Original starting problems
 

Hi everyone, I picked up a pair of original cubs last year (1 complete and 1 partial) and have been working on getting one running. They are nothing special, both 5 digit s/ns without many options but I'm having fun working on them. I pulled both out of the weeds, where they had been sitting since the late 90s. The complete tractor has been running a couple of times since being in my garage, but never for very long. The 1st time it ran an hour before the head gasket failed so I planed the head and rebuilt the carb. It was running again today after setting the points (using the static method, I don't have a timing light) and getting a new spark plug (gapped at .030). I had to use a bit of carb cleaner to get it going, but ran well after that. I mowed some thin grass for about 5 minutes and when driving up a hill, it pulled down and slowly died. Now it won't start again. The battery was low and was turning over slowly so I charged it. It will fire and run with carb cleaner but dies once that runs out. I'm not sure where to go next because I know it can run, just not when it's convenient for me. Any thoughts? It has the original k161 engine and looked ok with the head off, but I'm no expert. Thanks, and yes pictures are coming.

Almost sounds like a fuel problem. Get a old spray bottle, I use an old Simple Green bottle with adjustable nozzle. Put fuel in that to spray in the carb.
Take your fuel line off at the carb to see if you have flow, if not you could have dirt/rust in the tank.

Welcome to OCC!

If it runs on carb cleaner, it is DEFINITELY a fuel problem. Zippy has the right idea! :beerchug:

:Welcome2:

First off, Welcome! Second, you do have something special, a cub "O", Third, pull the fuel line off the carb and blow compressed air back thru the fuel line with the fuel cap OFF the tank and see if the fuel line,sediment screen/bowl are plugged with varnish from old gas. You could always hook up a temporary fuel tank just to see how your engine runs. Good Luck, and that's a pretty nice tractor you have there! I'd be proud to own it as most guy's n gal's on this site would be!!! :biggrin2:

:Welcome2:

Welcome to OCC! Good luck with your O's!

I agree its a lack of fuel problem. I had issue with my fuel shut off valve when I first got mine. It was blocked and not flowing fuel fast enough to keep carb and bowl full. I took the bowl off the tank and unwound the shutoff so i could get in there and clean it out. Also check for rust flakes in the tank that could block the outlet.

I agree, it may be a fuel delivery problem. If its getting fuel to the carb, then you may have a plugged jet, stuck float, etc... I hope you get it worked out and --most importantly-- have fun!

Thanks. I wasn't considering fuel delivery problems but after looking at the sediment bowl, there is a fresh later of gunk in the bottom. I had not been paying attention to this because the tank was dipped at a local radiator shop and I thought it would be clean.

I'm really hoping that I can get it working well mechanically so I can justify the time and expense to do a more thorough rebuild/refurbish next year.

I can't over-emphasize how helpful the information on this site has been in getting me this far already. So thanks again!

:Welcome2:

Kinda off topic, but where are you located in Iowa?

Just a hint of gunk will do a lot of damage and cause a LOT of headaches in a fuel system.

In northwest Iowa, near Milford.

Sweet, I'm over by Cedar Rapids!

Welcome!! I agree with the others, you have a fuel flow problem. Follow what the others have suggested and the problem will show itself. It could be fuel tank, shutoff, plugged fuel line, or dirt in the carb itself. All these are not very hard to fix but seem to give headaches till found.

Quick Tank Cleaning
 

One way to clean the tank is to take it off and empty it, let it sit overnight cap off to evaporate out anything left, drop a length of small chain (like a dog leash, etc) into it and shake it around to knock any rust/scale loose. Then you can shake it out of the cap or use a small nozzle off a shop vac to clean it out. The chain is easier to get out and seems to clean better than a handful of nuts and bolts. You may still want to really clean and seal the tank, but this will work to get it going. I have two Originals, one is a 4 digit 1961 that was my dad's, and the other a 1963 that I got for parts but got running and use frequently to mow. They've been joined by a 122 and someday all will be restored. Someday.

Will be there in a couple weeks :-)

Think I can get an Original in carry-on baggage?

:-)
John

John,

I highly doubt one will fit in a carry on, BUT...no bother buying a ticket back to the south...I'll show you the tricks of the old tractor and point you in the direction you need to go...just pull your suitcase behind you. Might need to stop a few times for gas...Hy-Tran...probably a few times to blow the tires back up. See the sights, plan for a few months on getting back home ;-)