125 hydro tuning
 

Just got me my first cub cadet last fall and haven't really gotten a chance to mess with it much but wanting to get it ready for the season. Looking for some help or guidelines on how to go about getting it tuned in correctly. Its a cub cadet 125 hydro. It starts up and runs just fine but seems like at low to mid idle it kind of has a miss or something as it shakes the tractor pretty good. And also after you have ran it for a while and go to shut it off it back fires or pop out the exhaust. Just trying to get some info so I can get it in the running shape it needs to be in.

Thanks,
Ben

:HeadScratch:

I am not sure what you mean by "tuned". If your are referring to maintenance, the Hydro Filter and Fluid change would be a good start.

To remove the old fluid, pull the rear cover. Once opened up, clean up the entire rear end before installing the new filter & fluid.

:IH Trusted Hand:

Well just getting the carb set right and such. Is there anything else I should look at motor wise for general maintenance? I was gonna drain the hydro fluid and put new in but didn't know if there was anything else I should look at on the tractor that are common problems or areas to look at.

There is NO tuning to a hydro. There are maintenance items to address and look for. A couple other things to look at, is all the linkages from the Control Handle all the way back to the Cam Bracket. Make sure all the linkages are free and have no slop. Next, check the Trunion arm slot for excessive wear and lastly, the Damper Springs are taught and not worn.

If I understand him right he isn't referring to messing with the hydro unit, I think he was trying to include the information that his 125 is a hydro (which all 125 models are BTW CLE). It sounds like he needs help tuning the motor.

I assume you have done the basics like new spark plug, fresh gas and fresh oil? If you are running 2-3 year old gas that will be the first issue you have.

If it was mine with the backfire issue I would pull the head and do a decarbon on it, new head gasket, adjust the valves and then do the normal tune up.

We did use it around the yard a little bit last year so it does have some fresh gas in it and the oil was changed right before i bought it last fall. It just starts up just fine just didn't know what would make it back fire or pop when you shut it off after you have ran it for a while.

Richard:

It is GOOD to see you posting. :beerchug:

With head off examine the exhaust valve.
I have had many kohlers with "backfire upon shutdown" habits cured with a an exhaust only valve job.

Or perhaps try merely idling down and then turn off after 30 seconds.

You should do that ALWAYS, on any engine. I let mine idle for several minutes before shutting down. Like no less than 5, usually more. They cool down quite a bit idling. Much easier on the engine to cool down slow. Same goes on start up. Doesn't matter if it's the dead of summer. They idle half throttle for at least 5 min before going to work.