HDS-2185 Project

[Merlin2014]

I’ll start with a little background information. I have been looking for a replacement for my aging SLT-1554 for several years now. I have posted about several of my adventures with the SLT and of my plans for a replacement mower. Between being slow on the draw and just all around procrastinating too much I finally acquired a 2185, that runs and the transmission functions properly but the deck is junk. Yesterday I located a 48 inch deck in reasonable shape at a decent price so I bought it and the seller through in a rusty but complete 2518. I’m currently in the process of doing a tune-up and changing all the fluids on the 2185. Wow, that Cub Cadet trans fluid is kind of pricy but I want to start with everything as fresh as I can make it so the trans is getting fresh fluid and filter. Once I’m through with the 2185 tractor I’ll checkout that mower deck from the 2518 and make sure all the moving parts are in good repair and get new belts. Ok, now for the questions. What is the simplest way to change the ignition coils on a CH18S engine? I replaced them on my old SV740S as they were a breeze but this horizontal engine appears to be lot more involved with actually getting to them so how does everyone do it. Also, the 2518 has the cast iron transmission and though I have pulled the release lever it will not roll backwards. Forward is no problem but seems to want to ratchet when pushed backwards. It will move a few inches backward then stop but if you rock it forward just the least little bit you can hear a click then it will roll backwards a little more. Is this trans toast or is this something that can be easily repaired? I appreciate everyone’s assistance with these questions and rest assured there will be many more to come. Thanks!

[Sam Mac]

Pull the engine to change the coils/ mags. Are you sure you need to replace them? No idea why the other one won't roll, could be a linkage problem or something inside the rear.

[Merlin2014]

Sam Mac, thanks for the reply. I didn’t see any way to do it without pulling the engine but thought you experts might have developed some method other than what I was seeing. I had it running the other day and got bit a little when I touched one of the plug wires so figured they probably needed replacing. As for the trans issue I jacked the rear of it up this afternoon and the wheels will easily spin in either direction I turn them but as with a non-posi auto they turn in opposite directions when I spin one. But on the ground it really doesn’t want to roll backwards.

[guyina4x4]

you'll want to pull the engine anyway to clean out all the crap that's under the engine tins. if it hasn't been out before you will also find some oil leaks.

you shouldn't be touching the plug wires on a running engine, you'll likely get bit. which means your coils are working fine.


I'm not sure about your 2518, though I recently had a similar experience with my MTD and it turned out to be the brake dragging in reverse.

[Merlin2014]

So, I’m understanding that my coils and wires are fine? I had always heard from my old hot-rod friends that when the plug wires deteriorated to the point of biting you then they needed changing. But cool, I’ll run these a while longer. I appreciate the tip about the brake dragging I’ll be sure to get that checked out. I sure hope it is something that simple. Thanks to all for your input!

[Cannon51]

I recommend that you go buy a couple of these. https://www.harborfreight.com/90-In-...ker-69023.html I got 2 of them a few years ago and consider it $10 well spent.
Cannon

[Merlin2014]

Guy, great call on the dragging brake, that’s exactly what the problem was. I went out today and got it adjusted up and now it rolls backwards just as well as it rolls forward. Thanks
Cannon, every time I see someone link to one of those I think to myself that I need to get one but seems like anytime I’m out somewhere that sells them I forget to grab one. Hopefully this will motivate me to actually pick one up. Thanks