Hard starting K241
 

I bought a CC100 about six months ago and have been refreshing it over the summer. Pretty much done with it now, but the engine is a puzzle. I switched it's 10 HP K241 with a good running 106 engine a month ago that runs fine in the 100. I put the problem 100 engine in the donor CC106 and finally got it running this past weekend - by jumping it from my Dodge truck. A normal size garden tractor battery - 300 to 350 CCA - will not turn the engine over. The engine "catches" on the compression stroke and acts like it has a high compression head (which it does not). Once I jumped it with the Dodge, it ran great. A bit of background on this engine: the PO rolled it into a creek (broke his pelvis in the process - that's why I ended up with it). Anyway, I bought it as a non-running project tractor. It had roll over damage to the tin, etc. that I have repaired or replaced.

My question is this - could this engine have a slightly bent crankshaft? Or some other damaged critical engine part like the piston rod, bearings, etc.? I've had the head and the oil pan off and nothing jumped out at me. It confuses me because, while very hard starting, it runs pretty good once it's going. Oh, one other thing. The PO apparently had the starting problem before his wreck because he had modified the battery area to accept a full-size car battery. Hmmm..:bigthink:

Maybe you have a bad S/G ??

:bigthink:

Or the timing is too far advanced, have you set it by the static method?

Is the compression release working?

Roland and George - The S/G is good - I tried it out on the 106 and it's fine. I did a static timing in order to get it going. Might check it again though.

Now that's a thought. Having said that, how do I check it? :)

Pull the valve spring cover off and rotate the engine by hand while watching inside there. If its functioning correctly, you will be able to see the exhaust valve be bumped open just a little bit during the compression stroke.

While you're in there its a good time to check the valve clearances too, as if the exhaust valve clearance is too large the compression release won't work.

Excellent - I have some time tomorrow and I'll give that a try. Thanks, and I'll post some results tomorrow night!

Hopefully, one or more of the earlier suggestions will work! If it doesn't, perhaps it's worth checking that wiring connections are good! Bright and tight! Especially the ground. The engine should be grounded well!

Early IH Cub Cadet 100s did not have a compression release in them. My 100 with serial number 84xxx had a 2 piece cam and no compression release in the engine.