Beginning work on an 1811

[Marlow]

Hello all. As part of my first post, I want to say thanks to everyone participating on this forum for providing all the info needed to help me maintain/repair a 1211 over these last few years (remove engine to replace magneto, r/r driveshaft components, replace engine cradle mounts with new rubber, rebuild steering column, and trouble shoot an electric PTO that would start but not stay engaged). I’m no mechanic just a “tinkerer” on these things but this site has helped a lot. Thank you.

I’m now considering beginning repair work on an 1811 I picked up this past fall. I couldn’t verify running condition but the engine did turn a couple times before battery gave out and it still had green grass clippings all over it indicating it was likely used recently. After getting it home and tinkering a little (some wiring issues will need attention) the engine runs! Hydro transmission and lift all seem to operate as they should. I suspect it has had some head work completed in the past as one side looks newer than the other. Again, I’m no mechanic. It has a very small oil leak that appears to be coming from the drain plug area (someone has installed an iron pipe elbow I assume to ease draining the pan). Hopefully this just needs tightening. The original fuel pump must be bad as it has an electric fuel pump installed. The engine surges slightly until it warms up after a minute or two and then the surging goes away. I suspect fuel pump related (pressure)? I can’t do a compression test yet as I don’t have a gauge. But again, it seems to run fine after warmup, no smoke or odd noises from the engine that I can hear.

The steering play was terrible. After closer inspection, was mostly due to a loose bolt securing the side plate to the column. I removed the column any way for a tear down and found it needed a set of lower bearings I was able to replace with parts left over from the rebuilt column of the 1211. I haven’t reinstalled yet but I think the steering issue is fixed. I plan to get the deck on when mowing season starts and see how it does under load before doing much else with it at this point. It has @ 1400 Hrs run time according to the meter. Worst case, I’ll keep it running with minimal investment and use it for parts if it dies.

After some attempts at searching through pictures of wheel weights, I’ve been unable to locate any similar to the center weights on this tractor. I am wondering if the centers of these wheel weights are original Cub Cadet, aftermarket or DIY? Any help would be appreciated. Oh, and I sense that many on this forum like pictures so here are a few:

[CadetTommy]

You'll have fun using that one, the 1811 is a great working tractor. The center wheel weights look like a custom job to me.

[R Bedell]

First, welcome to OCC.......

I agree, the square center wheel weights are either foreign (different brand) or custom made.

As far as the surging, I would be looking at the Carb.

[crazycubtrio]

Welcome, I agree about the 1811 being a great worker as we have had several over the years. One thing I’ve found after tuning, adjusting, swapping carbs and tuning some more that if the Kohler twins idle near perfect and rev strong up to full throttle it is near impossible to have them not surge a little cold or running somewhere mid throttle with a little bit of sputtering. As far as the surging when cold try leaving the choke knob out about a third to a quarter of the way until it warms up some.

[ACecil]

Welcome to OCC! Nice 1811, you have there!

[Marlow]

Originally Posted by CadetTommy

You'll have fun using that one, the 1811 is a great working tractor. The center wheel weights look like a custom job to me.

Hello CadetTommy, I have read more than a few times how nice the 1811 is. I’m looking forward to running it this season. I removed the weights last night and yes, they appear custom made, A very well done fab. The centers come in at 30lbs, outers are 25lbs.

[Marlow]

Originally Posted by R Bedell

First, welcome to OCC.......

I agree, the square center wheel weights are either foreign (different brand) or custom made.

As far as the surging, I would be looking at the Carb.

Thank you for the welcome and advice RBedell. Yes they are a custom fab (see my response to CadetTommy above). I’ll run it for a while under load and see what happens with the surging over time.

[Marlow]

Originally Posted by crazycubtrio

Welcome, I agree about the 1811 being a great worker as we have had several over the years. One thing I’ve found after tuning, adjusting, swapping carbs and tuning some more that if the Kohler twins idle near perfect and rev strong up to full throttle it is near impossible to have them not surge a little cold or running somewhere mid throttle with a little bit of sputtering. As far as the surging when cold try leaving the choke knob out about a third to a quarter of the way until it warms up some.

Hello crazycubtrio. I will try the choke adjustment and see what happens. I’m in the process of removing the firewall and other panels for cleaning purposes for now. Currently the choke and throttle cables are routed in such a way making them tough to operate. I’m going to see about better routing when I reassemble.

[Marlow]

Originally Posted by ACecil

Welcome to OCC! Nice 1811, you have there!

Thank you for the welcome ACecil. If it runs well for me after working all the bugs out I may consider some paint work on it making it even nicer.