126 Losing Power???

[Tool Maker]

My 126 runs like a top and uses ZERO oil between changes. But when I back it out of my shed and start driving it up my "steep" back yard she starts losing rpm's before I reach the top. While pushing snow a couple of weeks ago I kind of noticed when I was really pushing a big load. I am no small engine mechanic by any means but hear is my thinking: Using no oil means rings are ok???? I am thinking governor or possibly something else??? I played with the governor once before and got it a little better. You guys have any ideas? My 149 revs up a whole lot higher than my 126 and in my opinion the 126 should rev up higher than the 149. The 149 revs so high at full throttle compared to the 126 the 149 scares me thinking it may blow. I have had the 126 a couple of years now and it never has used a drop of oil but never seemed to rev very high compared to other tractors I have had. I am searching for some possible idea's of things to look at this weekend and any advice or opinions will be greatly appreciated. I am at work and writing this post very fast so please excuse any bad spelling or wording.

[sawdustdad]

I think both engines should rev to the same point--3600 rpms if I'm not mistaken. Only way to tell is with a tach. You can get an optical tach inexpensively and check them both out. If the engine looses power it could be fuel or air restriction when the governor opens the throttle when load increases, or, the governor isn't opening the throttle. Look at the throttle linkage when this happens--if the governor is moving the throttle but the engine doesn't pick up load, then it might be a dirty air filter or a restriction in the fuel supply. That's what I'd be looking at. Others may have more suggestions.

[johncub7172]

You may also have carbon around the intake and exhaust valves. Clean out and start running Marvel Mystery Oil in the gas.

Since your there, see the tec. section and find out how to true up the head, a excellent wright up was just added.

[Tool Maker]

I thought it was 3600 rpm's but I wasn't for sure so i didn't put it in my post. I have "listened" to both of the Father's cubs today and they rev "high" like my 149. I will take a better listen to them tomorrow and look into a tool to actual check the rpm's. I am thinking I may pull the air filter from the 126 tomorrow and try it and see what it does. Then I will dig a little deeper into the governor even though other than seeing if it moves I don't really know what I am looking at. Now when I bought the tractor it was real bad and I made some adjustments to the governor picking up the rpm's a bit which helped a whole lot because I "think" it is still not reving up high enough. I really need to look into a tool. Thanks for your response.

[Tool Maker]

I always run fuel with no ethanol and Marvel's in both my gas and a little pinch in my oil. I use 30wt Rotella motor oil in my Kohler K-Series engines.

[IH Cub Cadet]

I shouldn't think a gear drive 12 hp would have much strain moving the tractor around - unlike when mowing heavy grass or blowing heavy snow.

My 109 (10hp) - the engine on it will come under noticeable load when at half throttle going up a hill - especially if it is cold outside, but the engine is tired and needs a set of rings. It is also hydro and a cold hydro tranny doesn't help.

I agree with the others, check (with a tach) the engine rpms. Decarb the head, new plug and check the points and condenser. Check the timing too.

Good luck,
Bill

[mickb72]

Hello, i think your throttle stop need backed off and throttle cable adjusted to pull on the governer spring harder for more rpms. Mike

[CADplans]

my thinking: Using no oil means rings are ok????

There are two sets of rings;

the oil rings controls oil bypass (oil consumption)

the compression rings controls compression (power)

They can wear out separably or together. It all depends on the conditions.

[ol'George]

You could try going a 1/2 turn richer (CCW) in the main jet just to see what happens, if no change, just turn it back.
It might be running lean.

[Methos]

Frankie's hill is long and steep. Sounds like fuel or carbon problem.