Relief Valve Issues On A 149!
 

My 149 relief valves are stuck in the up position. I've sprayed them with PB blaster and cleaned around them good---I didn't use any dental tool to do any fine detailing, though. I was wondering if I should try some vice grips to turn them to help free them up before getting some blaster around them or if I am able to tap them free with a hammer. My concerns are marring them with the vice grips or getting them locked in the down position by tapping them with the hammer. Any advice is appreciated!! Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Cub Cadet 123

Your concern about marring the stem button is justified.

I would remove the suspect valve(s) and place in the container of a solvent solution and let them soak for a period of time. Once that time has passed, then you could place the valve in a vise and tap the button down and from under, through the holes, push it back up until the movement is free.

Of course, you could always replace the Manual Relief Valve with the newer Automatic type.

Thanks Roland......the problem has kind of solved itself and in a rather strange way I might add. Of course I soaked themin PB Blaster for a while, but that wasn't the fix. Yesterday I pressure washed the cub for the first time since I had it (probably the first time in its life!) and I was extremely careful around the engine area, but somehow that fixed the relief valves, too. I've never heard of just giving the cub a bath to fix the relief valves.....but I can't argue with the results!! Thanks for the advice and your time in addressing my concern!!:Thanks:

Cub Cadet 123

Goes to show ya you should take better care of your tractors. I was gonna suggest what R Bedell had but it looks as though you have it figured out.