I need help with a 3165

[kidwellsped]

Originally Posted by J-Mech

You say it leaks oil...... from the engine? Or the trans? A cracked head could make it leak, but it would make it not run. Unless it's a tiny crack.... But I'm doubting it. Valve cover gaskets are a common leak spot. A cracked head is unlikely.

As far as the no reverse problem, I assume you mean that it doesn't to anything when you push on the pedal? Sounds like a linkage issue.

Hi J-Mech, thank you so much for for responding. The oil looks like it is coming from the left head around the exhaust port. I have put new gaskets on it thinking that might be what is causing the issue but it didn't stop the leak. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,

[Sam Mac]

Originally Posted by kidwellsped

Tom, it works!!!!!!! When I pulled up on the forward pedal the tires started spinning in reverse - I was so happy that I nearly cried! Can you tell me what is wrong with it and how do I fix it. They probably have a video on youtube if you can get me headed in the right direction. Thanks a bunch!!!!!!!

This is a link to Parts Tree showing the linkage that controls the transmission. My guess is that most of the plastic bushing that MTD used are worn out so when step on the pedal all of the movement is taken up by the play in the linkage.
http://www.partstree.com/parts/?lc=c...&dn=0051500004

[kidwellsped]

Originally Posted by Sam Mac

Where are you in NC? Maybe one of the members can give you a hand.

I live in Four Oaks, NC and we have several dealerships here but they charge $70 an hour to work on them. Loading these monsters up is hard, I will be 64 in September, and then you get a bill for a couple hundred dollars after they work on it. I was taking it to them and when my last repair bill was over $600 I said I just can't afford it - I needed a new vacuum to propel the blades and then there was the bill over $200 to replace the bearings and that was just in the past year. I now go to youtube for visual assistance and check for parts online at ebay and other sources as well as attempt to research what might be causing the problems.

You guys have been so helpful because now I have someplace I can go to explain my issue and get some knowledgeable assistance in diagnosing the problem and trying to fix it. That helps bunches - once I know what might be wrong with it helps me in finding parts and videos online. Please keep up the good work and thank you for having this site online for people like me.

[kidwellsped]

Originally Posted by Sam Mac

This is a link to Parts Tree showing the linkage that controls the transmission. My guess is that most of the plastic bushing that MTD used are worn out so when step on the pedal all of the movement is taken up by the play in the linkage.
http://www.partstree.com/parts/?lc=c...&dn=0051500004

Thank you so much Sam. You are a blessing!

[J-Mech]

Do you think maybe you can take a picture and upload it of the oil leak? That would help determine where it might be coming from. If you aren't sure how to upload, here is a link on the site that helps explain it.

[kidwellsped]

Originally Posted by kidwellsped

Hi J-Mech, thank you so much for for responding. The oil looks like it is coming from the left head around the exhaust port. I have put new gaskets on it thinking that might be what is causing the issue but it didn't stop the leak. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,

I put on the rocket cover gasket which is supposed to be the valve gasket - part number bs 806039s and I also put new cylinder gaskets on which is parts number bs 806085s. The garden tractor has two heads-one on the right and one on left and I replaced both sides. do you think it needs a new valve or something like that? It starts and runs but is leaking oil.

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by kidwellsped

I put on the rocket cover gasket which is supposed to be the valve gasket - part number bs 806039s and I also put new cylinder gaskets on which is parts number bs 806085s. The garden tractor has two heads-one on the right and one on left and I replaced both sides. do you think it needs a new valve or something like that? It starts and runs but is leaking oil.

I do not know. I am familiar with the engine, but without seeing it, it's hard to say. A picture of the leak would really help.

[kidwellsped]

Originally Posted by J-Mech

Do you think maybe you can take a picture and upload it of the oil leak? That would help determine where it might be coming from. If you aren't sure how to upload, here is a link on the site that helps explain it.

I sure can. I will take the photo tomorrow and send it to you. Thank you so much.

[kidwellsped]

Originally Posted by kidwellsped

Thank you so much Sam. You are a blessing!

Sam, thanks for the link and when I chatted with cub cadet for the part they gave me a parts number of 741-3074 but it does not say bushings it says
Bearing, Flange. This is what I mean by being confusing - it a bearing flange the same thing as a bushing? Wouldn't it be nice if everyone spoke the same language. lol

Thanks again for your help.

[Chetman]

I'm learning theses machines myself, but like others said the reverse problem is the cheap plastic bushings. My 3205 & others had same issue. You can get the $2 worth of bushings at the dealer for the bargain price of around $30. They can print a diagram to show you where they go. Dealer talked me into the metal bushings too, another $30, but did not need or use and returned.
There's also a neutral adjustment to avoid creeping in neutral. Jack up right side, remove rear wheel and you'll see a round hole forward of the rectangular ones. Loosen with 1/2" socket w/ extension. Carefully start motor, move to full throttle. Move the lever forward or rearward to find neutral. There's a little leeway to favor either forward or reverse too to help increase speed in desired direction. *( the instructions say set park brake & remove brake linkage on right side. However I did not need to do that). Chocking the wheels should be sufficient. The hub with tire removed will spin only.
Again I'm still learning. Texas Tom , Sam Mac , Oak & Jmech are very knowledgable. & would recommend there advice.