deck lift not locking in place, 108

Wayne · #1 05-26-2012, 10:07 AM

My 108 deck lift suddenly doesn't lock in at each level anymore. It seems the lower, bent part of the rod that catches in the notches does not
fully engage the notch. I tightened the thumb end, and shot some lube in there but it seems like the rod doesn't return fully to the top position. I don't like taking that rod out unless absolutely necessary because its a PIA. Is there anything else I can try before resorting to that?

Wayne · #2 05-27-2012, 04:32 PM

You're gonna make me take it apart, aren't you?

CADplans · #3 05-27-2012, 05:36 PM

Can you pull the button up to fully engage it!!??

If so, then I would guess the spring is weak or broken.

Is there a bolt missing from the rack that the pin engages into!!??

That would let the rack move.

Wayne · #4 05-27-2012, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CADplans

Can you pull the button up to fully engage it!!??

If so, then I would guess the spring is weak or broken.

Is there a bolt missing from the rack that the pin engages into!!??

That would let the rack move.

I might be able to pull it up with a vice grips, but I havent tried. It does go up if I tap on the lower end of the rod, then it will engage with the notches. Until I move it again, which is frequently.

I was thinking the spring might be involved. I should also mention that the tiny index finger button in the finger grip (not the thumb botton)
fell out about a year ago. But it didn't seem to affect anything. I don't even remember what that thing was supposed to do.

I'll look qt the rack to see if it moved, but I didn't notice anything that looked amiss.

Sam Mac · #5 05-28-2012, 09:29 AM

Try some Power Blaster or WD-40 to lube it up.

Wayne · #6 06-21-2012, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Mac

Try some Power Blaster or WD-40 to lube it up.

Thats what I did before asking. I still have the problem, in large part because I don't want to take that rod out again. But do I even need to take it out if its the spring, or can I put a new spring in just by removing the thumb depressor end?

It really sucks have one cut setting...

Sam Mac · #7 06-21-2012, 08:07 PM

I just unscrewed the button on my 147 that I put the lift from a 71 in and replaced the spring with a stronger one, works sweet now.

4SPEED · #8 06-21-2012, 08:22 PM

x2 on the WD40 I spray mine on the 582 about one time a year.

Cub Cadet 123 · #9 06-21-2012, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4SPEED

x2 on the WD40 I spray mine on the 582 about one time a year.

I had a 129 that was the same as what you described. I sprayed some PB Blaster in it and it continued doing the same thing.....so I sprayed more and more and continued to work it. Finally, it worked great. Seemed that it just needed to be worked through the parts.

Cub Cadet 123

Wayne · #10 06-22-2012, 11:01 AM

I found the problem. The top end of the release spring had spread a bit so the thumb pin was slipping inside of it a couple of coils deep instead of pressing firmly on the end. Now it seems to spring back again just fine. And I have a super clean and lubed lift lever now too. ;-)