I Have Wanted to Do This For Years!

[@gliderider7077]

As an employee of your county, I can assure you it’s completely fine and even appreciated what you’re doing!

[@digdrivediy]

Oh man. You don't know how relieved I am to hear you say that. I was walking the road tonight and looking more closely at the rest of the road. The stones along the edge are virtually gone everywhere else. It is my fault there are so many in front of my house cause I keep sweeping them out there! Thanks so much for the feedback on that Gliderider! You made my day!

[@Thecowboy1950]

Fix it up them old 318 were the best that there is please save it

[@digdrivediy]

I think it will likely live on in some way. Thanks for the vote William and always appreciate your comments!

[@flatlinesup]

The only humane thing to do for 'ol Bill is to bring him down to me in middle Arkansas and I'll give you that $100 you paid for him... 😊 *PS bring that sweeper too please... ** save it if you're able. That's 10x the yard tractor they make today and will likely last several more decades with less investment than a new tin and plastic yard tractor that won't last 10 years.

[@digdrivediy]

I hear ya! Don't worry, I won't be buying anything new just yet! 😋 I'm still deciding what to do but I appreciate the feedback for sure. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@loganmadsen199]

Do a complete restoration next winter for a winter project make a bunch of good videos DIY restoration

[@digdrivediy]

I like it Logan. That may be exactly what I do for next winter. Great suggestion.

[@Tshizzle42o]

Even if it isnt a full restoration just an engine rebuild would be worth watching. I love vintge lawn and garden equipment and would hate to see the JD be pulled out of commission. I believe you said it has an Onan? Parts may be a bit elusive

[@robfate8781]

I would do a leak down test. This way you can see if your valves are sealing. Good luck. That engine is $$$$

[@digdrivediy]

Good idea Rob. Yeah, the engines are a little spendy!

[@casycasy5199]

i think a new engine for bill and if you go that way id make bill look good again.

[@digdrivediy]

It's possible. I ride the fence on if I should paint him or not. I kinda like the way he looks, but I could full appreciate him all painted up too. I appreciate your vote. I think I'll ponder this spring for a bit.

[@gregorywise4383]

I'd say its worth rebuilding if possible and refurbish the frame, bill is a useful piece of equipment with it running at its prime I think the sweepster broom would work more effectively

[@digdrivediy]

I think you're right Gregory. I think he may just live on, but haven't figure out how just yet.

[@dougbunn5018]

I think a new set of rings and most importantly grind the valves and seats. Small engines really depend on the valves sealing. If you do this yourself have a local machine shop check the taper in the cylinders before you spend the money for labor or parts. If this renews old Bill give him a paint job so he can be proud again, powerful, and ready to go.

[@rickyoung360]

Neil, if you do a wet compression test (squirt about a tablespoon of oil in each cylinder) and find the compression improves, that would indicate a loss of compression due to the rings. If it doesn't improve much, you are likely loosing compression through the valves not seating properly. I'm a fan of rebuilding an old engine. Possibly a young guy or maybe the shop in your local high school might like to take on the rebuild to gain experience if you don't have time to tackle it... Good luck! Great video!!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Rick. That is a great suggestion. I'll do the wet compression test too to have a better understanding. I've never had one of these Onans rebuilt. I just always buy a different junky tractor that just runs a little better than the last one! Thanks for watching sir!

[@robsmith7681]

Onans are expensive. I’d look into a rebuild on it, bills cool, and it’s even better that it’s such a popular tractor cause parts are easy to come by. Plus you use him, why fire him? He’s a good worker.

[@digdrivediy]

He is a good worker! I have really liked having him around and he starts every time, that's the kicker of it all. I think he'll live on in one way or another.

[@enduser1982]

New Engine Buddy! Looking forward to the video on upgrades/repairs

[@digdrivediy]

Vote counted sir! I think that will be a great project series for next winter maybe. I'm brewing some ideas.

[@fordman77881]

Rebuild it I have 3 200 series and love them going to pick up 2 314s this weekend and a 322 handy tractors and built like tanks

[@howardbarta1726]

Hone the cylinders and replace the rings on the piston

[@digdrivediy]

Maybe. Onan rebuilds are expensive though so I'll need to look into the cost on that. I'm frugal! Thanks for watching Howard and thanks for the comment.

[@howardbarta1726]

@@digdrivediy welcome I enjoy watching your video's

[@TheoSmith249]

I hope you powerwashed your building windows after that exercise. 😎

[@realtimeoutdoors9095]

I repowered my free 318 with a Briggs re power kit from small engine warehouse, if everything else is tight steering wise and hydrostatic is strong and don’t leak it would be work re powering and a paint job if that stuff is wore out bad part it out or try your other engine👍

[@digdrivediy]

Yeah, I'm trying to formulate a plan. I need to really evaluate what is good and bad. I think a Frankenstein combo of both tractors is likely in order. Great suggestions! I'm not sure about the paint yet. He has character 😉

[@larrydartel1610]

Good video,, After reading comments ,- check valves,, do a "wet oil compression test" , also On compressor stroke Fill cylinder with "gunt remover ,'"(seafoam or motor renew or carb cleaner" ) let it soak for a day them do other cylinder the same way,, idle engine , slowly add ,"gunt remover" in the carborator for minute, change oil and filter, clean or change spark plugs,,

[@larrydartel1610]

Sorry "gunk remover"

[@digdrivediy]

Certainly worth a shot there Larry. I need to see if I can do a "tune up in a can" before I get too carried away.

[@seanpierce7673]

Sounds like it's time to rebuild . He isn't dead yet. Could be from just setting and not runny enough the seals could of gotten bad cause if you don't run them thier not getting oil to oat the seals and they can dry rot out. A rebuild kit for those can't be that bad.and if your not sure as time from tractor time with Tim He just might have an answer for you

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Cool attachment. Good luck getting your little 318 running better. I’m no mechanic either

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Brock. Appreciate you watching here as you appear to be a very busy guy. I'll get that 318 fixed up one way or another. I'm jealous of that 2038R of yours!

[@mitrushka95]

Funny that you said “I’m not a mechanic” few times wearing the “MECHANIC” hoodie 🤣

[@danielbrooks5202]

If it was me I would look into a rebuild have a john deere 400 myself and I swapped motors from the old and it was not fun.. wish I rebuild it personally

[@digdrivediy]

That's an idea. I'm not much for rebuilding engines and I'll need to check into see how much it would cost. I'm probably better suited to do a swap cause I love the instant gratification. Time will tell. Thanks for the comment Daniel and appreciate you watching!

[@stephenjones8735]

Hi Niel, three things can cause low compression. Bad rings, bad valves and not enough air entering the cylinder to compress to begin with IE; carbon build up around the valves. A simple way to check if it is valve or rings is to squirt some motor oil in the cylinder before the test. If compression goes up it's bad rings if not it's bad valves. It may just need a valve job.

[@digdrivediy]

Ahh. Good thinking! I will try a little shot of oil and see what the results tell me. Thanks Stephen!

[@brandoncaldwell95]

Looks like you love tapped the dump truck lol. Also, i have a JD 300 garden tractor and a JD 110 garden tractor. Just rebuilt it. It worth it once fixed up and complete as its worth at least $1800+. If anything, list on Facebook marketplace and someone will buy it as it sits just to tinker with. Wouldnt worry about the county, afterall you pay them!

[@digdrivediy]

Man, I meant to edit that out Brandon! I'm glad to know someone is watching closely though Sounds like you have good taste in tractors. I'm gonna look into fixing up that ole 318 one of these days I think. Thanks for watching!

[@michaelbenoit248]

I’d try to rebuild it first, but if it’s the same price of a good used 16hp 3cyl Yanmar is just scrap or sell the motor as a core & get a decent Yanmar diesel, maybe change the bearings/rebuild then put it in, & not worry about the engine for a while. Personally I’d use the 318 engine in it till it looses compression altogether, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. My 82 212 k301 needs a rebuild/ 60-65psi & when it does start it’ll run for a few minutes then once it gets under load, it’ll smoke pretty bad then stall out, & wont start till cool. Last time I ran it I had to get it towed up to our barn then pushed it into a spot pumped the tank dry, didn’t mess w the carb, & parked it. I had done a full tuneup on it, I’ve got a spare k301 on a pallet, but I’m saving it for a project or if my original 82 k301 blows a hole in the block, even then it’s fixable, & id send it of to get it fixed.

[@digdrivediy]

Not sure what I'm gonna do just yet Michael. I appreciate you sharing your insight though. I don't think I have the patience to rebuild it so I'll probably just drop a new one in there!

[@ashtoncrow9368]

Check the valves and if that’s good you should try the swap with the other tractor that would be a fun video

[@digdrivediy]

It may come to that Ashton!

[@TheHobbyShop1]

I vote to rebuild it. Thinking it would make some nice content too.

[@rayarnett2249]

I know this was posted 10 months ago but I just found your channel the other day. You mentioned not using the broom anymore in the video, I'm looking for one for my 10 year old grandsons 318 would you consider selling the sweepster? Your video content is very enjoyable, great job. Thank you.

[@digdrivediy]

I will probably keep it around just in case the day comes that I need it. One year I used it to clean up a bunch of sawdust at our local ball park and it was great to have. I'll keep you in mind though if I change my mind. Thanks for checking out the videos Ray!

[@Danv941]

Put some engine restore juice in Bill, Project farm tested it and it works. If it doesn't work, you didn't lose much.

[@digdrivediy]

I'm gonna look into that for sure Dan. Like you said; certainly worth a shot! Thanks for the tip!

[@ronaldcamp6757]

I think your videos are wonderful. Your videography and editing are excellent and your narration is wonderful. The planning and organizing of the videos shows up in the final product. I really thought that you may have had some formal training or experience in the video business. I think your education and your experience with performing in the band has helped you succeed in making these videos. I retired from the Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research & Development Center as the Chief of Finance & Accounting last May and I have seen a large number of videos produced by DoD, the Army and Corps of Engineers and yours are as good or better than the best of them. I am very impressed by your work. I am from Loda, IL - 100 miles straight south of Chicago.

[@digdrivediy]

Wow. Thanks so much for all the wonderful remarks Ronald. While I don't have any formal training in the video business, I feel that perhaps you're right in that my willingness to be in front of people in other capacities has helped a great deal. I have always had an "artsy" or creative side that I hadn't exercised very much throughout my 20's and 30's. When I hit 40 I decided I it was time to try something and even though I already had some videos on KZbin, I had never tried to actually do any type of production. I'm still learning a great deal but enjoy the process so very much. Glad to have you watching from nearby IL and again, I really appreciate the kind words. I hope that I can continue to make some videos that are somewhat enjoyable to watch.

[@timothymiller3565]

Rebuild bill. I can't let anything good go. My wife hates it. I always want to fix everything. New equipment is so costly and if it's a diesel it's even worse. Keep bill give him a new heart and get back after it.

[@digdrivediy]

I'm right there with you Timothy. Same problem for me. I'd rather save a dollar and fix it twice than spend money I don't have. I'm looking into that heart transplant.

[@jaywagner4988]

Bill's Onan engine needs rebuilt. The JD 318 tractors are vary versatile. Just be thankful the points are still good they can be a real hassle. I have a 318 and it's engine is on its last leg. It drinks oil and has lost a lot of power but I'm going to rebuild it.

[@digdrivediy]

I'm with ya Jay. They are great machines. I've had about a dozen of them in the last 20 years and still have my first one. I hope to get them fixed up here soon!

[@khtractors]

This reminds me of my childhood! Our road was just like that and the small gravel would get wind rowed up along the edge. I’d gather up the good clean pea gravel and take it in the house to haul in my toy trucks. My Mom hated it 😂😂. I hope you don’t get in trouble, being a common sense type person I totally understand your justification of this process! At least there’s no evidence of it happening 🤦‍♂️🤣🤣. You have a great day!

[@digdrivediy]

No joke K&H! I did the same thing with those edge stones when I was a kid. That's where all the little worn down stones could be found! I'm hoping the county highway department doesn't have KZbin :)

[@randywilson6869]

U r doing a good deed for them. Now the water can rundown in the ditches instead of staying in the road

[@koryleague8833]

Ok former state dept of roads employee here. Years ago they ised gravel to chip seal. They switched to jagged stone because its supposed to adhear better. Im assuming your county rolled and sweep that after they did it. Also unless they seitched to a rubber ( dont think total rubber) blade on their plows the old steel blades will keep throwing that roxk back up. As far as bill you need to do surgery on him. I know alot of people have gotten engines from harbor frieght and had good luck, cause honestly what are you gonna hook that broom up to in ten years lol

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Kory. Yeah, I hate that they use the sharp edged aggregate. My daughter slipped on the snowy road last year getting off the bus and got 8 stitches in her knee as a result of the sharp road. I don't think it would have happened on a pea gravel surface. They sprayed a layer of emulsion on top and rolled it but never swept it. They have top coated it with more stone and tar two more times since then as well. There will be more stones in no time. I counted your vote for Bill. May have to get him scheduled for surgery soon! Appreciate your comments sir.

[@koryleague8833]

@@digdrivediy ouch that had to hurt poor girl. Sadly its a fight that isnt gonna end. Hopefully if bill gets to feeling better youll use the broom more than every ten years😁

[@michaelbenoit248]

Personally if anything I’d put an engine in it & sell the old core because someone will want to rebuild it for their 318 w a trashed block, or for someone w a 317 that needs an onan.

[@digdrivediy]

Yeppers. Probably getting a new engine!

[@utubota5522]

I would put Bill out to pasture. Bill is old all over. A new engine will possibly just help you find the next point of failure. While I am a fan of keeping old equipment productive, at some point Bill deserves to live out his final days in peace.

[@digdrivediy]

Ahh. Very good points. Sometimes reality is hard to swallow. I certainly appreciate your vote for Bill's much needed retirement. I'll have to see what I come up with in the coming months for sure.

[@loganmadsen199]

I think that you should try and rebuild the ownin or if you want to replace the engine try putting a Kawasaki in it because I have a deer 425 and it has a Kawasaki with 1800 hours and they're built to go for hours and hours so I would try and put a Kawasaki in it if you want to replace the engine

[@digdrivediy]

They make some pretty good kits for these 318s but I don't know if a Kawasaki is one of the options. I'll have to check. Might swap with one of the other tractors I have though too.

[@alexsyt462]

I just restored my jd 316, you should clean up the cooling fins for better cooling

[@digdrivediy]

That was probably a rewarding project. I'll be sure to get it cleaned up if I keep the engine.

[@carlcook3297]

Back in the day when I lived in NY and after letting the stone sit on the roadway for a while the town DPW would come along and use a Street sweeper to pick up all the loose stone. Too bad your DPW don't have a one.

[@digdrivediy]

No, not likely that our county would do that Carl. The stones just make their way to the edge of the road and eventually into the ditch. Such a shame all that good stone gets lost eventually. Thanks for watching!

[@danslawncare8594]

You need to Crank the engine longer. Put a little bit of motor oil in the cyl them do your compression test if the compression goes up you have a leaking valve if not the rings are bad. Good luck.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Dan! I tested the compression again when the engine was hot at the end of the video. Almost same result. I'll check it with some oil in the cylinder. Appreciate the tip and thanks for watching!

[@jimmyhorton1504]

I'm pro 318, so I'm all for saving Bill. Look into the compression issue more to see what is needed. Price it out on paper and compare to new V-twin repower. For originality I like the Onan, but for practical purposes a newer engine design is more practical. My 318 is a first year model (83) so I wanted to keep it stock.

[@digdrivediy]

Very nice Jimmy! I do need to think it over for sure, and I will look into the compression more closely but I think the Onans are just so pricey. I will likely make a combo of what I have now and make two tractors into one.

[@MrDdunn11965]

I agee with Blackdog Tactor/Excavator, spec the cylinders before deciding on what to do. It might just need rings. As far as the looks of Bill, I'd strip him down, sandblast, and powdercoat. Bet he'd last forever after that.

[@digdrivediy]

It's a possibility for sure. I think he will get a makeover of some sort, but not so sure about full paint. I was really hoping that someone would comment that they liked how Bill looks but I think everyone agrees he is just kinda ugly! I have a different tractor I'd like to make pretty, so this one may just stay as a worker for now. Thanks so much for the comment David and appreciate you watching!

[@edsecorr7812]

Great job thank you love your videos

[@patrickspomeritscalledascr1984]

i think it would totally be worth rebuilding the engine that's a neat old tractor it would be a shame to doom bill for the scrap pile you could probably get a rebuild kit for around $300

[@digdrivediy]

I wish it was that cheap Patrick. Usually an Onan is around $1200-$1400 to rebuild according to what I'm hearing.

[@Powerhousered1223]

I would have a quote for the motor rebuilt for the John Deere 318 tractor before junking it.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks for watching James. If you watch my video called "Tractor Addict", I explain what I hope to do with this tractor. Appreciate you watching.

[@ryanvalleyirrigation9684]

Hey Neil the johndeere 318 is under power because it's 18 hp so it's to shut off. Because you need a 23 hp you should get a kubota bx2380

[@digdrivediy]

A Kubota would be nice but not sure that is in the budget for now. Thanks for watching!

[@blackdogexcavator21]

I would say that if the problem is just the piston rings, I'd rebuild it. If the cylinders are worn out of specs I'd probably put the engine on it that you already have.

[@digdrivediy]

Right on Blackdog. I think I'm right there with you in that train of thought. Thanks for the comment.

[@larryalbertson3042]

Make Bill Great Again! Jk Those old JD’s can be a bad addiction they are a pretty sweet GT. You could could do a cylinder leak down test(you put the piston @ tdc and put air in through the tester from your air compressor) with this you can listen and hear where the loss is coming from; valves or piston rings. If it’s in the valves you could maybe just rebuild the top end with out too much trouble and expense.

[@digdrivediy]

Boy, you're right about them being addictive Larry. I've had about a dozen of the 300 series tractors. Currently down to just 3 of them though. I think will Bill will live on in some regard, just not sure in what capacity yet. Thanks so much for watching!

[@ramblingrodriguez3558]

I would definitely rebuild or repower the 318. You can’t go wrong with them and they’re handy little buggers.

[@digdrivediy]

Thank you sir I'll put that vote in the "save" column. Thanks for watching.

[@georgecostanza9387]

Since that engine is worn out anyway try some oil additive like project farm tests and see what the real world results are. Would be interesting

[@digdrivediy]

I'd really like to try that...George. Had a few others suggest it. Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching. I'm honored!

[@wkualum3194]

Project Farm did a really nice video on engine restore. Maybe try it to see if it works. Can't remember the name of the product.

[@digdrivediy]

I will most certainly check that out. I didn't know about that but I love those PF videos. Thanks for the tip and thanks for watching.

[@scottsoper]

I just started watching you on 7/10/2021 because I saw you on TTWT and this is 7/11 so I do not know just how many tractors you have or how you mow your lawn or what all the jobs are that you need to do. While you are correct that this Onan engine is week that is no reason to get hasty and rebuild it or replace it in my opinion. This is not an airplane engine!! It starts and runs fine; just not with a lot of power. Onan is owned by Cummins so I believe that parts are available. The Onan always burned oil so a lot of people kept insisting on rebuilding it and so on which is likely why they quite building them. Burning oil is NOT a big deal! My first thought as a low horse power job is to use it to pull things. A cart with the hand tools and garden transplants for example or tools that are self powered. Use it as the kid's go kart! Mowing grass takes a lot of engine time on a tractor you likely have a lot of tools for. The tools are likely going to out last the tractor and the is doubly so if you mow grass with it all the time. So save the hours on that "good" tractor and use this one mow with. First problem however is that mower deck is too small for your lawn and if the grass is tall it may not power through using it's own deck anyway. We do not want to spend hours and hours cutting grass. If you are not too particular about mowing the grass there are some vary interesting home made systems for mowing grass. The one I like best is using 20" mowers hooked together to make a much bigger mower. In this video he only has four but I would put 8 or 10 one set out one way and another set out the other way. Clearly this is not a perfect way to mow but it would likely be fast and relatively inexpensive for the size cut. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnKbaWClaa6Uqs0 Use this tractor on light jobs..... The push mowers should be real push mowers: no drive systems. I have noted that many call it a push mower if they have to walk behind it! Side discharge is best I think. You should be able to get most of the ones you need used but they do not cost too much new. Yard Machines 20" for $169 at HD. This mower has bolt on wheels which is a big plus in junk mowers! It does not pretend to have features! This is what one wants for this idea. The engines far out last the handle and deck. It might be fun to put this system up against TTWT's Ventrac with it's 95" and just compare them!

[@digdrivediy]

Hi Scott! I've seen your comments rolling in on my phone this morning. Looks like you're getting caught up and I really appreciate the viewership and awesome comments! I actually mow grass with a zero turn Country Clipper! Can you believe that? I used to have a 757 JD zero turn but I didn't like the way it cut and it was hard to clean the deck. I bought the Country clipper from a cousin and it has been a great mower for us. Thanks for all the great info and attention to detailed comments. Glad to have you visiting the channel sir!

[@scottsoper]

@@digdrivediy Do you have the joystick or twin lever steering. I have never had the joystick steering but I think it would be real nice. I have upgraded what I think you need from this comment above to a JD 1600 Turbo Series (used $12-14K) mower so that all the potential mowing, park included does not take so much time. However if you really want to go for it, look for a Toro 5910 used $20-30K 16 foot cut instead of about 11 foot for the JD. Might be kinda hard to justify but it would be fun!!!

[@dylanhockaday9878]

I wood gust put u a new set of rings in it and let it live on the sweeper and maby gave him a lick o paint lol or put u a Predator 670 on it

[@digdrivediy]

Maybe that new engine. I can't let him live on the sweepster as I have too many other more important jobs for him. Thanks Dylan!

[@tonynieuwlandt1290]

Way to go Kara!!! It's cool to see you driving the Backhoe, Looks like Uncle Jack got the dust bowl in the face. Save the stones in case the County complains, You can dump them back on the road down at the intersection. Ha

[@digdrivediy]

I saved them, but I don't think they'll complain... at least I hope not. Dad was thankful the wind was blowing away from him so hard! I'm glad Kara is willing to get in the backhoe once in a while.

[@karatejoe5049]

Dude the gravel you're taking off the road, isn't that theft?

[@digdrivediy]

Well, all those stones in the edge came from my front yard so I guess I'd be stealing them from myself. Honestly, the rest of the stones along the road are all gone where the county plowed them off the road so these in front of my house are only there because I keep sweeping them from my yard back onto the road. The way I look at it they keep giving to me every winter anyway.

[@hunter7476]

Personally John Deere 318s are an incredible tractor don’t scrap the motor even if it is worn keep the 318 fix the steering and if you do replace engine keep it they are valuable even if they are worn out I don’t have a 318 and have been trying to find one for a while

[@digdrivediy]

That's probably exactly what I'll do. I have 3 other Onans sitting around that have been removed and are pretty tired...

[@hunter7476]

@@digdrivediy thanks I love to fix garden tractors I am 15 and rebuild tractors sell and fix them if I wasn’t in Pennsylvania and I was near you I would rebuild that onan and have it running like new

[@hunter7476]

Also I subscribed it is hard to get subs and as a fellow KZbinr as well it can be hard for myself

[@digdrivediy]

@@hunter7476 Thanks so much! Yes, it is really tough to get subs, especially when getting started. I'll have to go check out your channel sometime. Thanks for watching!

[@hunter7476]

@@digdrivediy thanks the video quality is incredible on your videos I don’t know how but wow it is amazing especially the drone I don’t have money though to invest in that but it looks fun

[@Bsetzd]

I would put a couple squirts of oil down the cylinder then redo your compression check see if the compression comes up or see if it stays the same if it comes up it's the Rings if it doesn't I would check the valve lash. The valves made just need adjusted and they're hanging open a little bit and you're losing compression

[@digdrivediy]

I need to do the oil trick and check it again. I'll report back on my findings in an upcoming video. Thanks for the idea and appreciate you watching!

[@Bsetzd]

Yeah no problem whenever you do the compression check make sure the throttle is in a wide open position that way the butterfly and the carburetor is wide open

[@rileyshields6395]

Onan will take a rebuild very well, I'd restore the whole tractor, would be alot better than a new one.

[@digdrivediy]

Can't argue that. I think it would be better than a new one for sure. Thanks Riley!

[@bradystractortime5328]

Put a kbota g4200 hst motor In it it is a diesel with a front pto

[@digdrivediy]

That would be an interesting swap. I don't picture too many of those motors laying around though.

[@jeeper426]

rebuild or repower, i think a rebuild would be in order because thats still a good old tractor

[@digdrivediy]

I may try one or the other. I do agree it is a good old tractor!

[@Kirsch6.7]

fix him up! he's been good and they don't make em like they used to!

[@digdrivediy]

Very true. I'm counting another vote to fix him up!

[@jamesvanhoose3132]

It probably doesn't need a full rebuild. The lower end is pretty tough. I would tear the top end down and inspect the lower end. Probably just needs a simple top end job.

[@digdrivediy]

Maybe so James. I don't know if I wanna mess with it though is the only thing holding me back. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@jamesvanhoose3132]

@@digdrivediy they are easier to work on then you think. Mmrbeef has some great videos to help. Maybe he could even steer you in the right direction. As you may be able to tell. I love 318s.

[@curtanderson8655]

I think it would save some time and effort if you was to drop a newer or a new motor in it. For me, I would be happy with say a 18 or 20 hp Honda motor. It all depends on what your budget is.

[@digdrivediy]

I agree Curt. I don't think the old engine is worth messing with but lots of folks think I should try adjusting valves and using the additives but I don't think that will do any good. It's old. I have a nice engine to put in it. That engine is just in another tractor.

[@curtanderson8655]

@@digdrivediy then I would pull out the good motor and put it in this one. Sounds like adjusting the valves and using additives is like putting lip stick on an old pig, in the end you still have an old pig

[@josephlewis4628]

Fix the old! New are pretty! But don't hold up as good!

[@digdrivediy]

Copy that Joseph! I'll count your vote to fix the 'ole boy up. Thanks!

[@gregd931]

After hours of heartfelt consideration regarding Bill's fate, (which btw, included a few cocktails), I think you should drop a big block into him and start a girls, pee wee, lawn tractor pulling club. Have the kids help you rebuild Bill. Hands on pride in their machine. Just think about it as a novel exhibition for Harlan County days. It could happen right after the monster trucks get done and the field is all torn up. Maybe see what team can try to pull the wrecked cars the farthest?????? By the by, this idea is exactly why I'm not a County fair exhibition organizer. I'll return to my corner now.

[@stevenpaisley7209]

Bore it second over size new piston and rings upper gasket set and runner

[@digdrivediy]

See my latest videos for what's happening next on this tractor.

[@neeleydev2596]

Fix bill if u decide that u wanna sell it I’m willing to buy it

[@digdrivediy]

He's due for a makeover this winter.

[@mikedemo1589]

fix it all up

[@digdrivediy]

Might just have to do that. Thanks for the vote Mike!

[@gardentractors1751]

You should get a 332 it has all the benefits of a 318 with a lot better engine. It’s the exact same one as the 655.

[@digdrivediy]

I'd live to have a 332! Always been looking for the right one. I've had a 330 before and a 322, just never the 32. I'll keep my eye out! Thanks for watching!

[@gardentractors1751]

@@digdrivediy I tore down a Yanmar out of a 332 a while back that had 4,608 hours on it the engine had less than 50% wear even after being overheated badly several times throughout its life. It easily had 2-3000 more hours left in it. My current machine has somewhere around 3,200. Then I’ve had a 318 with 900 hours that was already worn out.

[@lucashomer9585]

Save bill. You should put new ringes in it.

[@digdrivediy]

Hopefully Bill will live on. Working on it. Thanks for the vote!

[@MattFoushee]

Maybe throw some Lucas in it and see what happens.

[@digdrivediy]

I'm gonna try that or Restore I think. I don't think it will fix it but may improve it. Worth a shot! Thanks Matt!

[@kraut39]

Restore it. Many years of service afterwards ...

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Charles! I think it may just live on to see another day!

[@brianvassar2556]

Pull the cover off the engine and clean out all the crap

[@digdrivediy]

Think that will boost the compression? 😋

[@FloridaDeere]

Seems like a reasonable fix to your issue there on the road. As far as Bill, well, what's he worth to you? You already have a decent number of tractors, will you miss him, work wise? If so, maybe hang out on Marketplace for a good used, cheap repower or maybe rebuild, but you said you weren't a mechanic, so there'd be a learning curve. Also, your place looks beautiful right now Neil, amazing, just a short time ago, there was just a white landscape.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks! Yeah doesn't take long to go from all white to nice and green, although they are calling for snow again now next week! I think I may end up combining a couple of those numerous tractors I have to build one nice one to use for everything. Still sorting it out. Thanks for watching!

[@NotSureJoeBauers]

I was pretty impressed by "Project Farms" test of "Engine Restore" snake oil in his tractor. It brought the compression up from 230 psi in one hole to 300 in his diesel tractor and really balanced out the compression. Might be worth a shot the small bottle is less than 20$

[@digdrivediy]

A few other viewers have mentioned that video. I need to check that out and will likely watch it when I'm done reading comments. Thanks for the suggestion and really appreciate you watching and giving feedback.

[@Tshizzle42o]

Engine restore is no joke. Brought up compression and made lifter noise disappear in my grand cherokee. 4.0l with 225k. One bottle after an oil change was all it took. I put a couple tbsp into all my 4stroke equipment when i do a oil changes.

[@gckshea]

Rebuild it! It's novel, and still useful

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Graham. I appreciate the comment and this old 318 still is very useful!

[@KingsOutdoorLife]

I don't know anything about engines, but I am an expert in marital relationships. If my wife started up the blower while I was making a video, after I woke up from being so shocked she could start it, I would really chew her out for interrupting me. I think you should really tell your wife who is boss and tell her not to let hat happen again, ever! We will enjoy seeing your black eye on the next video! ;-)

[@digdrivediy]

Hahaha! So true. I knew better than to interrupt a woman that was willing to run the leaf blower! Hence, the video kept rolling with a little noise in the background 😋 I'm gonna do my best to avoid that black eye!

[@tonycasterline8936]

Neil, I can only assume you're using those stones to patch up State Line, HA! Fix Bill! Those 318s have been working hard for 35+ years. How much $ to buy something new that is built that tough? 318s are too nice to scrap. I think you can still get the front PTO from JD for $300. That looked like alot of fun, but If you don't have a power broom and a loader, the shop vac gets the job done. It is, however, not fun.

[@digdrivediy]

Oh my goodness Tony! The State Line is something else; isn't it? Our bus driver turns around at our house because he can't hardly take the bus through there any more without feeling he's gonna come off the road. I don't think I have anywhere near enough stone... like 100 loads short! Thanks for the vote to keep Bill alive and well. I believe he will live on somehow. I love me some 318s for sure as I've had a ton of them and still have my first one. More videos to follow so stay tuned...

[@nolanmuzzin2903]

I think bill could use a nice restoration

[@digdrivediy]

He deserves to at least be healthy and run much better. I'm till on the fence about the paint job! Thanks Nolan!

[@mattrauch7102]

put a set of rings in it. and get a few more years out of it

[@digdrivediy]

Maybe. I think even rings could be costly though. Thanks for watching Matt!

[@David-lh1vp]

Sell him to me for 2 bills and ill pick it up.

[@digdrivediy]

Haha! It might come to that also David!

[@Northwestprepper411]

Put a new heart in Bill, clean him up and new paint. He will last far after you are done with him.👍

[@digdrivediy]

He will likely get the heart. Not sure about the paint job though.

[@Northwestprepper411]

Just a couple rattle cans is all he needs though, just think it over?

[@jdhogyellowhelmetproductio358]

COOL!

[@arnoldaltjr.2099]

I took all the side shields and grill off my 318 and stored them in the rafters. Deere closed up those 317s--318s--and 400 hundred series tractors for noise reasons. They never got enough fresh air. ALSO each spring the first thing to do is start the engine and while running at half throttle take an air hose and give the engine a good blow job. Around spark plug holes etc. Get the mouse nests out of it. And don't forget to clean the screen under the tractor. Yours just like mine still has the original Onan engine. I rebuilt mine when I got. You are right about the compression. No need to run it again hot. Just going to ruin your day. What do you do with the gravel. Return it to the county shop pile? Or does it end up in your farm driveways? Have a good one.. Arnie..nice video

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks Arnie! I agree. The Onan has seen better days. I'll most likely repower. The stone is going to likely get donated to our local Small Town Ball Park which is of the same county. I figured that would be a better use than putting in my driveway. That way it remains "the county's stone".

[@JamesSmith-ru2pw]

Man if I would have done this in the township where I live they would say I'm steeling off them and take me to court

[@Sellarmusic]

This kind of decision usually comes down to budget and your needs. If you need the tractor and have the budget, I'd definitely replace it with something diesel powered. If you don't really need it and/or already own another tractor to take it's place, you already have your answer. I had a similar sized JD for years and loved it but looking back it was expensive and constant trouble. In 2002, I stumbled onto a nearly new diesel powered Kubota BX 4WD tractor (I didn't even know I needed) at of all places in a garden shed a yard sale. The guy's house was sold and was moving south. He made me a once in a lifetime deal and even paid to have it delivered to my home after he was gone. After one week with the diesel Kubota I sold the gas JD and never looked back. I use it every day. It's super efficient on fuel, high torque, and has been trouble free for years.

[@digdrivediy]

I could buy what you're selling there for sure. I bounce back and forth between messing with these tractors and getting something more modern and trouble free. That's part of my problem is I could likely afford something much newer, but I can't stand spending money on something new when older will get the job done. I really appreciate your recommendation though as it really helps to force me into considering what I want, versus what I need. I have 4 other tractors for goodness sake. (One does not currently run and Bill is fixin' to make two that don't run). Thanks so much for the effort and time to share your experience.

[@amtrak713productions8]

Repower with a better engine is what i would do

[@digdrivediy]

I'll count that vote! Thanks for the feedback!

[@nilskalvik9123]

Rebuilt or swap the engine

[@digdrivediy]

Vote counted! Thanks so much Nils!

[@ajhooker4240]

New engine that’s a good machine

[@digdrivediy]

Right on. Thanks for that AJ!

[@DirtBrute]

Man that’s awesome 👏. I hate that chip seal. they do that to our roads here and it just wears off and ends up in the ditch. I would fix bill up on camera .Like those high speed restoration videos. those are great🤷‍♂️

[@digdrivediy]

I like that idea Dirt Brute! Those are cool videos and I may need to look into that for sure!

[@bobbyrobinson4439]

Put a 3 cilender kabota deisel in it

[@digdrivediy]

Haha! If I only had one I might!

[@realtimeoutdoors9095]

Gotta be my new favorite KZbin! I got a 317 318 1025 and a gator love your projects! I’m in Monticello Indiana

[@digdrivediy]

I really appreciate that RTO! You are really close to me then relatively speaking for KZbin viewers. I've had 317s as well as a dozen or so other 300s. Glad to have you watching and thanks for the comment and kind words.

[@bigpatrck2]

Your road reminds me of my alley, although your road is in far better shape. For years, the town just kept adding stone and all they did was build up the height of the alley. It did nothing for the underlying base of the alley, which results in potholes, no matter how much they grade it. Adding stone to your road without sealing it, just makes for loose stone. That said, taking the loose stone might be a problem for the county if they decide to get snotty about it. Around here, you’re not supposed to be in the public way maintaining it, no matter what your motivation is. They even get bent when we try to fix the moonscape or knock down the windrows made by the grader. I don’t think I’d publicize your efforts.

[@digdrivediy]

Believe me Patrick, I thought long and hard about whether or not I should do this. Fortunately for us, the county doesn't get too bent up about stuff like this as long as you're not damaging anything. We have been somewhat left to "fend for ourselves" in some regards for many years when it comes to situations that need addressed. My only justification here, is that just a week prior to this video, I was the one that put all those stones back out onto the road after the county snow plowed them off into the yard. But, I certainly hear your point and it does have me slightly concerned. All I can hope is that common sense prevails and that if someone from the county is watching, they'll realize what the situation is here. Plus, I have saved the stones that I swept up and if they do come calling, I can just spread them back onto the road for them! Thanks for sharing your experience and for watching the video as I do really appreciate the feedback. If you find this video deleted one day, then you'll know exactly why!

[@JohnSmith-kz1ll]

I wonder if a 22hp predator would fit from harbor freight. I replaced my stump grinder engine with one 2yrs ago. No issues it's been a great engine, but those are fairly simple rebuilds.

[@digdrivediy]

Lots of folks like the predator engine for these so I think it would fit. That's not a bad option.

[@joe1428]

replace the rings on bill

[@digdrivediy]

Probably a good idea!

[@bill154cub]

Add seafoam to the crankcase and gas tank it frees up sticky rings and valves plus reseats the rings. It’s the best stuff I ever tested. It’s not a rebuild in a can but it will bring back some life to older equipment.

[@digdrivediy]

Love seafoam. Used it all the time when I was a young lad and it seemed to help.

[@charlestaylor2480]

Trade is for a John Deere skid steer

[@digdrivediy]

I don't think I can be without the backhoe. At least for now.

[@BuildALotAcres]

Interesting idea Neil. Around here they chip seal over old paved roads a lot to save money over new paving. Packs decent after a month or so of people driving on it. I say get Bill a new power plant. They don't make tractors like him anymore.

[@digdrivediy]

They've added stone to this one a couple different times since the first time 6 years ago. Each time more and more stones don't stick. I think Bill may be getting an engine transplant. Possibly Dr. Frankenstein style!

[@BRAMMOTO]

that engine is worn out.

[@digdrivediy]

Agreed! 😂

[@hollandduck79]

hello Neil. can you also set valves in your tractor engine? maybe you can get some extra life out of the tractor with that? Thanks for the video with kind regards Hollandduck from the Netherlands

[@digdrivediy]

Possibly. These engines are famous for being expensive to service and rebuild. I don't think the valves are adjustable though but that's a good thought. Thanks Hollandduck!

[@Iowaflyboy1]

Cool project with the stones. We have a long driveway almost 3/4 mile, we are forever ‘pushing rock from one side to the other’ especially with our snow plow! I’m no mechanic either, I would send the JD to the scrap yard 😎

[@digdrivediy]

Haha! Stone driveways/roads just ensure that you always have something to maintain! Counted your vote for scrap yard. I can totally get that. I don't know though... I have a hard time parting with things it seems...😁 Appreciate you watching Tom!

[@kevincosgrove4147]

I would love that tractor

[@digdrivediy]

They're good machines. I have had quite a few of them. This one is just tired is all. Thanks Kevin!