Something must have broke inside the engine

[CubDieselFan]

Get Jonathan to rebuild yours if it can be or get the K301 he has ready. A new mower will cost more and will not last as long.

[gretschwhtfalcon]

I guess a valid question that enters into making this decision is - how long will the rest of the tractor last? The whole thing is as old as the engine. Spindles on the deck certainly aren't getting any better; trans leaks fluid (albeit slowly), oil pan bolt has given issues over the years, left front wheel eats through bearings (I keep a supply of at least a dozen at all times), a few bracket-related pieces associated with attaching the plow have already broken and needed to be welded, etc.

Don't get me wrong - I think it's apparent by now that I'm obviously very sentimentally attached to this old thing, but just don't know if - all things considered - this (putting in a rebuilt engine) is the way to go? I'm leaning towards doing that - especially since I already have the plow for the cub (that TOO is 40+ years old!) but....is it really the right thing? I don't like the idea of the lesser quality and longevity of the new machines, but on the other hand I have fewer mowing days ahead of me than are behind.

[gretschwhtfalcon]

Originally Posted by CubDieselFan

Get Jonathan to rebuild yours if it can be or get the K301 he has ready. A new mower will cost more and will not last as long.

Jonathan is really too far away from me for him to do the work, but am consulting with him about the 301 he has ready.

[john hall]

Originally Posted by gretschwhtfalcon

I guess a valid question that enters into making this decision is - how long will the rest of the tractor last? The whole thing is as old as the engine. Spindles on the deck certainly aren't getting any better; trans leaks fluid (albeit slowly), oil pan bolt has given issues over the years, left front wheel eats through bearings (I keep a supply of at least a dozen at all times), a few bracket-related pieces associated with attaching the plow have already broken and needed to be welded, etc.

Don't get me wrong - I think it's apparent by now that I'm obviously very sentimentally attached to this old thing, but just don't know if - all things considered - this (putting in a rebuilt engine) is the way to go? I'm leaning towards doing that - especially since I already have the plow for the cub (that TOO is 40+ years old!) but....is it really the right thing? I don't like the idea of the lesser quality and longevity of the new machines, but on the other hand I have fewer mowing days ahead of me than are behind.

Its an OLD lawnmower, there are lots of things that are probably worn out. Make a list of everything that needs replacing and what their cost is. This is assuming you can do the work.
Common items guys here rebuild are:
tie rod ends
steering box
drive shaft and all connections
PTO
belts, idler pulleys, spindle bearings, blades, gauge wheels (decks can be very expensive to put back in new condition, but if the deck is solid, then its worth it)
carburetor--sometimes the shafts are worn out really bad
muffler
seat
key switch
throttle and choke cables
front wheel bearings and the wheel itself if it destroys bearings
front spindles
hydro/rear end--fix leaks, worn trunnion, fluid change
tires (if they hold air all season and aren't literally coming apart, I call them good)


Look at all these things, see what needs replacing and do the math. It may be cheaper to junk the machine. It may be better to fix it up and have something rock solid.

Its a good feeling to hop on an older Cadet that has been "gone through" and mow your grass with no worries about it breaking down.

Oh yeah, most of us don't bother with paint if it has to earn its keep. That's a labor of love to do it any where close to right--and a shiny ride doesn't mean it will reliably take car of your lawn.

[Chad126]

Originally Posted by gretschwhtfalcon

(which a few months ago had significant work done to it including a valve replacement and other engine work)

What "other" work was done to it?

[gretschwhtfalcon]

Head all cleaned up and planed; one valve replaced, new carb, new coil, voltage regulator...at least that is what my brother mentioned on the invoice. No other major work was done. It ran great after I got it back.

In also considering the option of replacing the Cub, just talked to a local outfit who sells and recommends the Simplicity "Conquest". The guy there also knows and has worked on the old Cubs - along with the Kohler engines - so he is very familiar with my equipment. His personal preference would be to not put an engine into a 40+ year old tractor, but he would do the work for me. Outlay on the Conquest (with blade and deck) would be close to $6k. Approximate cost to fix the Cub probably in the range of $1k - $1,200 (including the rebuilt engine)

Uncertain of what is the best option here.

[J-Mech]

No brainer for me.

[DieselDoctor]

This is a classic Cub website. What do you think we're going to recommend?

[twoton]

gretschwhtfalcon, other plan is to become the proud owner of a turbo diesel 782...

[gretschwhtfalcon]

Originally Posted by DieselDoctor

This is a classic Cub website. What do you think we're going to recommend?

Sorry...you're absolutely right.