Cub Cadet 1000
 

Just bought my first gear drive QL. It starts and runs pretty well, no smoke. The transmission seems sound, shifts fine, the clutch seems strong.

It has a dorky looking muffler hanging out the side which means the one side cover cannot be installed. I ordered a replacement muffler and the right elbow (I hope) to bring that part of the tractor back to stock. I am not certain if this model had the "air duct" and heat shield (the plate below the muffler). I made it through the entire thread by Sawdustdad on his excellent 1000 restore, but his final pictures did not reveal how things ended up under the hood.

I would appreciate some input and/or reference to other threads....

yep, your 1000 should have the muffler box under the hood.

Here's what it looks like on another QL, I'm assuming the 10 hp kohler will be the same :

http://i40.tinypic.com/35avptv.jpg

Extreme Motor Works maker a muffler box that is a little more solid than the stock one, I plan on buying one this winter to replace the one on my 1450 which is cracked around the screws:

http://www.xtrememotorworks.com/Part...rts%20Body.htm

http://www.xtrememotorworks.com/Part...%20Box%201.JPG

While you're in there I would strongly recommend installing a muffler crutch to offload some of the weight and prevent the aluminum sleeve from cracking:

http://kirkengines.com/

http://kirkengines.com/images/MufflerCrutch3.jpg

Thanks j4c11

I have a 1450 also and it has a box like the one in your picture. What was throwing me off is my "new" 1000 does not have the aluminum frame. I suppose it cracked as they are prone to do and it was discarded. That would be an excuse for the goofy looking muffler hanging off the side.

I guess I am on a quest to locate a frame, then the box, then the new muffler and then the crutch.

Thanks again for the links!

If you can properly support the muffler (rig a bracket from a head bolt, for example) you can install the proper muffler and forgo the sheet metal box. I did this on one of my QLs, and it works fine.

I wondered about that given the scarcity of the Al frames.

I have read that the box aids in directing air as an engine cooling offset to the side panels. Without a fan, I am a little skeptical of that claim.

I was very impressed with the work you documented on your 1000. I lack the time and the expertise to mimic your restore but I will mess around a little. I am interested in the creeper gear - you mentioned it near the beginning of your thread, which I am certain that I will go back and review. Are there other threads on the subject? (obviously I have not searched yet)

I appreciate the input!!!

My understanding is that the function of the box is to direct the hot air blowing over the cylinder head straight out the front of the tractor. Without it the hot air would just blow into the engine compartment. It probably also serves as a safety feature since the muffler gets fairly hot.

With that big hole (the grill) on the front of the tractor, I don't see anyplace for the cooling air to go but out the front or out the bottom. Perhaps it acts as a heat shield to keep the side panels from getting too warm from radiant heat off the muffler? I haven't noticed this to be a problem yet. But like you, I didn't have the aluminum frame, so adding the sheet metal box was not practical.

IH obviously felt like it was helpful to cooling or noise management, or they would not have gone to all the trouble to put it on the tractor to begin with. Since it restricts and channels the air flow forward, it must decrease cooling air flow, even if only slightly. I'd guess by 10%. Probably not material.

The creeper gear was optional on these tractors. It's primary (intended) use is for rototilling and snowblowing, to reduce ground speed. It's commonly thought that it creates a weak point in the driveline, and some have suggested it not be used on a tractor intended for garden turn plowing duty.

You can usually pick one up on ebay for $200-$300 dollars. Repair parts are mostly still available for them. I also put one in my IH-148R project (in the customized cub cadet forum).

Good input.

I will keep my eye out for a frame but in the mean time I will do as you suggest and mount the muffler without the box.

Thanks,

Is there a Leaf Bagger that fits on a ih 1000 and where can I get one
:bash2: