When did Cub Cadet start using thread sealer on bolts?
 

I bought a used 3000 series Cub Cadet rear Transmission/Differential assembly (Part # 618-3235) and when I examined the inside of it the four 3/8-24 x 2.25 bolts (part # 710-1254) had loosened and caused damage to the 54 tooth bevel gear (part # 717-3449). When I ordered new parts for it I noticed that the replacement bolts now have a sealer (Loctite?) on the threads that lock the bolts in place.

Does anyone know if these locking bolts were used on the assembly line or are they just used for repair work?

If they were used on the assembly line does anyone know when Cub Cadet started using bolts with this sealer? I also have a Cub Cadet GT3200 that I am very concerned about because of this type of failure. The s/n of it is 1F146G10029 and the DOM is 6/2006.

Thanks

They used thread sealer on the trans housing bolts all the way back to the beginning of CCC. The first aluminum housings they built used the sealer.

I'm fairly certain it is sealer, and not lock tite. It seals, not locks.

The failure you speak of is a common issue the the 3K series machines. You have to keep and eye on it.

When did Cub Cadet start using thread locking sealer on internal differential bolts?
 

How am I supposed to “keep an eye on it” when it is inside of the cast iron housing? Yesterday I did drain the fluid and inserted a bore scope through the fill hole. The best I could see using this method were the head of one of the 3/8-24 x 2.25 bolts (part # 710-1254) and a portion of the face of the 54 tooth bevel gear (part # 717-3449). The bolt was in the proper position and the face of the bevel gear showed no damage. Also, the drained fluid had no metal filings so this was also a good indicator that nothing was rubbing so far.

I also have a Cub Cadet Model 3240 (Year 2001 40th Anniversary Edition) and although I have not yet dismantled it the drive system quit working and I suspect that it was caused by the 3/8-24 x 2.25 bolt (part # 710-1254) failure so I don’t think that they were using bolts with thread locking sealer back that far.

What I really would like to know is does my GT3200 have thread locking sealer on the 3/8-24 x 2.25 bolts (part # 710-1254) from the factory?

They didn't use thread lock, they used sealer. Not the same thing. So I guess the answer is no, they didn't.