jd 317

[SKYBOW]

I"m looking at a 317 here in Iowa for snow blowing. I know there is problems with the series I engine. Where do I find the spec number to see if it has a series II motor? thanks

 

[JD Seller]

In my opinion all the two cylinder Kohlers of that era where an accident waiting to happen.

The only engine I would say is reliable is the ones that have been converted over to the Onan engine. JD made a kit to do that with.

 

[Bob]

<img src = "http://www.weekendfreedommachines.com/discus/messages/335/303013.jpg">

ID tag location. Engines with Spec No. of 24300 or higher are series 2 engines. (UNLESS engine block and sheet metal with ID tag may have come from different engines.)

<img src = "http://www.weekendfreedommachines.com/discus/messages/335/1558.jpg">

Also the series II will have an oil filter delete cover, an oil filter, or a remote oil filter adapter at THIS location. Series I will have NOTHING there, just smooth side of crankcase. <img src = "http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u125/27Grainfield/Deere/17_zps3c9aa704.png">



(To use a filter, instead of the delete cover on a engine in a 317, the frame has to be notched, or a remote filter used.)

FWIW, I have two 317's with the Series II engine with NO significant problems or complaints, and LOTS of hours.

 

[Josh Cronk]

Not all the series II has the oil filter block of plate. I have one that does not. On a 317 you want to look for spec 24301 or higher, that is the spec for a series II.
If you can't find a spec tag, in the a pics in the above post, above where the red circles are, there is a small plug.
If the plug is a pressed in plug, you have a series I, if it has an allen head plug, it is threaded in and that indicates a series II.

The series II were a huge improvement and a great engine. IMO just as good as an Onan. The opposed twins (kohler or onan) will last the best if you run Heavy duty engine oil like Delo or Rotella.