Brought home Cub Cadet 125

[sir_lancealot]

Originally Posted by Cougar281

Here is the deck. It measures 48" from edge to edge. I haven't measured blade tip to blade top, so my guess of 44" cut may have been off, but it's definitely 48" from edge to edge.

That is a 42" deck, most likely it is the 422 model. Here is the link to the parts breakdown if you need anything for it:

http://www.cubcadet.com/equipment/AR...6-A/0062660004

[Cougar281]

Originally Posted by olds45512

These engines have a compression release to help them start easier, they will read low doing a compression test.

According to page 1-7 of the service manual, Method No 3:

Checking with gauge on electric start engine. Crank engine electrically in normal manner. Engine will reach a high enough r.p.m. range to disengage A.C.R. and will then slow down slightly. Normal reading should then be obtained. If reading is below 100 p.s.i., recheck manually using method No. 2.


So the ACR 'shouldn't' be an issue with the electric start engine.

Now, I haven't re-checked using method No 2, partially because I haven't had the time yet, and partially because how would you wind a rope on the flywheel pulley and crank it in reverse?

But I'd say there's plenty of blowby, so I'm not exactly optimistic that compression is anywhere near optimal.

[Terry C]

Take off the S/G belt and move the PTO arm out of the way. That's where the rope goes.
I think it doesn't matter cause you are determined to rebuild the engine.
There is no point to a compression test if you don't at least check the head gasket. It's a common thing that gives trouble. It only takes a little while and gives a chance to scrape the carbon and inspect the valves and cylinder.
But it's your machine so do what you see fit.

[Cougar281]

Originally Posted by Terry C

Take off the S/G belt and move the PTO arm out of the way. That's where the rope goes.
I think it doesn't matter cause you are determined to rebuild the engine.
There is no point to a compression test if you don't at least check the head gasket. It's a common thing that gives trouble. It only takes a little while and gives a chance to scrape the carbon and inspect the valves and cylinder.
But it's your machine so do what you see fit.

Well, I wouldn't say 'determined' lol. You may well be right about the HG, but at the same time, there is a significant amount of blowby jetting out of the vent on the side of the engine, so that indicates that for one reason or another, combustion gasses are getting into the crankcase, most likely more than there should be, and it does smoke a bit. So odds are it needs more than just a HG.