Cub 124 Hard to Start--my first post
 

Hi, Cub Cadeters:

I have a 124 that wouldn't start. I changed the plug (216), points, and condenser. After I attached the jumper pack it would try to start puff smoke and eventually run great!

How can I make my tractor start easier? Should I replace the coil and increase the gap in the plug?

All help is greatly appreciated.

:American Flag 1:

First, welcome to OCC...... :Welcome2:

You state you added extra battery capacity (Jumpering) leads me to think that the original battery is not up to par. Charge up the battery and take to a reputable testing place and have it "load" tested. If weak, replace it.

Like Roland said, your battery sounds weak---address that first. If that doesn't solve it, post what you gapped the plug at and did you install the points per Kohlers static timing instructions. Yes its more work to install this way but you will be more than pleased with the results. If this doesn't solve it, then start chasing other possible trouble--bad wiring, coil, fuel issues. Be systematic with your troubleshooting and report your results back. :beerchug:

I learned something new
 

i just Googled Kohlers static timing instructions and will try it today. :bigthink:

Thanks a million!!

If you look in the technical section here on OCC, you will probably find the Kohler manual as well as IH manuals for that and many other machines as well.

By the way, try searching past posts for static timing. There have been some really good suggestions. Hardest part is seeing the mark on the flywheel--especially if its rusty. Common sense will tell you its going to be viewable about the time the points open, but it can still be hard to find--seems the mark isn't always dead in front of the hole, kind of off to one side.

Does this mean it cranks well but has a hard time firing off or doesn't crank well or... what?

Once you have confirmed that you have a good battery that is fully charged, start working your way "down stream" with a meter through the wiring harness ( starting circuit if you're having a hard time getting it to crank well) and verify that you have the same battery voltage along the way. A sudden drop in voltage will indicate corrosion or faulty wiring, switches etc...

Wiring diagram is in the tech section under tractors.

Your timing can be spot on but if you have a "weak battery", you still have a problem.

Does this mean it cranks well but has a hard time firing off or doesn't crank well or... what?

Both - I attached jumpers and it cranks faster, so I know my battery is weak, but it takes a while before it actually runs.

I have a spark tester on the plug wire and confirm it is firing, just takes some work to get her going. Once running sounds excellent. Also, smokes a bit while cranking.

Based on the description, i think the timing is off. Please correct me if you think i am wrong. I am truly open to learning from you guys. :bash:

Since it's a 50 year old tractor and 95% original, it wouldn't surprise me if the wiring or switches are corroded

Replace it with the largest CCA rated Battery, that will fit in your Battery Box.

will do :)

...and clean up all connections. Look for stuff like this;

Also check the starter generator pulley. Had that seize up on me causing a hard start condition on my 124

one more thing
 

when i shut the engine down, it always backfires. Does that sound like a timing issue?

Could be. Could also be a fuel issue. Or a worn out muffler, or exhaust leak, or it could just be you aren't letting the engine cool down enough. Do you shut it off after letting it slow idle for a couple minutes??

I don't know if you found it or not, but the engine manual can be downloaded here:
http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ead.php?t=4646

Here's a thread on how to static time the engine:
http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=33461


Did you get the battery checked?

Thank you
 

No, I didn't know I was suppose it?

Thank you very much for the links. My battery is on a trickle charger and I plan to play with it after work tomorrow.

I'll keep you posted.

You should always let a motor cool a bit before shutting it off. More important on an air cooled engine, or a turbocharged engine than others.

:beer2: I was learned

Good advise there!:beerchug: You wouldn't shut your car down at 3600 rpm, would you?:bigthink:

If you get yourself some allen head machine screws to replace the slotted ones for your points cover they will be alot easier to remove/install.:ThumbsUp:

EXCELLENT idea

Another question -
 

It appears my ignition switch bad. How hard is it to replace it?

Before you do..... I'm just curious how you came to that conclusion? Not that they don't fail, they do.... but nothing in this thread indicated a bad ignition switch. Again, not saying it isn't.

They're not hard to change. I mean, look at it. Disconnect the harness, remove the nut.... assembly is reverse procedure.

ignition switch
 

I had the same problem last winter. I took the wiring off and tried cleaning the contacts worked until yesterday.

I looked at the switch yesterday. Seems like an easy fix. The tractor runs great when I jumped the terminal on the gen/starter.

See.... that doesn't make any sense. What terminal on the S/G??? The S/G has nothing to do with how it runs. If jumping terminals on it makes it run, then you have issues.... and not likely in the ignition switch.

still not cranking when I turn the key
 

I replaced the ignition module yesterday and it didn't crank when I turned the key. However, if I hooked my jump pack to the Starter/Generator and it cranks and runs.

any suggestion?
 

any suggestions?

Did you replace the ignition switch or the module?? if no crank from key something is disconnected or mis wired or bad switch

We call it a solenoid. If that is what you are talking about when you say module.
Make sure the new one is got a good ground. Can’t just bolt a new one in, have to clean/sand the area under it.

There is no ignition module on a 124 Cub Cadet.

You like to push buttons,, I was quoting the OP. He said Ignition module. Thats why I questioned it smart guy. See, I am trying to help the OP. He may not know that theres a difference between ignition module, coil, etc,, How did your last post help anything but your ego?

My last post helped the OP as much as your last one.

You asked whether he replaced the ignition switch or the module, but you didn't bother to explain that there is no ignition module on a 124. (Maybe you aren't familiar with this tractor??) That is the real issue. Who knows what the actual misnamed part was he replaced. Either way, this guy hasn't checked in in over a month now. I already tried to help this guy anyway. He doesn't listen. This thread is pretty much dead until he comes back. I don't know why you dug it up.

I did not "dig it up" in this post he asked for suggestions and No one answered. So I did. If you felt that it was a dead post, why do you keep posting?
You say your post helped. How if if the OP didn't see it did it help him?

If and when he responded with the correct name of part or wrong name of part I would have corrected him. And continued to help. I see plenty of your posts where you end up bashing new members, Maybe thats why so many don't come back.
I get the feeling you like to micro manage..

You know, maybe we should look at this differently. Just maybe this guy is going through a rough time in his life right now. Marriage concerns, sickness, problems at work, etc. A number of things could cause someone to be bitter. So, maybe this is a way of releasing his frustrations. I'm starting to feel sorry for the guy.

Which guy? Either way, we all have challenges in life. No reason to get aggression out here. That's what hammers are for LOL

Check valve gap. Check carb is clean.

Hello ANDYMAN
and welcome to OCC!
Just to help:

I see you are new here.
We all are new at one time or another.
On Forums like this. replying to a 6 year old thread/post is a moot point as most times it has already been taken care of or long forgotten.
Sometimes, the member is no longer here for various reasons.
Looking fwd. to your problems/suggestions/help :beerchug: