Simplicity Sunstar 18 Garden Tractor Save! $150 Find!

#gardentractors #simplicitytractors #isavetractors
In this video I find a Simplicity Sunstar 18 for $150. I get it running, repair an electrical issue, install tire tubes, and change the oils.
For the best parts for vintage small engines such as the Kohler K Series, Magnum Series, Tecumseh, Onan, Briggs and Stratton visit:
www.isavetracto...
Like, Share, Subscribe!
Amazon Affiliate Links for KZbin:
Micrometer set I recommend:
amzn.to/2T8nW4u
Micrometer Holder:
amzn.to/2Gg4b7D
Telescoping Bore Gauge:
amzn.to/2S0GciX
Wrench Set I Use:
amzn.to/2RSwz71
Impact Sockets I Use:
amzn.to/2FTfzXD
Favorite Shop Knife:
amzn.to/2CSHyCT
Digital Calipers:
amzn.to/2SaOy80
Feeler Gauge Set
amzn.to/2FUFw9u
Safety Glasses I wear in the Shop
amzn.to/2S9TDgK
My Fluke Multimeter
amzn.to/2Sj3OzP
Torque Wrench:
amzn.to/2CMx9sq
Linesman Pliers:
amzn.to/2WtpDvw
Flywheel Puller:
amzn.to/2t2GIiC
Valve Spring Compressor:
amzn.to/2V6NFuR
Ball Hone:
amzn.to/2XDAiU4
Edging Material for Tractor Restorations:
amzn.to/2MtyegM
Wire Crimp Connectors:
amzn.to/2KMGHZY
Mower Lift:
amzn.to/2Y63g41

[@Isavetractors]

Hope you enjoyed this video! Save the tractors! Want to learn more about this hobby and have the best source of parts? Check out iSaveTractors.com!

[@kenthawkins2418]

That's truly amazing that you got it started , and that it cranked that quick!...especially if it was sitting all that time in the open, and not at least under a shelter. That's one great find Norm!

[@GaryT1952]

I guess the force is with you Norman....20 year cold start, no mice, no rot...starts right up and Bobs your uncle....I've seldom experienced that kind of good fortune!

[@JohnSmith-tv5ep]

Great find, and good on you for paying it forward. Returns are much more rewarding than money!

[@TonyGeneseo]

Thanks for the video Norman !!! As always a pleasure to watch and helps my obsession with these older tractors!!!

[@Isavetractors]

I alwways enjoy reading your comments, Tony! Thanks for the support

[@mackRseries]

Sunstars rock! The cut and striping of the 60" left discharge, counter rotating discharge side blade is phenomenal.

[@dustinpollard6237]

I wondered why my Powrmax didn't cut as nice as my 712S, i thought it was just the size. That makes sense.

[@skip7243]

I have that 60" deck & the PO told me the dealer took the counter rotating feature off, made the discharge blade turn with the others & put a smaller pulley on it to speed up that one blade. Left horse turds all over the lawn so I put a 48" deck on & I really like the cut. Just wondering why the dealer did that!

[@kennolte5801]

Great find Norman. The old Simplicity tractors were excellent machines. The Kohler engine was a very good and durable powerplant. Thanks for sharing the details of what you did.

[@dadmezz4024]

Thank you for your videos Norman. I have collected 4 original cubs because of my childhood memories on four acres and it is nice to know not only where to get parts but get information to keep them running. This is one of my planned retirement projects to get them back to original, to learn, and have fun doing it. Nice to know you and others have this passion.

[@tractorhyatt7044]

Great save, Norman! Hard to believe that one sat in the woods for 20 years. Very durable! Thanks for giving this vintage tractor a new home, a new life! 🚜👍

[@tdmfan750]

Now THIS is why I searched for 7 years to find a good one for sale on craigslist. I've had to do a lot more to mine in the past year than you did in a day due to the previous owner neglecting to tell me about some problems and stuff, but I walked away with a 20hp magnum powered sunstar, the 48" deck, a custom sprayer, a custom hitch, and a single stage snowblower for $1100, so really, i can't complain TOO much lol. Just wish people were more honest about issues with this type of stuff.

[@muddyfeetaussies]

Lol well about two three years ago I got a similar sunstar.. snowblower, cab, grass collection trailer etc..wheel weights chains .. got a service manuals, lrgional ow ers manuals and repair history plus a custom weighted bumper.. I paied 2000 for the lot.. nice couple garage stored and zero no ongoing issues.. but finig someone to fix bearing issues in the deck or even basic service a pain.. no one wants to repair just junk replace..

[@M.TTT.]

Nice job rescuing it, no one else would've bothered probably.

[@merrymanrc]

That was a great deal little bit of work it running good now👍👍👍

[@demolitionman5003]

I wish i had this tractor. Or the deutz allis version. Great tractor!!

[@darylcampbell3244]

Nice find and a great save.

[@gregolson5532]

The simplicity line I believe is owned by Briggs n Stratton now. They still offer a kwickway backhoe! Magnums are one of my favorite engines (K series). When I pick up a tractor that has been sitting for more than a year I always shoot some oil/hydraulic fluid in the spark plug holes before starting. If it has been sitting years I wait a day or 2.

[@waynehigden]

Now you know why I have my 20hp. Nice find.

[@kimyoung1093]

Have one just like this myself,really has a place in my heart lol

[@robertmailhos8159]

I have a 1996 Montgomery limited edition hydrostaic drive 42i inch cut with a twin cylinder Briggs and Stratton 18,5 i/c engine PS I'm glad you got it up.& running great job my lawn mower restoreing brother 😀 😀

[@elmhat]

Did you check for thorns or anything in the tire before installing the tube ?

[@cuznclive2236]

I convinced my parents to purchase a 1986 Sunstar from friends. These friends owned a lawncare business. They also owned a car repair business; both excelled in their chosen paths. Time passed, and I became the owner of the Sunstar, which was well maintained, but now I have a hydrostatic drive problem. The drive motor is fine; the dysfunction (I believe) is in the linkage, or the mechanisms that control the motion. Again, well maintained; fluids all look good and are at the appropriate level. The problem originated as a decaying ability to control the drive motor. Meaning, forward movement became erratic (sluggish and unpredictable), and reverse became stronger, but neither had anything to do with heat-soak/temperature; from the start to 20-minutes of heat-soak all drive systems reacted the same. Now, it will not drive forward, but in reverse I believe I could qualify for the Daytona 500. Additionally, the mechanical arm that controls movement could not find a center, a stationary point. Guessing I need a drive motor. The tractor has 4000+ hours and I'm not believing the drive motor is the problem, but I'm likely wrong with this assumption. Any help is appreciated!

[@M.TTT.]

I'll be doing tubes soon too lol, good to see you can put them in without taking the bead all the way off the wheel, although it might end up being easier to do the latter.

[@bsalightning69]

I bought. 1995 Sunstar this spring on the advice from a simplicity dealer that it was the best tractor that they ever made. Mine is a 20 hp model with A 60 inch deck, hydraulics, power steering, split axle, etc. Am in the process of putting on a front loader/backhoe on it. ( wonder where I got the idea for that?!) I found a burned up Kubota unit at a bone yard that will work nicely, but is requiring bunches if work. Thanks for the videos!

[@neilmoore3856]

I have a couple sunstars, and a deutz allis version. Cant believe you found one without power steering. All mine have it.

[@marquisjohn88]

Keep them coming man love this old tractors hello from northern Maine

[@southothehighway]

Great job in troubleshooting the electrical gremlin. I'd have checked and greased the spindles and sharpened the blades. Oh, you didn't reinstall the foam prefilter ..

[@edcosman5957]

Those were a powerful and a tight turning tractor for it's size. I noticed you didn't put foam back on new air filter, what are your thoughts on that. Also thank you for the fast service on replacing wrong piston rings for my Kohler kit. Best place for parts around.

[@shawnlandon5828]

Norman what would be a good tractor for mowing and light ground engaging?

[@vincescalise4821]

Great tractor what a deal ! Good work

[@rydplrs71]

Another great video. I do have a couple comments...as always. 😂👍. First, did you check the pto resistance and air gap? They should work down to about 7 volts. I had a JD 140 and 316 that were not charging. The engines would start sputtering around 8v but the pto’s never shut down. Both airgap and coil resistance will cause them to shut off, or not engage. Second, when are you going to break out your 140h3?

[@corbysherman4710]

Just wondering why you didn’t put a pre cleaner back on the air filter?

[@sylentxtinction2097]

I wish you guys had replacement Sundstrand series 15 inline transmissions. I could keep y'all in business 😂😂

[@offgriddlifestyle2544]

What i need to endulge my tractor fever heck yes 🚜

[@angelabrown8819]

Great machines . ..I had a 16 till I settled on my 200 series JDs nice score

[@zalmanfans1334]

I wish I had a simplicity mainly for the deck rollers they stripe nicely

[@curtnicholson7771]

A couple things I didn't see you remove the chunk of rubber from inside of the tire from pulling out the old valve stem. Also notice that when replacing the air filter you no longer run the pre filter. On my John Deere it really stops a lot of material from getting to the filter and I take off occasionally and wash out and re oil mine.

[@daviddruliner9607]

Excellent info as usual. What did you use when spraying the corroded switch? Looks like WD 40.

[@desertfun4all650]

Save the oldies. I saved a cub cadet 1811 from being scrapped. Bought it for $200.

[@JuliaCV9]

I also plan on fixing a 1969 J.I. CASE 442 PK and a 1967 Bob-caT Snowthrower

[@philliphall5198]

Very good buy for sure

[@leehicks5219]

Sure was a great find. God Bless

[@richardwebb9400]

Great tractor! What years were this made and also have you ever tried to make a fiber disk for the simplicity tractor

[@hunter7476]

Hi Norman I see an old Sinatra 20 near me for 500it has minor rust and has been aitting outside but they say it ran and it has a plow with dual hydraulic outputs should I get it

[@joemyers]

Do you know how to look up the paint code and purchase paint to touch up the mower deck and I might redo the fenders too.

[@davidshowalter5808]

Wow man great find lucky you only 150 bucks man I wish I had your luck few dollars on some maintenance awsome

[@MustangsTrainsMowers]

July 2018 I bought a Toro 520Lxi with 48” deck for $250. The tractor had a light fire on the top side. I sold the deck for $250. I’m thinking of selling the engine so I can put a Vanguard in it.

[@artd.]

talcum power the tube and it won't wrinkle and will go in a lot better.

[@stephengordon8968]

Damn why can't I find one like that !

[@MrOtie]

Wow no mice! Super clean.

[@NewBeRVer]

I've never seen a garden tractor mower with a left discharge shoot. This is a first.

[@Isavetractors]

New for me too!

[@gta5xpert519]

@@Isavetractors My 1977 Case 224 has a left side shoot

[@macsworkshop9366]

@@gta5xpert519 ​ gta5xpert Yep all of the Case GT's had left hand chutes right up to the 3000/4000 Series Ingersolls when they flipped the engine around.

[@kriswright1022]

NewBeRVer must be Australian.

[@1246kenny]

Maybe that will keep people from blowing grass in the road. Naa they would just go the opposite way.

[@sch_ilis9928]

That's a pretty looking tractor

[@skirtdevil]

Hi,,,What that spray stuff u was using on the pto plug switch??,,,,,,Thanks

[@Isavetractors]

Just WD40!

[@skirtdevil]

Thank you,,,,You do good work

[@HoppyRabbit101]

That hood protects the motor on all sides. That's one reason why it's started quick.

[@JohnWilliamLeonard35]

2:30 it sounds really good

[@levi_cole]

Well I'm saving an Allis chalmers 410 roller and a 416. The 416 ran last year and the 410 needs a steering wheel and a new engine, my friend is buying the 410 off me to put a v-twin in it, and the 416 will be my everyday worker. So i can now make my cub cadet 124 a puller. I will be spending only $250 on them both!!! and the 416 has a complete rear hitch!!!

[@jessegreco6818]

Simplicity!!! #1!!

[@robstephens]

I believe that the coil wire needs to be grounded to the frame when cranking the engine with it disconnected to prevent potential coil damage.

[@Isavetractors]

That's not correct. The wire is for grounding the coil to prevent it from creating spark.

[@robstephens]

@@Isavetractors I was referring the the spark plug wire. Having an open spark plug wire while cranking an engine will increase the voltage demand on the coil to the point where it may damage or shorten the life of the coil windings. I always ground it when cranking an engine with it disconnected from the spark plug.

[@johntoner9999]

Love the videos and what your doing for the garden tractor community. Any mtd farm king videos coming?

[@Isavetractors]

I haven't found any MTD Farm Kinds in New England yet.

[@robertclark4929]

What's your opinion of china carbs vs the original Carter carb for a k301 Kohler? Rebuild the Carter?

[@Isavetractors]

our company's makes the best carburetors available. Not many people are able to properly rebuild the original carburetor. It would require machining new bushings etc. Look up our website. Our company develops the best in aftermarket parts

[@customowing]

You are lucky that started up like one thing if mpwers setting out in the wood ypu should check under the engine shroud nice like build homes under them. If you need a owners manual or even a parts manual you get a free download online, if you need blades

[@libradomartinez7027]

Hey Norman I rescued a Allis Chalmers 716 got it for free new battery some carb work simple maintenance is been over 2 yeas and not problems at all I am very proud for savin it... But can you tell me why is spitting some oil out of the breather

[@Isavetractors]

It's likely caused by a little blowby past the rings and/or valves. You can also check the Valve Cover Breather assembly to make sure if all installed correct and there is no issue.

[@skip7243]

I have the DA version & the best LT in my stable, great machine & they don't build them like that anymore! By the way, you put the air box hold down "rubber bands" on incorrectly.

[@knobcreekoutdoors135]

I have 2 of them 18 and a 20 the 20 has electric deck very nice mowers the 18 runs good but the 20 has some problems i'm working on it

[@johnhall1614]

Looks like a john deere 318 rear end did they use the same one?

[@Isavetractors]

Yes they did. A Peerless 2600

[@JuliaCV9]

i have my eyes on a John Deere 112L 10x on craigslist for $50 I WILL SAVE IT!!!

[@CountryRock2k1]

What is that bead breaker you are using and where can I get one?

[@Isavetractors]

That is a mini tire changer tool from Harbor Freight

[@CountryRock2k1]

@@Isavetractors I'm guessing you made the hitch mount for it?

[@jeffgrant6914]

Nice video 👍

[@tropicanaeft2132]

Just got into this whole thing... lol. I Picked up a 211-4 Wheel Horse I think 7-3-21 (Time Flies) for $100. It sat for what they claimed was 2 years. Had to buy a new ignition due to the seller giving me the wrong ignition... for some reason they took it out saying kids were running around the neighborhood messing with that kind of stuff... anyways. Plug the new ignition in hook a battery charger/starter thing up, and nothing no clicks no noise from anything anywhere. Checking it out more tomorrow but kind of nervous about all the wires being its very far from OEM with electrical tape and random connectors here and there......... Anyways long story short... that tube idea with the wheels, how well does that hold up? 3 out of 4 tires are shot and Ill have to spend I think it was close to $120-$130 for new tires and I don't really want to spend a good amount on this thing... This isn't a make money mower its for me to drive my kid around the yard lol... so I do want to fix it up right but the more and more I put into it the more and more Ill regret not buying just a more expensive used mower.

[@Isavetractors]

Tubing tires is a great way to keep using your tires. Unless the sidewall is severely dry rotted, a tube can give you many more years of service on an old LGT tire. Check out my video on wiring theory and visit our website for articles to help you clean up the wiring. Welcome to the hobby! You will learn a lot, get your hands dirty, and be proud when you bring a piece of "junk" back to life! Thank you for saving the tractors!

[@tropicanaeft2132]

@@Isavetractors I doubt you have any tips but finally got the tractor up and running... Tubes came in today but the two rear tires both won't come off the bead.... I weigh 170lbs and bouncing on it, it won't come off. I tried 3 clamps at the same time... It went about 1.5" down the rim but won't come off... I currently have pb soaking around the rim cause I think I read something about that... Any tips?

[@caveman19631]

Bro,hook POS up first before the ground. This way you don't short out your system

[@MitzvosGolem1]

Nice

[@M.TTT.]

What was the cleaner used on the electrical connectors?

[@Isavetractors]

I used an electrical cleaner but WD40 also works well

[@Maksim0238]

im wondering what hydraulic i can use on my bolens ht20 with a sundstrand inline 15. what thread and diameter. Thx

[@Isavetractors]

Are you asking about the filter? We have it on our website

[@Maksim0238]

Okay, thanks!

[@DoRC]

As long as the tractor was parked pre ethanol. I don't think there's a chance of an ethanol filled carb surviving that long (if everything was drained then maybe)

[@theghettocop69]

Norman where the heck have you been! I've missed the videos!

[@Isavetractors]

I know right! I am trying to keep up! Business is booming so I have to put on my boss hat more often now!

[@theghettocop69]

@@Isavetractors I understand completely, I enjoy the videos keep up the good work!

[@TheCamaro5]

Need to add a good wash job

[@dingui875]

hello!!! quel est la taille des roues et jante arrière? tank you!!!

[@jasonblack5335]

What type ATF fluid did you use ?

[@Isavetractors]

Type F

[@wansolve2036]

Sounds fishy to me; 20 years out in a field? plastic is n good shape, no sun damage? No gummed up carb passages, belts all work, deck bearings and shafts not rusted up, no rust to speak of on the sheet metal. Either the owner pulled your chain or you're pulling ours. Either way, the Tractor Gods are with you, Great find!

[@michaelbenoit248]

Hey Norman did you clean the carb.

[@Isavetractors]

No I just added gas and that's it!

[@michaelbenoit248]

@@Isavetractorsisavetractors, thats pretty lucky. but I wouldn't dout it cuz it hasn't been exposed to the ethanol crap that causes carbs to clog up. or the previous owner ran it out of fuel. nice running tractor. Still trying to find time & money to get my old 82 JD212. Keep it up man. My channel is MikeJD60, I'm just on another account.

[@Isavetractors]

Yea I lucked out for sure! I did another video where the same scenario happened with a Wheel Horse. It was in worse shape than this, but it fired right up. On the other hand projects like my John Deere 400 and Simplicity 4040 were the opposite. I was hoping for quick projects, and the 400 ended up being a complete engine overhaul, and the 4040 needed a whole bunch of hard custom repairs done. All part of the fun!

[@michaelbenoit248]

isavetractors, for sure. It's nice to have a project it kinda helps you take a break from the world/school. The reason why I haven't been working on the 212 is that I'm 16 and I bought an older f250 and am fixing it up. so the money I would spend on it is going straight into my truck. I kinda makes me sad because I love the mower. It rides so nice and powers up hills and through the grass. but its a gas hog. and that's probably why it was parked where the guy I bought it from had it. whats cool is that it has all original tires the two front ones have tubes, the rear ones are slimed but one is dry rotted/old and won't hold air with slime so ill probably put a new tire on it or just put a tube in it. than I need to deal with the drive train/variator cuz is finicky and needs work. but to its credit, it's made it 37 yrs, not very many mowers today ever get that far. It's a shame they didn't put an hour meter on them. Take it easy man. Love your videos.

[@jamesblakely8128]

I just have a few questions that maybe you can answer for me. Not a huge rush.

[@Isavetractors]

Give us a call!

[@restorationpassion3920]

i used to buy of his sight until i got a product that had a stens bag

[@Isavetractors]

We sell some items from Stens

[@hunter7476]

isavetractors stens is good I buy parts from them your parts are excellent quality too

[@restorationpassion3920]

​@@hunter7476 i now their good i am a supplier lol

[@jimmycarter9099]

I’ve got the fever like you

[@tommytrucker11]

Have you ever considered using Amsoil and becoming a Amsoil dealer and sell Amazon products for your farm equipment I think it would be a good combination contact me if interested

[@michaelbenoit248]

186th.

[@country2thesoul277]

You forgot the turtle wax

[@josem.2909]

He purchased a garden tractor for $150 😃 meanwhile This evening l offered a guy $120 for his non running JD 318 and he didn't accept my offer 😒😅( he also has another JD 300 but it looked more beaten up)

[@Isavetractors]

It happens. Just keep cracking. I've also paid $1000+ for tractors!

[@edgardcortes3778]

Salu2 norman t felicito por tus videos son emocionantes y muy entretenidos t pido q hagas un video del sistema hidráulico de un cub cadet 5254 tengo uno y el bocker pero no se como conectar el sistema hidráulico a la bomba original o es necesario conectar una bomba hidráulica aparte gracias ECA31663

[@williambelt3706]

Just let me know how much you want sell it to me because i look for one

[@pikeywyatt]

pull the other one not a mouse in site.

[@staceyraydawson3632]

Can you call me. I need to order some parts. Im central time I can't ever get anyone on the phone

[@staceyraydawson3632]

Okay I'll try again tomorrow thanks

[@staceyraydawson3632]

I've called numerous times. Im currently on hold as im typing this. So far I've been on hold 18 minutes. Please have someone call me I need parts

[@BNSFGP38]

I can be your family....

[@jayramz9254]

Hu

[@dedelegrand5716]

Frist

[@Niterider73]

Sits for 20 years, put some gas in the tank and a new battery, turns over half a turn and fires right up. I call BS...

[@jackskellington899]

Niterider albin so why do you watch?

[@Niterider73]

@@jackskellington899 bc it's still entertainment? Idk doesn't that sound a little far-fetched to you too? When something sits for that long it takes a little more to get it running. At least from my experience

[@kimyoung1093]

Have one just like this myself,really has a place in my heart lol

[@kimyoung1093]

Have one just like this myself,really has a place in my heart lol