1641 with some issues - Page 2

Sam Mac · #11 06-17-2014, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neilh419

I forgot to mention. I think I may have had some bad gas. Aside from the tacos I had eaten (drumroll...), I had used a old can I had. I drained the tank, and put new stuff in it.

Could the bad gas, have cause the solenoid to act up?

Thank you so much guys! My dad got this tractor new in '92. You all have already helped me get it running better. It's fun, especially since I spent many hours on this thing as a teenager, whether mowing, or pushing snow, when we lived in West Michigan.

Neil

Neil

If the gas has ethanol in it sometimes it will gum up the carbs. If it was me I'd get some SeaFoam ( you can get it at Wally World or most auto parts stores) and run some of that for this tank of gas to clean out the fuel system. If that solenoid gives you anymore trouble you can unscrew it out of the carb and cut the tip off with a pair of side cutters then screw it back in. Don't lose the seal.

Think you got all the good out of that PTO bearing.

neilh419 · #12 06-17-2014, 08:15 PM

Yeah, I'm pretty sure the PTO bearing got its full use! Now I just have to adjust the brake, & try to fix the loose steering.

One last question. I fired it up this evening, just to check it out. When I switch on the PTO this evening, the amp light comes on very slowly until it stays lit. Didn't light up at all this morning. The battery is a few years old, but I want to make sure I didn't do something wrong installing PTO. I used an impact to get it on and off.

Thanks again, guys!

Sam Mac · #13 06-18-2014, 06:40 AM

Neil

The charge light on Vanguard powered stuff is a very common issue. Check this thread.
http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=32504

Glad to see you taking the time to save the 1641.

RPorter · #14 06-19-2014, 12:51 PM

I'm no expert, but my experience with small engines is, if they have "gasohol" and it sets in the rubber fuel lines, it will flake off and tend to plug carbs. I don't pretend to understand the chemistry, and for sure don't want to knock ethanol, as I do use it in my buick, but I believe it can cause these problems with rubber lines, thanks, Rich

neilh419 · #15 06-19-2014, 02:42 PM

I didn't even know you could find gas without ethanol. I will say this, I've been using a 2003 White/MTD for the last few years, and it isn't even close to this 1641. I'm quite sure you all already know this. It has a lot more power, and a nice smooth cut.

My dad stopped by the other day. Now that it's not smoking, and running smoother, I think he's a little sad he parted with it!

Neil

Sam Mac · #16 06-19-2014, 03:16 PM

Try this to find ethanol free gas near you. http://pure-gas.org/

I never use ethanol gas in my small engines. They don't get run enough to keep it fresh. My pickup and car OK.

neilh419 · #17 06-24-2014, 01:33 PM

How about that. You learn something new every day! There are a couple places relatively close to me.

I doubt anyone cares, but just an update, still working out some bugs here, and there with the 1641. The engine's still was a little rough, but much better over the weekend, after finding the fuel shutoff solenoid issue. I'm going to adjust the spring on the brake this evening when I get home.

The steering has proven to be a bit elusive thus far. I've seen threads showing the bolt that comes loose. I'd like to say mine seems loose about halfway down the shaft? I haven't diagnosed the problem yet, though.

One question. I discovered that I might have a little leak on the rear end at the hydro. Is that pretty common as well?

Other then that, seems to be coming along nicely! The only other thing bugging me is the hood, and sides. Purely cosmetic, but I'd like to figure out a way to keep the hood down while riding without a bungee strap...

You guys have already helped me much more than you could know!

Neil

neilh419 · #18 07-20-2014, 03:46 PM

Well she's been running good for several weeks, largely because of all of you. However, I went out to start her this weekend and... Nothing again. I pulled off the air filter and carb. Cover just to check the solenoid all seems good there. My next thought was the battery. I threw a charger on it, but I'm not sure it was actually charging it. It won't turn at all. Just the one click each time.

The PTO light comes on when I turn the key. Does it always do that, or do I have something there?

I can manually grab the pulley and turn it with my hands.

Any help would be wonderful! I've messed with it the last few days, but can't find the culprit.

Sam Mac · #19 07-20-2014, 06:59 PM

If the PTO is off and the light is on something is wrong. They are not supposed to start with the PTO on. Part of the safety interlocks.

neilh419 · #20 07-20-2014, 09:49 PM

I checked it when I got home from church this evening. Followed the wiring from the PTO at the front of the mower back to the switch. I cant find any bad connections. You suppose it could be the switch itself.

I did change the PTO when I first got the mower maybe 6 weeks ago, so I assume it isn't there, but could I have gotten something messed up? I just used an impact to get it off, and popped it back on the same way.

hmm... Busy week at work, I don't know how much time I'll have to look at it, before next week. Only problem is my lawn is becoming forest-like...