Need help with Cub 1641
 

New to the club - just bought a Cub 1641 with Cat 0 3-point hydraulic, 501 hours, all original books and manuals, and even the sales invoice from when it was purchased new.

My problem....
The tractor starts and runs so smooth and quiet it is a dream to listen to and drive. All the hydro works great.
However... Here's the BUT...
Idling it doesn't appear to smoke, full throttle, it smokes some.
When I engage pto, the mower (48" deck) turns a little, doesn't appear to ever reach full speed, but pulls the engine down and will kill the motor in probably less than a minute.
It acts as though the engine does not have enough power to pull the mower. Yet... Driving, operating the lift, nothing else even phases the engine.
I remove the drive belt and engage the pto and it turns just fine.
I can turn all the mower spindles and idler pulleys with my hand, so they appear to be okay...

What is causing this?
Do I need an overhaul, since it does smoke a little?
I suppose my thoughts are that even if the motor needs an overhaul - it should still at least have the power to pull the mower deck while sitting still in the driveway. Especially since it runs and sounds so good, that is - except for a little smoke.

Any thoughts - suggestions?


Thanks in advance...
http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/...books/1641.jpg

Just to get you started, pull the air cleaner element, rev the engine and see if the smoke goes away.

Make sure your choke is opening all the way.

Fred, I'd also check the safety switches under the seat. If they are not engaged fully, they will cause that issue. The 1641 I just got would run great sitting still, but when I let off the brake it would spit spudder and die. Looked under the seat pan, and one of the switches was unhooked. Hooked it back up now no issues at all.

It sounds a lot like one I picked up last year. Turned out someone had been inside that should not have been allowed to use tools. Had an exhaust valve guide that had moved down and it was holding the exhaust valve open, it had 2 bent pushrods, the wrong gaskets on the intake and a cruddy carb.

First thing I would do is while it's running pull one spark plug wire off at a time to see if things change. If both holes are firing you'll notice a change but it should continue to run. If it shut off with one plug but not the other that's a pretty good indication you have a dead hole. Next I'd do a compression test. 1641's are pretty cool tractors. A little TLC and you'll have a good one. Engines are pretty easy to work on. Holler if I can help.:beerchug:

Welcome to OCC! Good luck with your 1641!

X2 on this diagnosis. :beerchug:

Welcome to OCC Fred21!