Gtx 2000 hood melting problem

[Ice fisher]

Hello everyone, well with my second cub cadet gtx 2000 it has been enjoyable to use. It drives straight the drive shaft doesn't rub on the steering shaft unlike the one cub dealer had to swap out after 5 hours on it. I have 20.2 hours on this unit and the hood is melting on the right front lower corner and above the headlights, not happy about this. Cub cadet sure dosnt build stuff like they use to. I read madmike had a problem with this on a 2011 model, this is a 2012 model old stock at the dealer, does anyone know is there a fix for the melting hood problem?

[CAO65]

The hood on these tractors is the only flaw I can see in my opinion. With that said, I read about past hood melting issues with the generation of tractors before this series, and I think I read how someone would open hood before idling engine down and leave hood open to let heat dissipate before closing hood again. I do this, and weed whack and blow grass clippings off driveway and tractor, and by the time I am done, the tractor is cooled off. I have the GT 2000, and I have not had an issue with it. The tractor is extremely well built. I wish Cub Cadet would use metal hoods, but I think most companies are using the plastic ones. And, the plastic ones are less prone to dents and scratches.

[Ice fisher]

I bought this tractor so it would last for years I ordered the rear weight bracket and weights, rear chains , the 48 inch snowblower, and the cub cadet lawn sweeper. The only other complete other then the hood melting at this point is when going up small hills or driving into the side of the ditch the frame twists so much that you can see a gap 1/2 inch open up in the hood and the black part of the dash, that concerns me with metal fatigue to the frame which may crack in the future. Did you notice that on yours CAO65.

[J-Mech]

If you want a really good tractor you going to have to buy an older CC. The new ones aren't even close to the same caliber machines.

As a general rule, a melting hood would mean something is too hot. (Duh I know) Perhaps a missing heat shield (I know it's a new tractor but that doesn't mean anything). Could be that the motor is running too lean, causing extra heat. Or it could be that you just aren't letting it cool long enough after use. If it's a new machine with only 20 hrs, I suggest you calling the dealer, that surely is covered under warranty.

[FrankF3]

Just for informational purposes, get one of those IR non-contact thermometers like found for cheap at Harbor Fright. This way you can see how hot it really is, quantify it to tell the dealer, even compare readings with others who have the same tractor.

[CAO65]

Ice Fisher,
I noticed some flex, but compared to my Sears Craftsman garden tractor, I find this to be minimal. Flex is less than an 1863 I had as well. I also suggest you look at the hinge area on hood. Seems to me, there is an adjustment one can make with the hood.

[nikster]

I am no expert but......?

I have looked into this matter & have even come to a plausible answer since I have a # 2185. I found that by surfing the net they can & do catch on fire. Most common problem is that the engine runs tooooo lean! It causes HEAT above the normal range. Make sure the carb is running PERFECT!

As mentioned above, invest in that Harbor Freight heat thingie & take a reading of your engine before you adjust carb. Let it completely cool down & then take another reading with the lazer when you adjust the carb. If memory serves me right a guy did this & found about a 18 or 20deg. Difference.

Blow that sucker out with a leaf blower after EVERY cut so no grass clipping are in the engine compartment.

DO NOT TAKE OFF THE SIDE panels when cutting thinking that you will be running cooler. Trust me on this one!

NIK,

[Ice fisher]

Thanks for the replies, I blow off and wash the tractor every time I use it for mowing. It normally takes me 2hours and 20 minutes to cut the grass. I don't let the grass get to long between cuts I do use the mulch plate this I can see putting more load on the engine producing more heat. The tractor runs fine idles great starts great hot or cold. I will check the temp of the engine with a laser temp gun. I am going to get a new hood under warranty, and going to put some reflective heat tape at worse melted areas, and lift the hood and let it cool down after each use, I will see what happens.

[Sam Mac]

How about some pics of the problem area? Maybe something like this would help. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/dei-010393/overview/

[CAO65]

Ice Fisher,
See the attached picture. You can see a slot where the hood mechanism slides close or away from the engine. Your hood may also be too close to the engine/muffler area causing the melting issues. Hope, this helps.