718H

[GregB]

I got the 718H at an auction last week and finally got to play with it a little bit. The hydro seems like it needs adjusted. When the lever is in the neutral detent it goes forward. I adjusted up the brakes already. It does have a problem with the engine at start-up. It starts right away but has a large cloud of white smoke until it warms up a little bit. It seems to have plenty of power. In reasearching the tractor the Kohler 361 engine is a 18 hp single cylinder overhead valve engine. Does anyone have any experience with this engine? Does anyone have a 718H? Cars that I have had exhibited this smoke at start up when they needed valve guide seals. I wonder if this engine has bad seals? When my manual/parts lists arrive I will know for sure, just trying to get a head start. Thanks Greg B

[DaveM]

I have a 7018 Simplicity, which is the same thing. I love the K361 engine. I have had very few problems with it and it has LOTS of power. It is fairly simple to work on. I also get the white cloud at start up, but usually only after it has set for a while. I, too, would be interested in the reason for this. DaveM

[Brent_Baumer]

As for the hydro, there should be a turnbuckle under the seat/fenders. It is evident what it is when you move the hydro lever. Adjust one way or the other with the rear-end jacked up so you get no tire movement when in neutral. Never had the 18hp kohler, may try searching this site for 18 or K361. I've heard they had head gasket and overheating problems. Brent

[MikeES]

The K361 does put out a lot of power. I have one in my pulling tractor. The trick to the engine is to keep it clean. If the head fins get plugged (remember with the overhead valve box there is not alot of head fins) the head will overheat (expanding the aluminum head) and the valve seats will drop out into the cylinder. The K361 also tends to be a finicky starter compared to the K341 (16hp flathead), probabably the long intake tube. The engine shares many components with the K341. One more thing all the K361s I seen,have the carburetor air intake coming from the fan blower (kinda super charged), don't try to set the carb. with the air cleaner cover off. Because the adjustments are totally different with the cover back on. Question for others: how does the oil get up to the valve train on the K361s?

[UCD]

Greg Here are the instructions for Adjusting the Hydrostatic Neutral Adjustment on your tractor.