John Deere 318 Repower

[jarrod4020]

Original P218 Onan broke right hand connecting rod.I knew it was just a matter of time.Engine just worn out.Its been using oil for quite sometime.Anyway im planning to re-power it.My first thought was a Honda engine.Now i have read some great stories on the Briggs Vanguard engine.Someone have any knowledge of these 2 engines?Any opinions sure would be great.I liked the old Onan but parts are so expensive.I have just washed my hands of the idea of rebuilding it.Time for a nice overhead valve clean running engine.Thanks for the help in advance.

 

[JMDMN]

Vanguard is very good engine for re-power .
Check with Jim'sRepair.com is good at the re-power any garden tractor. He has more information about the re-power.

 

[RayP(MI)]

I repowered a Deere 140 with a 18hp Vangard v-twin a few years ago. Has been a good setup. Not however for the faint of heart! Was not a bolt up only project, and required a little origionality. Somewhere I have a written description on a computer around here somewhere.

 

[kennell]

smallengine warehouse normally has engines with adaptor kits to fit JD 318's.Makes it easy to repower and at good prices also. Kent

 

[jarrod4020]

Thanks alot u guys for taking the time to respond.I really appreciate it.Such a nice tractor, i wanna keep it around for awhile.

 

[Anonymous-0]

There was an article on Weekend Freedom Machines.com about a 318 repowered with a Kohler Command twin.

Again, some parts had to be fabricated: drive shaft, muffler/exhaust ports, and the electrical had to be re-worked to accommodate the ignition and fuel solenoid.

 

[poctra]

Just put a Vanguard 23hp in my 318 from Small Engine Warehouse. Had to modify throttle cable, change connection to the new electric clutch, and buy a longer negative ground wire from battery to engine base. Overall not a bad time. Just have a problem with getting the clutch to activate now. Had that on the old engine towards the end, now have to figure it out. Vanguard started right up and runs smoothly.