Post by thirtyaughtsix on Mar 8, 2012 13:11:08 GMT -5
Hello, I am new to this board, & would like to share a project that I have just finished up.
Previously my J/D 318 had an Onan 18 hp engine in it that was using some oil, & due to lack of free time due to my job, & the cost of Onan parts, I decided to do an engine swap.
Here is a picture of the Onan that was removed.
And one of its former home.
I purchased this Briggs Vanguard 18 hp. engine new from S.E.W. for a little over sixteen hundred dollars, & this included shipping, an Ogura clutch, the engine to drive shaft adapter, a kevlar belt for the mule drive & deck.
The picture of the engine with the "red" shroud is my engine when I had first taken it out of the box. I removed the shroud & used paint remover & stripped it down to bare metal.
I then washed the shroud & let it dry, then primed it & sprayed it "J/D green" in color.
Everything came pre-wired with plugs & voltage regulator installed, 1/4" thick steel adapter plate for the engine to bolt to the tractors frame, & the throttle cable.
I did have two problems. The throttle cable was way to long, & I had to shorten it with a Dremel drill with a cut off wheel installed, to make the cable fit.
The second problem was with the mounting plate holes for the engine adapter plate, where the plate bolts to the frame. Two of the 3/8" holes were approx. 1/8" off center. That was an easy fix by simply running a 3'8" drill bit up through to enlarge the two holes, but just the same it was of irritating when one spends all that money.
Once that was taken care of it fit like a glove.
Done!
I have dealt with S.E.W. before, & never had any problems.
I would not hesitate to purchase this engine change out again.
My new Vanguard runs extremely smooth, has less vibration & uses less fuel.
I would very highly recommend this change out kit to anyone.
I realize that it is expensive, but if you are planning on keeping your 318 like I do, then it is a lot less expensive than going out and buying a throw away mower at one of the box stores
Previously my J/D 318 had an Onan 18 hp engine in it that was using some oil, & due to lack of free time due to my job, & the cost of Onan parts, I decided to do an engine swap.
Here is a picture of the Onan that was removed.
And one of its former home.
I purchased this Briggs Vanguard 18 hp. engine new from S.E.W. for a little over sixteen hundred dollars, & this included shipping, an Ogura clutch, the engine to drive shaft adapter, a kevlar belt for the mule drive & deck.
The picture of the engine with the "red" shroud is my engine when I had first taken it out of the box. I removed the shroud & used paint remover & stripped it down to bare metal.
I then washed the shroud & let it dry, then primed it & sprayed it "J/D green" in color.
Everything came pre-wired with plugs & voltage regulator installed, 1/4" thick steel adapter plate for the engine to bolt to the tractors frame, & the throttle cable.
I did have two problems. The throttle cable was way to long, & I had to shorten it with a Dremel drill with a cut off wheel installed, to make the cable fit.
The second problem was with the mounting plate holes for the engine adapter plate, where the plate bolts to the frame. Two of the 3/8" holes were approx. 1/8" off center. That was an easy fix by simply running a 3'8" drill bit up through to enlarge the two holes, but just the same it was of irritating when one spends all that money.
Once that was taken care of it fit like a glove.
Done!
I have dealt with S.E.W. before, & never had any problems.
I would not hesitate to purchase this engine change out again.
My new Vanguard runs extremely smooth, has less vibration & uses less fuel.
I would very highly recommend this change out kit to anyone.
I realize that it is expensive, but if you are planning on keeping your 318 like I do, then it is a lot less expensive than going out and buying a throw away mower at one of the box stores