Congrats on the purchase. I also just acquired an 88 316. It's my 1st 300 series, also curious on some of the same questions.
Joined the 300 Club with a 316 - A few early Questions
I’ve been busy since February working on 200 series tractors and I’ve brought four back from the dead and helped two cross over to the other side by parting them out and their parts will hopefully live on for future generations 
I have been watching for a project 317 or 318 and a cheap 318 project piped up yesterday (July 4, 2022) and I replied but as usual I missed it. Well, the seller said I was third in line but would I consider a 316 for $400.
Story made short, 10-mins later I am in the truck for a five hour round trip out of state. The tractor was apparently used on a large property (10-acres or so) and the property was sold with the tractor included about 2-3years ago. The new owners used it a little and decided their time was more valuable and they hired a lawn service. The tractor had sat since.
This isn’t my first rodeo so I’m going to drain the tank and fuel line. Check everything for rodent nests and I’ve already looked at fluids and they look good enough to try to run. After that, we will see.
it’s a 1988 216 with the P218G 18HP with 953 hours on it. It came with no attachments including mule drives Looks in decent shape and it was clearly stored inside!
Now for my slew of questions:
1. I havea 39-inch deck that is for the 200-series and I know from previous reading that it is built the same as the 41-inch deck which was made for the 300 series. I read and confirmed (on Facebook) that it will work but I need the mule drive and draft arms to hook it up. So….
a). I looked up mule drives and it seems there are several types. Any advice on how to tell which I need for this use AND what the other ones are for or are they all for the same purposes just changed through the years?
b). Are the 300 series draft arms all the same? I ask as on eBay it looked like they had the metal rod that rinds width wise between them. I just need to understand what I need to be able to get this deck going temporarily as later I’ll likely get a bigger deck.
2. I was looking for a 317 or 318 as I want the H2 or possibly H3 controls. I also want dual brake pedals mainly for snow duty. I spent my night last night looking at schematics and parts and I believe that the brakes will be easy BUT
a). Is there a difference in brake parts between the Koehler Engine machines (IE a 300) with the closed rear frame and the later open frame Onan engine machines like my 316 and potential 317/318 parts donors.
The same question applies to the Hydraulic systems. Can I use the H2 from a 300 or is the Onan parts different
I’ve got to get the tractor running first but I’m trying to decide what type of parts tractor can help me get what I need to turn my 316 into a 317 and use it to mow.
Now, in the future if I find a 318 it just has a bad motor for the right price and does P218G Ends up being a good motor, well this 316 may end up being the parts tractor
I have been watching for a project 317 or 318 and a cheap 318 project piped up yesterday (July 4, 2022) and I replied but as usual I missed it. Well, the seller said I was third in line but would I consider a 316 for $400.
Story made short, 10-mins later I am in the truck for a five hour round trip out of state. The tractor was apparently used on a large property (10-acres or so) and the property was sold with the tractor included about 2-3years ago. The new owners used it a little and decided their time was more valuable and they hired a lawn service. The tractor had sat since.
This isn’t my first rodeo so I’m going to drain the tank and fuel line. Check everything for rodent nests and I’ve already looked at fluids and they look good enough to try to run. After that, we will see.
it’s a 1988 216 with the P218G 18HP with 953 hours on it. It came with no attachments including mule drives Looks in decent shape and it was clearly stored inside!
Now for my slew of questions:
1. I havea 39-inch deck that is for the 200-series and I know from previous reading that it is built the same as the 41-inch deck which was made for the 300 series. I read and confirmed (on Facebook) that it will work but I need the mule drive and draft arms to hook it up. So….
a). I looked up mule drives and it seems there are several types. Any advice on how to tell which I need for this use AND what the other ones are for or are they all for the same purposes just changed through the years?
b). Are the 300 series draft arms all the same? I ask as on eBay it looked like they had the metal rod that rinds width wise between them. I just need to understand what I need to be able to get this deck going temporarily as later I’ll likely get a bigger deck.
2. I was looking for a 317 or 318 as I want the H2 or possibly H3 controls. I also want dual brake pedals mainly for snow duty. I spent my night last night looking at schematics and parts and I believe that the brakes will be easy BUT
a). Is there a difference in brake parts between the Koehler Engine machines (IE a 300) with the closed rear frame and the later open frame Onan engine machines like my 316 and potential 317/318 parts donors.
The same question applies to the Hydraulic systems. Can I use the H2 from a 300 or is the Onan parts different
I’ve got to get the tractor running first but I’m trying to decide what type of parts tractor can help me get what I need to turn my 316 into a 317 and use it to mow.
Now, in the future if I find a 318 it just has a bad motor for the right price and does P218G Ends up being a good motor, well this 316 may end up being the parts tractor
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Hi Neighbor. I live in Chester County just north of Valley Forge (in Phoenixville) and I note you are in Leesport. I do the Wednesday Flea Market there on a periodic basis with my father who lives in West Reading.
let’s keep in touch. I worry we may both be looking for identical parts donors but the good news is I’m poor so I need to do a few flips to buy a 317 or 318
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