123 not run very much

jzidle · #1 11-09-2017, 12:58 PM

Hi all!
So I haven't run my 123 very much. I started it today and it smoked a little on start-up. I'm hoping that's normal with full choke and not having started in a month. It's also about 34 degrees out so that could have something to do with it. It didn't smoke that I noticed the last time I started it. I have two questions. How often should I run it at a minimum over the winter and for how long? Is it okay that ever since I have owned it, it needs a little bit of choke to run smoothly? It runs beautifully by the way and I am reluctant to mess with it much. Thanks!!

zippy1 · #2 11-09-2017, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jzidle

Hi all!
So I haven't run my 123 very much. I started it today and it smoked a little on start-up. I'm hoping that's normal with full choke and not having started in a month. It's also about 34 degrees out so that could have something to do with it. It didn't smoke that I noticed the last time I started it. I have two questions. How often should I run it at a minimum over the winter and for how long? Is it okay that ever since I have owned it, it needs a little bit of choke to run smoothly? It runs beautifully by the way and I am reluctant to mess with it much. Thanks!!

What viscosity of oil you got in it? Thicker 30w will make it start harder in 34* temp. A "little" smoke on start up isn't nothing to get excited about.
If you're not going to use the tractor through the winter, just drain the fuel, run the tractor till the carb is dry, remove the battery, and put it to bed?

jzidle · #3 11-09-2017, 01:22 PM

I was thinking about that too only I was just going to add Sta-bil to the gas rather than running it dry. It did come with a snow thrower but I hadn't planned on hard labor for it. I have a good snowblower as well to use. Do you think the need for a little choke under normal running conditions is okay too? Oh, and it's 30w Valvoline HD non-synthetic. I keep looking at Cub Cadet 30w but I don't know who actually makes that.

zippy1 · #4 11-09-2017, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jzidle

I was thinking about that too only I was just going to add Sta-bil to the gas rather than running it dry. It did come with a snow thrower but I hadn't planned on hard labor for it. I have a good snowblower as well to use. Do you think the need for a little choke under normal running conditions is okay too? Oh, and it's 30w Valvoline HD non-synthetic. I keep looking at Cub Cadet 30w but I don't know who actually makes that.

Sta-bil is fine. I do that with some, and drain others. Either way will work.
No, shouldn't need to use the choke once the machine has started, and warmed up. Prolly some adjustment needed.
10w30 is best for cold weather starting, and operation. Oil of "your" choice is best.

I use nothing but Kohler oil, but, your milage may differ...
If your tractor is put up where it's cold, and you have no intentions of using it, I WOULD remove the battery, and store it indoors where it's warm. That's what I do, and batteries seem to last longer, than leaving them in the cold...

ol'George · #5 11-10-2017, 08:08 AM

Zippy gave good advice as usual.
Anytime an engine needs choke while running after warmed up, it is running too lean.
Sometimes it is as simple as enriching the main jet screw a 1/4- 1/2 turn or so.
other times possibly the carb needs to be cleaned and the crud removed from the bowl & passages.