My 1650 refresh
 

How did I go from this to this? Well somehow my engine ran low on oil and I snapped the rod. So naturally I'm going to rebuild the engine. I pull the engine no problem. I got into it and I need a valve job too and a total engine refresh. All new Kohler parts ordered. The steering was a little loose so the steering column gets pulled and stripped down. The tie rods are loose so they come off, there is play in the front axle, so I'm going to install a bolt as seen in another thread. There is no cradle mod done so flat bar bought. Hour gauge does not work, so that gets yanked, and a new Datcon gauge ordered. Starter makes all kinds of noise so that has to be changed out. The front wheel bearings were going so there pulled. The PTO bearing was real rough so the PTO is all apart. The PO did some painting with CC rattle can and has some runs so I'm pretty much going to repaint the whole front clip. So Cub Cadet Specialties, Kirk Engines, and International Cub Cadet Warehouse have got a lot of my money lately along with Ebay and local shops. I thought my 1650 was in pretty good shape but it amazes me what all I cant let go while I have it all apart. My wife told me today she thinks it will never run again......

Sorry to hear that but when you are done it will be good as new!:beer2:

Just stay after it and you'll have a fine machine. I want to go over a 1650 too. That is a nice model you have. Keep us updated with the pics.

You'll have a great machine, once it's done.

I am laughing in recognition of your situation. Hopefully you don't have an itch to customize your cub

Sorry for the breakdown, but now you know it'll be done the right way, less chance of problems in the future.

Money and time WELL spent.

:beerchug:

i couldnt agree more with ya. i bought it to work in the yard. i started looking for a garden tractor that i could run ground engaging implements with. well that was hard to find a new one one that was actually rated to do dirt moving. the best i could find in my price range was a husqvarna at $3000. so anyway it was a good mail day.

got my piston, rings, rod, gasket set, condenser (came with the kit will not be needed) points, stellite valves, rod ends, point saver, fuel bowl, hood strip (dont know if ill use it) side panel things (undecided about using those) battery mat, and steering upgrade.

i need to get the piston and rod to the machine shop to get my parts machined to them. when i get it back i will mic the valve guides to see where they stand. im pretty sure the exhaust will need to be changed out. then back to the shop to get the seats recut.

one of my grease zerks was not taking grease in my front axel. while cleaning it up come to find out one of the sleeves was stuck in place and no place for
grease to flow. still have to drive that one out and see whats up. here are some pics of todays mail haul

Looks like you spent some money with David Kirk also. Nothing like one stop shopping !!

It sounds like you know what you are doing to the engine , did you check the bore/crank for wear before you got the rod/piston ??

Yeah David got some of my cash. I can't wait to use the ball joints. They are super smooth and have a longer thread engagement which is good for me. I only had about 5 threads into my old ones which I didn't feel was much. The kohler parts I got off eBay. The kit without the valves was $275. I found that to be a pretty good price for kohler parts. I actually have no clue what I'm doing with the engine but I'm a machinist so I think I can handle it. I have the factory manual and the Internet. The engine had not been bored but had some nicks from the rod letting loose. .020 will clean it all up. The crank had a lot of aluminum galling but will clean up at .010 under. Ill try to get some lathe time in tonight to make a punch to knock out the spindle sleeve. Also have to turn down the steering column stud thing for the worm gear. Need to make a main bearing instillation tool too.

Eta I need to get my sandblaster together so I can do some parts up. I think I'm going to mount some casters on it so I can roll it out easy to use. The cub has to share parking space with my wife's Lexus and space is a premium.