Part of the John Deere Repair Manuals.
Every one of the 427 pages in this John Deere 316, 318, 420 Technical Manual PDF (OEM TM1590) exists to put your lawn and garden tractor back in the field. You get full wiring diagrams for hunting electrical gremlins, hydraulic schematics with complete control valve service, a dedicated diagnosis section for engine, fuel, and ignition systems, and page after page of teardown procedures covering the hydrostatic transmission, differential, rear axles, steering, and brakes. Metric and inch torque charts sit right up front. Set the transmission-to-differential cap screws to 45 N-m (33 lb-ft), torque the swashplate arm nut to 60 N-m, and fill the crankcase with 1.4 L of oil. Stop bidding against strangers for a greasy paper copy. This PDF is bookmarked with a full text layer: search any spec, jump straight to your section, and get wrenching.
What's Inside This John Deere 316, 318, 420 Manual
| System | Pages | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | 9-46 | Safety (Machine Specifications) |
| Engine Repair | 47-50 | Engine Removal and Installation (Full Engine Overhaul Is Covered in Onan/Kohler CTM2, Referenced Here), Engine Mounts and Shrouds |
| Electrical Repair | 51-58 | Front PTO Clutch: Removal, Disassembly, Inspection, Assembly and Installation, Air Gap Adjustment |
| Power Train Repair | 59-130 | Transmission, Transmission Control Linkage, Differential, Rear Axles, Drive Shaft |
| Steering and Brake Repair | 131-196 | Steering 316, Steering 318 and 420, Brakes |
| Hydraulic Repair | 197-208 | Hydraulic Control Valve: Removal, Disassembly and Inspection, Relief Valve, Lift Cylinder, Reassembly |
| Miscellaneous Repair | 209-264 | Front Axle Removal and Installation, Pivot Bushing Inspection and Replacement, Mower Spindle Repair, Jack Sheave Repair, Mower Gear Case Disassembly and Assembly, Adjusting Toe-In |
| Engine, Fuel and Air System Checkout and Diagnosis | 265-374 | Engine System Checkout, Fuel System Checks, Ignition System Diagnosis, Compression and Oil Pressure Tests, Throttle and Choke Adjustments, Governor Linkage Adjustment |
| Steering and Brakes Checkout, Operation and Diagnosis | 375-427 | Steering System Oil Leak Check, Hydrostatic Steering System Check, Park Brake and Turn Brake Checks, Steering Valve Theory of Operation, Steering System Leakage Tests |
Quick Reference Specifications
| Specification | Value | Page |
|---|---|---|
| All Models | ||
| Transmission-to-Differential Cap Screw Torque | 45 N·m (33 lb-ft) | p. 31 |
| Crankcase Capacity (w/o Filter) | 1.4 L (1.5 U.S. qt) | p. 23 |
| Detent Spring Length (Transmission Control Lever Linkage, Later Versions - All Models) | 50 mm (1.970 in.) | p. 38 |
| swashplate arm to control shaft nut torque | 60 N·m (44 lb-ft) | p. 31 |
| Engine Oil and Leak Check | Check engine oil level, condition and viscosity. | p. 267 |
| Torque for lock nuts | 33 N-m (24 lb-ft) | p. 370 |
| Length of detent spring (F) | 50 mm (1.970 in.) | p. 371 |
| Engine Torque | 4.4 kg m (31.5 ft lbs) | p. 23 |
| Engine Rated Speeds Fast Idle (No Load) | 3450 rpm | p. 23 |
| Engine Crankcase Capacity (w/o Filter) | 1.4 L (1.5 U.S. qt) | p. 23 |
| 316, 318 | ||
| swashplate arm to transmission control shaft cap screw torque | 60 N·m (44 lb-ft) | p. 31 |
| 420 | ||
| Engine Horsepower | 14.9 kW (20 hp) | p. 23 |
John Deere 316, 318, 420 Common Problems This Manual Covers
John Deere 318 creeps forward in neutral, hydrostatic lever centered, machine moves on level ground
Remove the belly screen and rear access cover to reach the neutral return linkage. Measure the detent spring and adjust to 50 mm (1.970 in.) per page 371 so the roller seats snugly against the inside plate. Adjust the turnbuckle until creep stops, then hold it and tighten the lock nuts to 33 N-m (24 lb-ft).
Manual Section: Power Train Diagnosis, Tests and Adjustments p. 371Engine oil level keeps dropping below the ADD mark between mowing sessions, no visible puddles
Check the oil with the machine cold and level; keep it between the ADD and FULL marks. Inspect the crankcase, filter base, and drain plug for leaks following the checkout on page 267. Drain and refill with 1.4 L (1.5 U.S. qt) without a filter change, then recheck after ten minutes of running.
Manual Section: Engine, Fuel and Air System Checkout p. 267Engine cranks but won't start, or fires and dies after a few seconds
Pull the plug and check for spark while cranking. Clean or replace it and set the gap to 0.64 mm (0.025 in.) as specced on page 37. Test fuel delivery next; the pump must hold at least 12 kPa (1.7 psi). Work through the no-start diagnosis starting if spark and fuel both check good.
Manual Section: Engine, Fuel and Air System Diagnosis, Tests and AdjustmentsElectric PTO clutch won't engage, mower deck blades stay stopped with switch on
Verify the seat switch and PTO switch first; a bad seat switch kills the clutch circuit. Measure armature-to-rotor clearance with a feeler gauge and set it to 0.46 mm (0.018 in.). If you pull the clutch for replacement, torque the crankshaft cap screw to 47 N-m (35 lb-ft) shown on page 27.
Manual Section: Electrical Repair p. 27Front tires scrub and wear unevenly, steering wanders side to side on straight level runs
Set the machine on level ground with wheels straight ahead. Measure between tire centerlines at the front and rear of the axle; set toe-in to 4.8 mm (3/16 in.) using the spec on page 29. Adjust the tie rod ends evenly, tighten the jam nuts, and inspect pivot bushings for slop while you're under there.
Manual Section: Miscellaneous Repair p. 29Frequently Asked Questions
What is the torque specification for the John Deere 318 engine mounting base bolts?
For John Deere 318 and 420 models, the engine mounting cap screw/nut torque is 47 N-m (34 Ib-ft). This specification is crucial for proper engine installation. p. 27
What is the torque specification for the John Deere 318 transmission cross member shoulder bolt?
The axle housing-to-frame cap screw torque for the John Deere 318 is 100 N-m (75 Ib-ft). This torque value is essential for securely fastening the transmission and differential assembly to the tractor frame. p. 27
What is the engine oil capacity for the John Deere 316, 318, and 420 Lawn and Garden Tractors without the filter?
The crankcase capacity for the engine without the filter is 1.4 L (1.5 U.S. qt) for all 316, 318, and 420 models. This ensures proper lubrication for the engine. p. 23
What is the specified spark plug gap for the John Deere 316, 318, and 420 Lawn and Garden Tractors?
The spark plug gap for these models is 0.64 mm (0.025 in.). Maintaining the correct gap is important for optimal engine performance. p. 37
What is the PTO clutch armature-to-rotor clearance for the John Deere 316, 318, and 420 Lawn and Garden Tractors?
The PTO clutch armature-to-rotor clearance is specified as 0.46 mm (0.018 in.). This clearance is critical for the proper operation of the front PTO clutch. p. 27
What format is this manual in?
Immediate download of the complete 427-page searchable Technical Manual. Access it on any device, from a laptop at your desk to a phone in the field.
Is this John Deere 316, 318, 420 Technical Manual printable?
Yes. The PDF has no DRM restrictions, so print any page or section you need for your shop. Works with any standard printer.
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