@williammoody3644]

The second that. you get rid of it you'll need it!!!!!!!!!

[@markkenes4848]

If you weren't a 12 hour drive I would be there today to pick it up bud !!!! It's got the Onan 18 in it. I put one in my Bolens 1476 and it's a beast.💪💪 Love the vid CPT. 👍👍👍👍

[@CaptainKleeman]

Those engines have good reputations

[@markkenes4848]

@@CaptainKleeman hey I had mine for 7 years and haven't changed the oil in it. Just keep adding. I know I'm bad 😂😂😂😂 I put a blade on the front and push dirt and gravel and it don't even grunt and half throttle. Keep those vids coming Mike 💪💪💪💪

[@davidribeca1745]

The black box under the battery behind the shifter is a timed delayed safety switch control box . The pto switch, neutral safety switch, and the seat switch all go through this box to control the safety features. It looks like all that has been bypassed! The ignition switch issue may be related to the safety switches and the timed control relay box. Power to the coil is only available when all safety switches are in check control by the timed control delay box under the battery. You may of just added more wire hacking by bypassing the pto wires directly to the battery! All that should go through the black box! Pull the fuel line out of the tank the pick up screen is probably damaged, clogged or missing.

[@CaptainKleeman]

You are correct, but like I had shown in the video. The ignition switch was not functioning. Thanks for watching

[@Richard-C]

great video Mike,you sorta sound like Wes from watch Wes work he is also saying not sure what he is doing but he and you always get things working 👏👏👏👍👍👍👌👌

[@Skoalman]

Great job Captain! That should make someone a nice little tractor.

[@CaptainKleeman]

I think so too!

[@stevehennessy3588]

I bet it's sold by the close of business today! Makes me feel like I could do the same thing - great job!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks!

[@kirk467]

Mike, that’s what is wrong with my snapper, I have to rebuild the mower deck ! They’re so expensive and hard to find a used one! I’m about to get working on it any day now, afterwards it’s going to last until the engine goes out or I can’t walk anymore and I’m not ready to give up yet! lol 😂 Good video my friend! Thanks

[@troyweatherford9874]

600 is a decent price, good job!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks!

[@thebear5454]

When you said "non running" I thought you meant Non Running, not CRISPY. Nice job Mike.

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪

[@georgebridge4136]

Have you thought about making a stand for your mowers use the back hoe to lift the larger ones then you can get around them 👍

[@CaptainKleeman]

Would be handy

[@amossnowdaharleyman9179]

I sold my manufacturing company and "retired". Been remodeling a 1200 FT2 building I bought years ago for a welding/fab shop and got into a small engine repair mood. Buying old small engine equipment and fixing same. Loads of fun. Latest is a John Deere Z-225 zero turn mower. Engine swap and some other repairs. All told and with new rubber I'm at just under $1600.00.Maybe a 2000.00 mower to the right buyer but I want to keep it for my needs.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Its definitely satisfying to work on your own stuff

[@amossnowdaharleyman9179]

@@CaptainKleeman and fun too. Love saving a nickle and taking junk and bringing it back to life. Just feels good and keeps me out of the beer joints and away from loose women lol.

[@johnnylindsey5808]

Seafoam fuel additive good for cleaning the fuel system

[@randydobson1863]

hello mike it's is randy and i like yours video is cool thanks and good luck whits john deere and greed paint thanks mike friends randy

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Randy

[@jeffstandlee9504]

Great Video, I enjoy watching them. Question, where do you get all of your parts from?

[@garymessina1609]

Definitely determined great video thanks Mike

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks 👍

[@fordlav]

Well sir fantastic video as always. What is coming up must be amazing ideas if you and the wife had any questions about them. Can't wait to see what comes next.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Stay tuned!

[@johnnylindsey5808]

Sea Foam fuel additive best I have found

[@mikesmith8952]

Your price is super fair.

[@charleskirby9190]

That mower has Neil written all over it.

[@joycefuller9177]

Great content as always. Love forward to see where we are going next.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks!

[@valdo345jr]

Professional hack job. Is that like the next level up from, "I have no idea what I'm doing here?"

[@CaptainKleeman]

No, it means it's done right but now the way it came 👍

[@morgansword]

It is what it is, might blow up in the driveway or last twenty years.... but it runs and son, thats a lot easier that a pair of scissors or what ever your doing by hand

[@nevillekinsley5610]

Great video thanks.

[@CaptainKleeman]

You bet

[@RaymondNeylon]

now to clean it all while apart

[@tugboat2739]

Howdy Captain

[@chrishelms1967]

That's a big step in your personal growth......😅😅😅

[@CaptainKleeman]

🤣

[@allensharlow7763]

Still nice tractor Mike, but great job getting it running, I’d buy it , if you was closer, but I’m in upstate NY, have a great day Mike

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks 👍

[@SammyFender]

Shrink wrap over shrink wrap over shrink wrap. Have you been looking over my shoulder all these years? It amazes me how many things we do in common, yet i'm 30 years older than you.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Lol it works!

[@gilbertmick62]

Bonjour Mike fait attention à ton tracteur tu va finir à faire Un robot cop trop fort Mike passe une bonne journée 🇨🇵🇨🇵🇨🇵🤗😘 de papy Gilbert de France bisous bisous ❤️❤️❤️

[@philliptennis3537]

Lol when one has to get rid of a project, for an other project, maybe that one just might have too many projects 😅 It's a good thing to have though! I can't imagine Captain not having any projects lol. Great video bud!

[@kellyharbaugh9391]

well, I guess I’ll stick with the zero turn I’d have to have one. It works completely.

[@Nick-cm3xs]

You can keep it

[@tomswindler64]

You do like to solve puzzles,the previous owner probably should not have worked on it himself.good little video.just keep doing what your doing.kudos 👍👍👍😎😎😎

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Tom

[@terryrogers1025]

“Professional hack job” no, no ,no, young man, it’s a professional shade tree mechanic job, give yourself some credit sir. Going to be sweet when your done, thanks for the update sir, love this series. I get the to many projects concept, I do it myself,especially when I spend to much time on watching You Tube videos, “so much great content, especially on that Captain whats his name guy’s channel, can’t miss that ya know!!!!🙄😏😉😂

[@CaptainKleeman]

It's easy to take on too much sometimes

[@andreakeeling9217]

You are SO Cool! ❤😂

[@kenwelch6984]

Hey mike...I'm sure you have heard of the tractor pull's...they have tractor racing, I think that would be sooo cool...depends on what your into i guess, do up the motor a bit...

[@CaptainKleeman]

That would be a good time!

[@randallneikirk6385]

Does the new/used choke cable have the green paint in the right areas?

[@NotmeGK123]

You got carb cleaner in my eye lol yeah I should have had safety glasses on lol

[@CaptainKleeman]

It burns! Lol

[@imurhuckleberry7777]

Awww my eyes my eyes😵🫣🫣🤕🤕 I can't see oh I got my eyes closed

[@CaptainKleeman]

Where's your PPE???

[@mikesmith8952]

Hope you sold it, if not it might help to tell a future buyer what a used deck would cost them as some things like decent decks are something hard to locate.. IMHO.

[@georgerogers542]

You just like to tinker on things , me too.

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪

[@rudyfisher7660]

I would find out which one that's powers. You know, stays hot all the time and in that ignition

[@CaptainKleeman]

I did, both switches were faulty.

[@ScotReeder]

Does anyone else find it oddly satisfying to watch someone power wash stuff? Maybe I'm a weirdo. 😅