1992 1782 Super garden Tractor engine issue

Bighead60 · #1 05-09-2025, 10:01 AM

I have a sick 3 cylinder kubota diesel and I am looking for some guidance.
The tractor starts fine but after mowing for a few minutes the engine will start to lug and if I disengage the PTO rpm's will come back up and I can usually re-engage the PTO and continue. I assumed that the fuel pump may be getting weak and planed on replacing with a new unit. Last evening I started mowing and once again the same issue occurred but it is much worse. The engine seems to run out of fuel and stalls but I can get it to re-fire right away. I decided it was best to head for the barn but it stalled out 3 or so more times getting there with no load on the engine. I removed the side panels so the I could see the pre-filter as well as the fuel pump filter and nothing obvious showed up. It ran at idle and reving the engine without any noticeable fuel level change while observing the pre-filter. I am going to change both filters just to be sure there is no problem there but am I correct in suspecting the electric fuel pump? Any suggestions are appreciated.

finsruskw · #2 05-09-2025, 01:39 PM

Check the condition of all the hoses.
They get hard & brittle with age and start deteriorating inside.
If you can swab the inside of the hose w/a Q tip, and it comes out all black and grungy, replace 'em all.
Same for the inside of the tank, needs a good cleaning.

Bighead60 · #3 05-09-2025, 02:36 PM

I purchased new filters today and will do as you suggest. I may just replace all the fuel hoses and also noticed my battery cables look quite old so I will do that also while I am at it. I will post the results.
Thanks again.

CubDieselFan · #4 05-09-2025, 03:48 PM

Same thing happened to me the first day I had my 1572. New filters fixed it up. It needed a tank cleaning too. I would not worry about the fuel pump. Maybe have a spare on hand ready to go.

Here are some spare parts available.

https://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/...ad.php?t=61475

IHCubCadet147 · #5 05-09-2025, 04:59 PM

I had a similar issue with my 882 last year, the screen on the fuel shut off in the tank was blocked. I flushed the tank, and cleaned the screen and it has been fine ever since. I assume your 1782 has that screen too, but I don’t know for sure.

Bighead60 · #6 05-09-2025, 07:08 PM

So, I removed both the cartridge filter and the inline filter and found no sediment in either I let fuel run out from the tank and it looked clear. I installed the in line filter and then turned the fuel pump on and had good flow so I installed the new cartridge filter and bled the filter bowl before sealing. I cranked the engine and it started and ran fine for a few minutes and then sounded like it was running out of fuel again but both filters were full. The engine stumbled and stalled but as soon as I cranked it she fired right up. I let it run for almost 5 minutes but then it stalled again. The shutoff solenoid is holding fine so its not that. You can hear when the engine started to falter so you know it's going to stall. As a side note I also replaced both battery cables and that did help with cranking speed, those old cables had had it. What are the odds that it could be the fuel? I think that would be the next thing to try as I will flush the tank anyway. Any more ideas? I have had this girl since 1992 and don't want to give up!!

Oak · #7 05-10-2025, 09:45 AM

Remove the line off of the pump that goes to the tank and run a new short hose into your fuel can and suck fuel from the can. Purge the pump as the manual states. Start the engine and crack the 3 nuts loose on top of the injectors one at a time with the engine running to purge any air out. You will notice a different sound with the engine each time you loosen the injector line because that cylinder will not fire. If you loosen one and don't notice a difference then you have an issue with that injector, injector pump or cylinder.
If that solves your problem you need to pull the tank and the bungs then wash the tank good with dawn dish soap. Get the tank dried out and install new tank bungs, shut off valve and all fuel lines. Good luck and keep us posted.

Bighead60 · #8 05-10-2025, 01:42 PM

First I want to thank everyone for their input. I really got lucky! After I had done the filters and some of the fuel lines last night the issue remained. I slept on it and this morning I went back to the barn thinking that I was in for a long repair but the tractor would nit even start. I filled the barn with raw fuel smoke and as a last desperate attempt I removed the fuel cap and it started right up! I know that was one of the first things that was recommended!!! I used my compressor and blew air through the vent outside in and wow!! a bunch of junk came out. I then sprayed some brake clean in that hole and air again until it came out nice and clean. Re-installed the cap and it runs perfectly.
Thanks again !!

CubDieselFan · #9 05-10-2025, 02:25 PM

It is good that you got it fixed. Now you are ready for 30 more years.

I would still replace the fuel lines, tank bungs, tank valves and clean the tank.
Make sure you servicing the drive shaft. Some of those parts are only available used now. They just need cleaning and fresh grease.

Bighead60 · #10 05-10-2025, 06:26 PM

I do plan on replacing all of the fuel lines. I already had to replace the drive shaft last year. I was lucky enough to find an old family Cub dealer that had a NOS drive shaft assembly. It's a great tractor that has served me well. I wish they were made half this good today.