Hydro issue? 149
 

So, I'm running my new to me 149 today and all is well. After going from forward to reverse the lever does nothing when I try go back to forward. The lever feels the same. But nothing happens. I check the deck lift and it doesn't lift.

This is all new to me and I don't even know how to get to the lever behind the dash.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

Bill

It sounds to me like you need to check your spiral pin. If you lost movement and hydraulic lift, then your pump isn't getting power. Pull the tunnel cover and check your drive shaft. Download your service manual from the technical section for further instructions :beerchug:

Edit: BTW, welcome!!

Thank you! I'll take a look tomorrow.

Bill

You were correct. The pin at the engine was missing.

However, when I started the engine I think I found the reason the pin broke.

There is an engine knock that wasn't there before and it seems as though where the drive shaft hooks to the engine (fly wheel?) it has a wobble in the rotation.

So, does this sound like a bad crank in the engine? Or any other ideas?

Again, thanks in advance.

Bill

There is a hub bolted to the fly wheel where the dive shaft couples. This hub is held on by four bolts. Maybe it is loose. Take off the side panels to gain access to this area of the engine to check.

Also, the hub may be worn. The slot where the drive shaft (pin end) is inserted will wallow out over time. This something to look at.

I doubt that the crank shaft is wobbling. If it were me, I would go through and do an engine clean up and tune up. Clean the entire engine, remove and clean or rebuild the carb, check the timing, replace points and condenser if needed, check the coil, check the valve lash, clean or replace the breather element and gaskets, install a new spark plug and wire, install new air filter, check the battery, clean all electrical connections.

Once you get the engine running well, then you can start to go through the hydro and its controls.

Also, go to the technical library section and read up on decarbonizing the engine and replacing the head gasket. Doing these procedures will give you a chance to see the general condition of the cylinder and piston. Once you get the top of the piston clean, you will be able to see if it is standard size or oversized. This will give you some insight on to the repair history of the engine.

Don't forget to change the motor oil. It holds 1.5 quarts. It is very important not to overfill the oil pan.

WHOA! Holy cow man! He was asking about the driveshaft not engine problems!! :bigeyes: No reason to do all that if it's running fine. Let's focus on the problems at hand and not go on a goose chase man.

However you were right on about the hub and shaft being worn. This is more than likely the culprit. Check the hub and the shaft first, let's not get carried away with the motor just yet. If you find the hub is worn, let us know. JeffinPA on here makes new driveshafts.

Thanks to both of you. I'll check out the hub and see how it looks and let you know.

Bill

Well, you know since I'm down there replacing a busted pin on the outside of the engine, I might as well do a motor overhaul......you know, just in case.

ever see the guys with all those absolutely beautiful cub cadets that have been restored to better than new condition???? thats how it started....