Do you do all the work on your cubs?

Peruvian · #1 11-05-2013, 05:02 PM

I've had IHCCs for about 13 years now. I've done my best with limited knowledge and skills and have learned a ton along the way. I've pulled engines, swapped mounts, rebuild carbs, etc. The problem is I'm getting to the point where at least one Kohler needs a full rebuild, which is beyond my skill set and time allowance. Other than 'power equipment' shops that charge $60-75/hr for shop time, I'm having a tough time locating someone that can do this level of work. Even they are hesitant to work on a 40 year old motor and none will give me a solid idea of the amount of time and cost involved.

I'm truly wondering if I've hit the tipping point where it's no longer feasible for me to own these. I guess a plug and play repower is an option as I can likely do that myself.

Do you do all the work on your cub? Maybe I'm just not the right type of person for antique tractors.

drglinski · #2 11-05-2013, 05:32 PM

I have, yes, so far. That being said, I have yet (knock on wood) to have to do anything major to it. When I have to do a kohler rebuild, I'm planning on letting someone I trust to do it that's done them before, but he's 60 Y.O., so I'm going to have to learn myself so I can do it in the future. As far as things like mounting tires; I let a tire place do that for me.

vartz04 · #3 11-05-2013, 05:36 PM

Have a machine shop do the machine work and print out the service manual and rebuild it yourself. Its not that hard and there aren't many special tools needed

cubcadet · #4 11-05-2013, 05:42 PM

i do all my own work. From tune ups, rebuilding carbs, pulling and installing engines, clutch rebuilds, and i recently changed the carrier in the rear of my 102

carltonn · #5 11-05-2013, 05:50 PM

I must admit, the smaller stuff I have done. I have taken parts off, cleaned, painted, replaced, wiring, gauges, ect. I have one machine fully apart to repaint and everything.

With that being said, I was not going to put a 40 year old engine back in a fresh clean tractor, so I had a friend rebuild. He runs a mechanic shop and has built race engines for years now. I gave him a print out of the manual and asked him to take his time and maybe give a little discount (for working on it when he is slow, and taking other work first.) So far its half done, and cheap! He is sure it will be like a new engine when I get it all rewired and running!

In short, I do small stuff, people I know do big things! (I order and buy all parts)

Userj8670 · #6 11-05-2013, 06:35 PM

Same here! I do all the small stuff but the bigger stuff really depends on how much free time I have. Most of the time I try and take on something "bigger" as I do like to learn and it builds confidence

Nightow1 · #7 11-05-2013, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vartz04

Have a machine shop do the machine work and print out the service manual and rebuild it yourself. Its not that hard and there aren't many special tools needed

That is the way to go. I Started on cubs just over a year ago and my first task was a pulling tractor. After a lot of questions and online research I was able to do everything my self Minus the machine work on my engine. The rebuild was a lot easier than I thought. The people here and the past POST are a wealth of information someone is always there to help.
Good luck.

nikster · #8 11-06-2013, 10:19 AM

I try to do what I can. I am somewhat surprized myself at some of the things that I have been able to do all with the help of people from this site. Never broke down an engine, the most complicated thing i've done is replace a head-gasket & honing down the head & engine, Carb. re-build, & I dont think i'd be capable of breaking down the entire engine? Maybe when the time comes ? A BIG ?.

This is why i'm so ANAL in keeping up with my oil-changes, hydro filter & top off on a yearly basis, not wanting for the un-expected to happen. Grezzzze EVERY zerk every second cutting.

Thats why this sign hangs in my garage;

Nik,

Nightow1 · #9 11-06-2013, 10:59 AM

I found a junk engine FREE and tore it down and reassembled it several times. After the fourth or fifth time I was comfortable enough to tackle my K301.

drglinski · #10 11-05-2013, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vartz04

Have a machine shop do the machine work and print out the service manual and rebuild it yourself. Its not that hard and there aren't many special tools needed

Errr, I know for sure that there are some parts (like the head) that have to be torqued with a torque wrench. I don't have one of those yet, and it's not something I would grab every time I need a wrench, so it's specialty for me.