Engine blown?
 

Hello, long time first time here. I bought a cub 1810 off craigslist 4 years ago for $325. Some kid had inherited it from his grandfather and didn't know what he had. It came with extra belts, all manuals, and even the receipts. I had a brutal hilly yard at the time and it worked great. The longer I've owned this mower, the more I appreciated the construction, look, engineering and usability.

Recently I moved to a new home with 1.8acres of grass...so I decided to do a complete service job on the old cub. New oil, plugs, filters, hydro fluid change and filter. Found a small leak in the oil filter line, got them replaced. ran some Lucas gas treatment through her.
Long story short on my fourth lap around the yard a heard a shudder and lost some power. Kicked off the mower headed to the garage. I got there and it's running funny and I look down and see oil under the mower, fairly large amount...I pulled the panel but not the black heat shield to look yet. (Afraid) am I in real trouble? Any chance it's not a blown up Kohler?

How much oil is on the dipstick?

As an educated guess.........you have a broken connecting rod. You can tell by removing the spark plugs and rotating the engine. The broken rod will result in no pressure on the effected side when you put you finger over the spark plug hole.

I'll try it today. How would that explain the oil everywhere? I'm hoping the new oil line blew or leaked. How much pressure is on the oil system?

I had serviced it just before and had it full to the line. Haven't checked it, but know it's low since it blew out a half quart.

I didn't want to be the bearer of bad news, but Roland is probably correct. The oil is more than likely coming from the hole in the block that the broken rod made. I asked about the oil level to make the it wasn't over full from a bad fuel pump.

When it's cold, has SAE-30 in it, and WOT .......60 PSI at tops. When hot and running, no lower than 20 PSI.

There is no use of "sugar coating" it or being PC.

I appreciate it, going to pressure wash, fill with oil, tighten the oil lines, fire it up and look for leaks today. Wish me luck.

Any suggestions on replacement engines? I found a few deals on parts Cubs.

Depending on the condition of the tractor you may want to consider a kit like this.

http://www.smallenginewarehouse.com/...tegory=1710970

I'm not endorsing this company just putting it out for you to think about.

I'd do as Roland suggested and pull the spark plugs to see if it goes suck squeeze bang and blow rather that starting it. Hate to see you do more damage if it's fixable. How many hours on the tractor?

I will say I have used one of the SEW engines in my 2072 and am very pleased with it. I also repowered a 782 with a Command and am pleased with it as well. Good luck! :beerchug:

Well crap. No compression on left cylinder...looks like a trip to the mower store. But I plan to keep this one, buy a parts mower and repair it. That or sell it and get a 1811.

Look on Craig's list for the following 2160, 2165, 2185, LT2180 they all make great organ donors. Probably a couple others also. 16HP Vanguard or 18HP Kohler CH.

Good call.

OP did you find source of the leak? New window in block?

I couldn't find the hole, but I olny took the passenger side heat shield off. I see what looks like a small crack but can't be sure.

Really frustrating because I just spent a bunch of money and time tuning it up. Guess it was more than her old heart could handle!
Is 1811 a big upgrade?
Any opinions on new cub zero turns?

Thanks! I was wondering this. There are a bunch out there and didn't know what to avoid.

Cub ZTR...prolly not any good unless you wanna drop $8k+ on one and then I would prolly go with a Kubota or Exmark. If the box store sells it, it is garbage!

I would just find a good motor and drop in it. The 1811 is the same tractor you have with a hydro lift and nothing else. The Mags were awesome motors in their day but looks like it's time to look for a Kohler Command of a Briggs Vanguard.

Where are you in Kentucky? There is a nice 1811 on Craiglist in Middlesboro Ky.

Crestwood, pretty good haul to there.