LT1045 Need some help. Won't move a bit
 

I was looking at that old 100 series, but came across the LT1045 for $175, so I got it instead. The engine is not frozen, but won't start. However, I have spark, so gonna be something fuel related.

The big issue is that no matter what I pull, push, or set - it won't move. The hydro seems frozen. I pulled the bypass rod out of the back and latched it out. When I stick my arm in and try to turn the little pulley with fan, it doesn't go anywhere.

I'm guessing this is really bad news. The unit overall shows little sign of any maintenance during its lifetime. The chassis is OK, but the blades are in rough shape. Needs some fuel system work. All tires are up, which is a surprise, but they've been plugged a few times.

Lucky - I got it super cheap. Now - how do I proceed to get it to at least roll free? Getting it off the trailer is going to be a mess if I can't roll it. Any secrets?

The fan may not want to move because the pulleys and idlers for the drive belt are not free enough to let it turn. The drive belt loosens when the brake is locked down.
Concerning it not rolling, the brake is an external disc on the outside of the transmission. I would check to see that it is not locked up due to rust and corrosion.

Yeah, I checked the belt and it's not binding. That pulley seems to be not moving at all. I'll check the brake lock, but I don't think that's it. Suspect an issue with the hydro unit.

The starter motor was stuck with the bendix extended. I fixed that, and cleaned up the inside of the starter motor, now it's working.

If the LT1045 isn't a very good unit, maybe I'll part it out. The engine seems to be in good shape, but I have to weld the starter ring back on the flywheel.

So if the idlers and drive belt are free and not binding, how does a stuck starter motor prevent the hydro from turning??

Oops, one has nothing to do with the other. The starter motor was a different discrete failure mode. I just worked on that so I can get the engine to crank.

I'm much more concerned about the rear end locked up. I'll be working on that a bit today, but I have a Cessna I'm going to fix as well. Will update as I go along.

It appears this unit has not had much/any maintenance during its life. Hoping if I can get the hydro unstuck it will move under its own power next week.

Would like to get a schematic of the wiring if anyone knows where that can be downloaded?

Try this link: https://www.ccpartsnmore.com/cub-cad...ing-schematics

Perfect! Got the right one. Thx

Is it easy to pop the cover off the rear and do a visual? The trouble may be obvious and save a lot of work and wondering.

Fluid checks for level and cleanliness is the first thing I do on any used machinery and preferably before I buy.

LT 1045 is a belt drive MTD built lawn tractor with a HydroGear transaxle.
There are no covers to pop and you can't check the fluid.

^^^ ahhh, the modern "perma lube never needs changing" design.

Well, you CAN change the fluid, but it's a little more work than popping a cover.
And when the operation gets to the point that if you are wondering if a fluid change would help.....
it's already too late.

Well, spit. Wish I knew this before. I didn't give much for it, so if I can put a used hydro in it, I'll be ok.

Will work on it later today and get some more info.

I hope you have better luck with your Cessna, I'd hate to hear you crashed it
on it's first flight!!!!!!! :bigeyes:

Many YouTube airplane flying videos. As a warning, don't go down that rabbet hole or you may be watching airplane videos all afternoon.

Well, it's the good news, good news, bad news on the mower.

I was able to get under there and look at things. The belt looks original from 2007, and it's completely shot. So, I cut it, and now the hydro will spin ok.

Other good news is I found a spare hydro for a couple bucks going to pick it up tonite. The deck belt is also junk, as are the blades.

The Cessna is a long term project. Wings are off, and we're rebuilding the fuel system right now. After that, the control cables, and then we'll have the wings on and give it a go.

I have some pics on my phone but not able to pull them off right now. Maybe tonite.

OK, I'm looking better. The belt is in stock at TSC. Will have the drive belt and blades ordered through our vendor here, and start putting together next week. not so bad, just hope the engine will run right. Lot of cleaning still.

It's the usual rule of comparative neglect. Maybe $350 all-in and I'll have something I can sell for $600-ish.

Check the brake disk, it's 3" or so disk on the side of the trans, the brake shoes like to stick to the disk if left on. There is a 9/16" nut that holds it together, if the wheels won't turn that is most likely your problem.
I've bought several LT'S for cheap because they needed trans and it was just the brake being stuck.

Yeah, the brake disk was stuck to the pucks. Frozen. It's free now.

Bonus, I just picked up a working hydro unit for $60. Guy says it's working fine. So, I either have the one I need, or I have a spare to sell with mower.

I still have cleaning to finish and get the motor running. Will be later next week, as I have parts coming in soon.

You're welcome!