1250 or 1450
 

I'm going to trade a JD LX176 for one of the two in the subject line. The JD will run good when started, but starting it is the problem. Very hard to start, if you can start it. I suspect the ACR is bad in it and it's part of the cam shaft and that's NLA from Kawasaki and JD. It also has the common hood problem of that JD era - broken.

Anyways I might trade it for either a 1250 or a 1450. Both would be projects. The 1450 is really rough looking - someone at one time tried to paint it red. It will run but has a noise in the engine. It's also missing the head lights, grille insert, tie rod and the deck is rough.

The 1250 is in good shape, cosmetically. It's also complete, but will require an engine rebuild.

Though I would like the hdyro lift of the 1450, I'm leaning towards the 1250 as it's in the best shape. Both will probably need an engine rebuild.

Who knows I'm change my mind and pull the engine off that JD and see if I can fix the ACR, but I would rather have one of those Cubs instead. Whatever I do, will require some work and money.

Also I'd been told about a 1450 and a 1650 that I might go see. Decisions, decisions, don't you just love it when you have options?:bigthink::biggrin2.gif:

I know what you mean, Terry. You'll make the right decision! :beerchug:

I've got a 1250 and really like it. I too would like the hydro lift. So just do what I plan to do. End up with both models :). Buy the 1250 now and fix it up, then locate and buy a 1450 later when $$$ allows. Yeah it will probably take me a couple more years to be able to get one, but then again, this yellow fever seems to be a life long affliction, so I have time on my side...

With all the problems the 1450 has you should be able to get it cheap. Trade for the 1250 and offer the guy a little bit of cash for the 1450 and then swap the hydraulic lift.

Just add the hydro lift to the 1250. That is what I am doing right now.

1450
 

My 1450 made a horrible engine noise too...so I thought. It turned out to be a simple fix of replacing the motor mounts. There's a bare spot on the top where it was hitting the side.

Noise could also possibly be the balance gears???

The engine noise in the 1450 could come from a few places, but it's best to think the worst and be pleasantly surprised than to think the least and be "shock". So I'm thinking rebuild until I see otherwise.

Good line of thinking Terry.

before you send your lx on its way "hard starting" check the lash on the valves make sure its .004" if it grows beond that the acr will not properly work. A tractor that starts easy is always worth more than one that sorta starts. (this lash check really applies to all brands of engines)

hillbilly-

That's WAY too tight...intake is 0.006-0.008", exhaust is 0.014-0.018" or something like that. If you set the valve lash at 0.004" on the exhaust valve, it will run until the valve expands enough to close up the valve lash, and then the valve won't close all the way anymore.

Valves have been adjusted to the manual - still almost impossible to start. I have researched this thing to death - tried this, tried that, check this, check that, etc. The only thing left is the ACR which is attached to the cam shaft on these Kawasaki engines. I can pull the engine and check to see if the ACR is bad, but I'm not that interested in doing that. If it is the ACR, it will need a new cam shaft which is NLA from both JD and Kawasaki.

I will say this, if I don't trade it, then one day I will tear into it. But I really don't have the time right now and kind of want it gone.

Terry have you checked the choke? I had a JD240 with a 14hp Kawasaki in it that started really hard. Took it to the shop for a different issue broken gear in the trans. They fixed the trans and they adjusted the choke linkage because he had a hard time starting it also and wow what a difference.

Choke and linkage is fine - in fact, I put a new carburetor on it - didn't help any.

I know .004 sounds tight but there are motors in the deere line up that run that tight, they specificaly had problems with the acr not working. This comes first hand from working at the deere dealer.

We're getting off-topic here, but the manual says .006 inch for valve clearance, looks like for both intake and exhaust.

One thing here is the manual states if the compression is over 100 psi, the ACR is malfunctioning. If under 71 psi, then check valve clearance. The reading I'm getting was 140 psi which per the manual indicates a malfunctioning ACR. Regardless I'm not going to spend any more time on this lawn tractor.

Well, hopefully the next chap can fix it. Get both if ya can.

If I trade, the guy who is going to get it has a 15 hp Kohler Command off of a JD LT155 that he's going to put on it.

Brought home the 1250
 

I brought home the 1250 today. It is mostly complete, the only thing missing is the carb that I can see. I also have the engine side panels, they're just not shown. I also took pictures of the 1450 - it's in rough shape - someone tried to paint the fenders red.

Congrats on the 1250, I really love mine.

Congrats on your first wide frame, Terry! I know, you've been wanting one for a long time. :beerchug:

the 1250 looks good. never know, the 1450 probably isnt going anywhere so you might be able to get that later. congrats on getting the wide frame though. soon you will be like me and have 9 of them haha

Allen,
Thanks - it's going to take some work to get it running, either a replacement engine or a rebuild. I wonder if the K241 from my latest 104 will fit in there without too much reconfiguring.

Nick,
I may not have 9 wide frames but I'm getting a good collection of Cubs. I have three 104s, two 123s, a 125, a 122, a 2135, a 107 in pieces and now a 1250. That's 10 altogether. As for the 1450 he's had it for a year and a half and I will get it eventually. He's a trader so I just need something he wants and I don't.

That will not work because the 104 engine will not have the tapped holes in the block for the electric PTO unless it is a later replacement engine.

Thanks, Matt - I was wondering about the pto situation. The thing is, I might not run a deck on this, so I may not even need the pto. I might use this one for either a snow blade or rear mounted implements. I have to think about this and do more research. Or just rebuild the K301 that's in it.

Terrry Congrats on your trade! Good looking 1250! Looking forward to your progress!