Engine mount torque on 1200 QL

[bkw3614]

I left about 1/4 inch of the bolts showing above the nylock nuts, about the same as two threads...using the original bolts. But this is with the real $20/ea. IH iso mounts.

I think you are taking the correct path. Leaving two threads showing on each ISO-mount. You will need to check to see how tight each bolt is; as you use the machine and the mounts 'wear in.' Tighten the mounts as you see fit, and see what works best to eliminate as much vibration for your engine and tractor. They are all a little bit different. The genuine Cub Cadet mounts are an excellent design.

I hope you did the suggested engine cradle modification. That modification stabilizes the engine cradle. I don't think steel mounts would work as well. Steel transmits vibration and rubber absorbs it.

It seems to me that you are doing all the right things.

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by bkw3614

I don't think steel mounts would work as well. Steel transmits vibration and rubber absorbs it.

So all the other Cub Cadets models that have solid mounted engines aren't built as good? It seems to me that we have more issues with the rubber mounted QL motors with coming apart, breaking oil pans, losing bolts, breaking 3 pin drivers, and just generally vibrating themselves to death when the other tractors seem to be fine. I think that rubber mounted engine is the worst design ever. I have a 1050. It has a Mag 10 (basically a K241) It has a completely different engine cradle/mounting system that uses rubber. It doesn't rock, sway of move a bit. It's a much better design that what the QL's used. But, if it ever gives me any grief, it's getting solid mounted too.

[sawdustdad]

Hey, Jonathan, didn't they take the balance gears out of the engines when they went to the iso mounts? Perhaps that was the trade off?

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by sawdustdad

Hey, Jonathan, didn't they take the balance gears out of the engines when they went to the iso mounts? Perhaps that was the trade off?

I believe that is correct. I don't know when Kohler quit the balance gears.

Yes, the balance gears are heavy on one side, but they are not very large. Lots of engines have balance shafts/gears in them. I've taken them out of various engines. I can't see any difference in motors with or without them. The guys who say they can it's more than likely in their imagination. I'm sure that if you did a vibration analysis with a machine that they make a difference, but it really was more to help engine harmonics than driver comfort.

As for the QL's and their engine mounting system...... they were the only cub with that particular system. A good sign that is wasn't one of IH's best ideas.