Newbie with questions about my 1250

nailpounder · #1 02-18-2013, 11:15 PM

Greetings from the left coast where CCs are scarce. 9 months ago I saw this one in a CL add that called it a "vintage IH lawn tractor" or something like that. He didn't know how old it was or what model. When I got to his place it was parked under some scrub oaks with a layer of decomposing leaves on it, 3 flat rotten tires and some misc. tin under the leaves on the ground. He couldn't get it to start or even turnover. The battery under the seat was long dead and he had rigged up some 12 gauge solid wire to the posts with battery clamps on the ends. He then used a fullsize battery sitting on top of the right fender strapped to the seat. Anyway, I walked around the thing not sure what it was and whether I should buy it for the $300 he was asking. After awhile of hemming and hawing or something like that he dropped his price to $200 and I reluctantly agreed to buy it. Next day I dragged it into a borrowed trailer with a come-along and dropped it off next to my garage where it sat until a month ago.

I had cleaned it up a little and made an attempt to get it to fire but gave up on it until last Friday. I rebuilt the carb and installed the coil and a new condenser, checked the points and plug gap. Jumped the terminals on the starter relay under the dash and she fired. Did it again and she was running! Just for grins decided to move the hydro lever and the one full tire spun! Holy cow! Quickly rigged up the battery on the fender, filled the rotten tires and we were movin'. Yippee, never thought I would see the day that this thing move under it's own power. I have determined that it is a 1250 since it is hydro with a 12hp Kohler and it has the side covers, though they aren't installed. Some previous owner ditched the original muffler and the front ducting and removed the side covers. If you have read this far thanks, I will move on to some questions. The first picture was on Friday, the second one was tonight.

nailpounder · #2 02-18-2013, 11:32 PM

So I got it running but I was noticing some racket from the front of the engine, the dipstick was jumping around and there was oil sprayed under the hood. Pulled the dipstick and there was tons of blow-by. Is it possible to do the rings and hone the cylinder without a total tear-down? Is there a source for a new fuel tank shutoff valve that doesn't cost $35?

The engine was held down with one remaining bolt. The bushing metal sleeves are wasted, is there a source for new ones? Does anyone sell an "improved" engine mount or do I have to build my own?

The hydro had less than a gallon of fluid in it and it smells a lot like gear oil. It seemed to run great! Besides a fluid and filter change is there anything else I should do to it besides a total rebuild?

And then there's tires. I want to put the lug ag type tires on it. Are Deestones any good? Any other recommendations on brand? I'm on a severe budget unfortunately.
Thanks

Yosemite Sam · #3 02-19-2013, 12:57 AM

Welcome to OCC. Congradulations on your first Cub Cadet.

If you are sure it is blow-by have a machine shop that you trust check your engine bore, and see what they recommend. A bad rubber seal on the dipstick or a number of other things can cause the same symptoms.

Read this http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ead.php?t=4630

Check with our sponsors for your parts needs.

In my opinion I don't think you will find a better tire for the money than the "Deestones". Not that they are the best on the market... Just a darn good tire for the price.

Be sure to check your drive line from the drive cup on the flywheel to the coupler on the transmission for wear and damage (if your motor mounts were badly worn there could be damage there).

Also check the holes in the oil pan where they mount to the engine cradle, sometimes they will be broken clear through the bottom of the pan.

There are TONS of information here in the tech section, and the people here are pretty friendly if you have any questions.

Thanks for the pictures and keep us updated.

Cubcrazy · #4 02-19-2013, 06:30 AM

ACecil · #5 02-19-2013, 01:07 PM

Welcome to OCC! Congrats on your 1250 and getting it running.

OldSchool81 · #6 02-19-2013, 07:25 PM

Welcome to OCC.

TheSaturnV · #7 02-19-2013, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nailpounder

Is there a source for a new fuel tank shutoff valve that doesn't cost $35

How about seven dolla?

It's the sediment bowl type as well, double check it will fit your tank. If not, the same site had other options for less than $3. Make sure you stock up on points, condenser, plugs and air filters to round out the flat $9 shipping fee.

http://tewarehouse.com/7-02350

nailpounder · #8 02-20-2013, 12:44 AM

Thanks for the welcome!

Pretty sure it's blow-by, lots of warm oil laden air blowing out the dipstick tube. I need to keep the repair "in house" due to budget constraints. There's no crosshatch on the cylinder wall and there's some very fine vertical scratches. Given the condition of the air filter, literally disintegrating, I was surprised it ran at all. I'd really like to do a diesel re-power but thats not in the budget. Out here mowing season is short unless you irrigate and I don't have enough water to do that. So it's not going to get heavy use like it would in other parts of the country and I would like to get it together and usable quickly.

As far as the fuel tank valve, I don't think there's room for the sediment bowl and with it torn apart I can't figure out if it will fit now! I'd put new o-rings in the one I have except it doesn't have a pull knob on it.

Methos · #9 02-20-2013, 10:43 AM

The yellow fever is setting in fast!

nailpounder · #10 02-24-2013, 01:58 AM

Yellow fever is expensive! Ordered some parts last night from CubClassics and Patton Acres plus I have front wheel bearings waiting for me at NAPA. The missus is wondering how much this is gonna cost! Oh..... enough! Good thing they are hard to find around here, otherwise I could see them accumulating on my 6.75 acres.