Flooded Cub 126

lagerboy · #1 12-01-2011, 06:22 PM

Hey guys,
Let me start off by saying thanks to the wealth of info on this site. Not sure what I would know without it.
Ok back in early September, central PA was hit with tropical storm Lee that dropped 26" of rain in 36 hours where I live. Being a career fireman, I still volunteer at my local firehouse when I can find the time. During the storm, I helped rescue people from their roofs and such. After the water receeded, I countinued to help with clean up. During the clean up, we helped an older gentleman out that had a Cub 126 in his garage. The 126 was under water for about 3 plus days and then sat in the musky garage for another month. Well, the gentleman called me and asked if I would remove it from his garage and he wanted me to have it. With that being said, I got it home to my garage and I would like to see if I can get it to run/move. Any help with what I should do before I attempt to fire and move it? Anything that could be ruined or need rebuilt?

No pictures yet as I havent had the chance since I buried it in the back and forgot.

Methos · #2 12-01-2011, 06:52 PM

Congrats! Get a look at all of the fluids. When or if you find water in them you'll have to replace them but with the motor you'll have to open it up and see if it moves freely and how much damage has been done to it.

Vince_o · #3 12-01-2011, 08:17 PM

Im with Duke. Paul Bell once posted pics from, I think it was the Johnstown flood, and the lo Boys were standing on their nose's from the ballon tires making them float, kinda cool to see.

Anyway Id drain the eng oil and fill the plug hole with MMO for a week or so. Then try to move it, or better yet if the eng has watter in it, pull the pan and head and see how bad it is.

Ive heard of guys putting wet raggs in the bore to act as hash marks. I wouldnt think it worked.

Cub Cadet 123 · #4 12-01-2011, 08:19 PM

Aside from the fluids, you will also want to check the wiring, especially the connections for possible corrosion. I would remove the bolts grounding it and lightly sand them with 220 grit to clean them up, pull and replace the plug, replace the air cleaner, rebuild the carb (the bowl is probably full of water), pull the coil and turn it upside down in case there is water in it (or you could replace it), grease up all fittings (grease zerks) with some new grease, and check the tires to see if they have taken in any water that may rust the rims before and if you need to inflate any tires. I'm sure others might add to this list.....but congratulations on acquiring the 3rd most rare cub!! Looking forward to seeing your pics!!

Cub Cadet 123

Merk · #5 12-01-2011, 08:27 PM

Another area to look at is the rear end. The shifter acts like a vent. Odds are the trans/rear end is full of water and oil.

jbrewer · #6 12-01-2011, 08:30 PM

That should be saveable.... I'd drain the fluids if you've not already done it, and shoot the inside (thru spark hole, etc) with WD (Water Displacement) 40 or some Stabil storage oil to prevent (more) oxidation.

I'd get the air compressor fired up and get ready to blow everything out.

John

PS: Pictures are really popular here! :-)

Cub Cadet 123 · #7 12-01-2011, 08:49 PM

That S/G is going to need to come apart, too. I've never known one to be water tight! You might as well put some new paint on it while you are doing your full blown resto......

Cub Cadet 123

Sugarmaker · #8 12-01-2011, 10:16 PM

I can see a 126 resto thread coming to OCC forum soon!
Good luck with the submerged Cub should make a great story.
Regards,
Chris

ol'George · #9 12-02-2011, 07:13 AM

I went through this 30+ years ago.
What I found was the water contained mud and mud is abrasive.
I took everything apart, motors/transmissions/gear boxes etc.
If it had water in it, it came apart and I cleaned it.
You will be amazed @ the mud/crud inside of things.
@ this point the minor rust that has formed on/in bearings will not hurt, but you have to get water out of sealed bearings, because they aren't "sealed"
Be glad this is the only thing you are working on, I had many pieces of equipment to do on the farm.
Take your time and you will be rewarded by long life of your tractor.

truckntran · #10 12-02-2011, 09:10 PM

At least it wasn't salt water.. The fresh water flooding is kinda like outdoor storage over a long time. Just go thru it like you would if it had been neglected for a decade or so.

Pretty much drain, dismantle, clean, and reassemble. New parts where needed and practical, especially electrical stuff and bearings/seals/gages. The faster you get that dirty water out of everything the less you will have to spend.

I recently acquired a flooded vehicle from Katrina, nobody did anything with it since Katrina and it is almost completely rotted thru in many areas. Your cub will fare a LOT better.