1440 score original owner

[rwairforce]

I found this fantastic offering on Craigslist about 60 miles from my house. From the ad picture I couldn't determine if it was a 1440 or 1661. Since my main focus is another 1864 I ignored it for a few days. Since I check Craigslist every day I came across it again and called the owner. He is an 82 year old retired doctor that bought this brand new in June 1996. He had the manuals and sales receipt ($4664). The manual had log entries showing all the maintenance as well. After talking with him and determining that it was a 1440 with 462 hours showing on the meter I decided to make the 120 mile round trip. I was blown away and delighted to say the least. It was sitting in his nice building where it had always been kept and it actually took a little effort to rock it from its resting place. He reported that the engine was smoking from the oil fill and carb and he parked it a few years ago.
It also has the GT 48" deck and the original tires. The front's still have fantastic tread and the Cub Cadet markings on the side. The Ags are Carlisle and not a crack to be found. Very little rust any where and I think after a good washing it would look nearly new. The seat has a very slight one inch hairline crack and that's it! It's a truly amazing score even if the engine is toast. All the plastic is great too.
Question......What should my steps be to test the engine?

I went down with a parts tractor in mind for my 1440 and 1864 but after looking at it and the 462 hours it might be difficult to start parting it out. I forgot to say how much I paid for it. I always like knowing that information so I'll tell you, $300.

[PaulS]

Since money changed hands it cannot be called stealing but that just may beat a lew price.

[rwairforce]

I agree. No force was used at all. It was a mutual agreement between two guys in the USA. We didn't even need lawyers or dozens of papers to sign to do the deal. Felt like the old days again. It is enjoyable to find something, chase it down and bring it home. Sort of like "the hunt" I guess.

I was thinking I would replace the engine oil, put a new battery in it and see what the engine tells me. The PO said the engine was puffing smoke out the carb. I'll probably need to pull the carb bowl to check the status in there. The gas tank is empty.

[Sam Mac]

Randy

At under 500 hours the engine shouldn't be to bad. Maybe it was over full on oil? Anyway pretty much the standard drill see if you can get it going and diagnose from there. 1440 is a pretty decent mower.

[rwairforce]

Thanks Sam.
I think you're also supposed to point out what a fantastic deal I got too.

I was really hoping it was an 18XX but when I saw the manual lift I knew it was one of two. As it is, I'm really pleased. It's in super shape for 18 years old.

[Sam Mac]

Originally Posted by rwairforce

Thanks Sam.
I think you're also supposed to point out what a fantastic deal I got too.

I was really hoping it was an 18XX but when I saw the manual lift I knew it was one of two. As it is, I'm really pleased. It's in super shape for 18 years old.

If it runs you got a fantastic deal. If it needs an engine you only got a good deal. Jury is out till you report the results.

[rwairforce]

hahahahahaha.....
Sam,
Don't start a new career as a motivational speaker...
The tires are worth what I paid. At least up here.

[rwairforce]

Update..
I had a few minutes today to I check the gas tank(smells real bad) I wonder if that's how they all smell after sitting a few years.
I poured a little gas in it and hit the key and it turned over nicely. Full choke giving it some time to pull the fuel. Nothing, not even a try to fire. I checked the gas filter and it had fuel in it. I poured some gas down the carb and tried again and she fired and sounded pretty good, just like a twin 14hp should. It was a quick run then stopped. Tried again and nothing. Poured more gas down the carb and she fired up again but quit after using the gas.
Seems like a fuel pump to me. Any other thoughts?

[Sam Mac]

Originally Posted by rwairforce

Update..
I had a few minutes today to I check the gas tank(smells real bad) I wonder if that's how they all smell after sitting a few years.
I poured a little gas in it and hit the key and it turned over nicely. Full choke giving it some time to pull the fuel. Nothing, not even a try to fire. I checked the gas filter and it had fuel in it. I poured some gas down the carb and tried again and she fired and sounded pretty good, just like a twin 14hp should. It was a quick run then stopped. Tried again and nothing. Poured more gas down the carb and she fired up again but quit after using the gas.
Seems like a fuel pump to me. Any other thoughts?

Standard Cyclops drill. Pull the fender pan, fuel tank, remove all the fuel lines and toss them in the trash. Flush the tank, clean the shut off valves, replace all the fuel lines, filter, then see what happens. Plan on removing the top of the carb and cleaning the carb. Make sure the fuel shut off solenoid works.

[rwairforce]

Somehow I knew that response was coming....Thanks. At least I've recently done that very drill on my other 1440. I noticed that the fuel line from the pump to the carb is as hard as a rock. The other lines didn't seem so bad. I'm not sure when I'll start on this but with the hours being half those on my other 1440 I don't think I'll be parting it out. It's just too nice.