Looking at a 127, things to consider?

[Rhoderman]

I'll be looking at a 127 soon, and like to know what I should look for, or what would be a deal breaker. Any input would be welcomed.

Here's what I know:

It's a 1972 127 Hydro. He says it "blew" the engine, but after I called him, he said it was a cracked tooth on the camshaft. He said he shut it down when it first started clicking, so the damage might be minimal.

He had taken it to a shop, they tore it down, went out of business, and returned a box of parts. Then engine is out of it, and presumably disassembled. I'm not sure how disassembled it really is. I'm thinking basket case.

He said it has been painted blue by a previous owner, but the paint isn't too bad.

Supposedly the deck has been gone through and all the bearings are good. The mower deck supposedly mows very well.

He put a new seat on it, replaced the brakes and fixed the loose steering before it shelled the engine.

He sent me a picture, but it's very low resolution, and you can tell it's a lawn tractor, that's about all.

Anyone ever heard of a cracked cam gear? Would that wreck the crank gear? Is the crank gear replaceable if it is damaged? Would this year of Kohler have had the plastic governer and possibly balance gears?

Sorry for all the questions, but I value your judgement. Also, is there anything else I should look for that would be a deal breaker?

He wants $300 for it, and won't budge as he said he'd keep it and rebuild it at a later date. He bought a simplicity to replace it for now.

Thanks all!

Jim

[ACecil]

Hi Rhoderman,

He wants too much. I definitely wouldn't pay $300 for it. With the engine out, you can't see if the hydro works. Plus, there may be other problems. I'd look for another Cub Cadet.

[metalrain]

Yup...i agree...300 is way to much...just a couple of years ago i bought a nice running 125 with a snowblower for 250.
Its not that i got a good deal....its a basic price. replacing/overhauling a motor will cost you some bucks....and as ACecil says....you don't know the shape of the hydro....better deals out there.

Metalrain

[MrChic]

Yikes, I wouldn't pay $300 for it. Sounds like a total parts machine. Offer him a $100 or maybe $150 (too much for me) and walk away. If he wants to rebuild it, more power to him. I had a guy local to me selling a 147 w/ electric lift for $175 and it ran. Some fool had tried to make it a red tractor. So he was selling it cheap.

[RPalmer]

I agree with all the others. You are looking at a roller. And like was already said you can't check out the hydro or electric. Pass unless you want to spend a lot of money to restore it. It could cost a lot just to patch it. Starting with a different engine.

[Merk]

I have never heard of a cracked tooth on the camshaft. Something had to get against the cam or valve(s) to stop the movement to crack the tooth.

Offer him a $100 like MrChic said. You will spend $300 to $400 to rebuild the motor right.

[truckntran]

I have heard of the balance gears taking out the cam, but I don't know if your engine would have had balance gears..