My 123 project

kuleinc · #1 02-05-2016, 11:27 PM

Hi all, I'm back!

Got my head sanded flat with the glass trick, got the head back on with a new gasket.

I currently have the breather off to check the valve clearances and the carb is off for rebuilding.

I ended up putting a new bushing on the carb shaft as it was very loose and part of the problem the head gasket went. The other reason the head gasket went is likely because the head and cylinder fins were super clogged with dirt. Cleaned all that out.

I went on a shopping spree with westfall and ordered a bunch of stuff.

One of the parts I ordered that my 123 did not have was a carb spacer. Couple of questions about that. Should I use a carb spacer, is there an advantage or disadvantage to using it? If I use it do I need any base carb gaskets or is it the only gasket you need?

I'm Pretty sure I am going to get some AG bar rear tires and weights for traction going up my levy for mowing and pulling a trailer to haul stuff up to the third floor of my house (as opposed to carrying it up through multiple stair wells). My rear tires are firestones and are in serviceable condition. I also still need to get it running and get the mower deck on it, and fix a bunch of small things, including adding lights. Which brings me to the front tires. You can see the tubes coming through them!

This works fine for pushing it around my garage while I work on it, but it needs new front tires ASAP. No experience here other than having turfs on the front of my craftsman mower. I don't find the steering particularly difficult. I do find on my craftsman mower sometimes when I'm turning sharp (it turns MUCH sharper than the cub, tires practically go sideways) and I go into a little depression or over a bump, the front end kinda binds? This may be a non issue on the cub, as it doesn't turn anywhere near as sharp, but my lawn is fairly bumpy and if there is a certain tire that causes this I want to stay away. Id there any kind of front tire I should be looking for? mostly going to be mowing, towing a trailer, and maybe moving dirt with tiller and rear blade? Not sure what else I can find a use for the tractor for... I don't have a farm...

Rmowl · #2 02-06-2016, 02:40 PM

Check out morrow tire out of slater, MO. Pretty nice guy to do business with. These are the tri rib 4.00x8 I put on my 126. I liked them so much I got a set for my 124 and 102, it's like having power steering. They are the only ones I have seen that the middle rib is higher like on big tractors.

kuleinc · #3 02-07-2016, 09:55 PM

After three days of trying and adjusting, I finally got it to start reliably! PO put a no name spark plug in it and it wasn't always sparking! I'm so happy with this 123, its a hundred times better than my craftsman YT3000! The rear tires are not agressive, and it goes right up the levy, even with the trailer behind it loaded with groceries and my kid!

We rode around on it all day, it was so much fun! Wife and kid ride in my agrifab 4 wheel trailer...

Any ideas on lights for it other than a super expsenive set of stock ones? I drive it a night at least once a week...

Also, the front PTO clutch, if I grab it, it wiggles in the pulley basket... is this normal or is it worn out? I need to get this sorted out before my mower deck gets here.

I'm so happy with this tractor! My neighbor has a JD X595 or something, three cylinder diesel. We raced and his takes off faster (cuz mine spins the tires, his is 4wd) but mine has a slightly higher top speed, and I slowly caught up to him and passed him!

Terry C · #4 02-07-2016, 10:12 PM

Glad you are enjoying your 123. Top speed has always been a International Harvester thing, even an old Farmall M was pretty fast for an old tractor.

kuleinc · #5 02-13-2016, 03:54 PM

Just got my wheels back from the powder coater, can't wait to get the new tires on!

Mower deck was shipped friday as well with a mule drive, so that should hopefully be here next week!

I'll try to upload some pics!

Cub Cadet 123 · #6 02-14-2016, 03:16 AM

Top speed on a 1967 cub cadet 12hp 123.....8.5 mph

Top speed on my 2008 cub cadet commercial zero turn......8.5 mph

Never change a winning strategy!

Glad you are enjoying that 123. One of the finest cubs IH made. My favorite for many reasons, but mostly because the lack of fiberglass and plastic, if you change out the original seat that is....

Cub Cadet 123

kuleinc · #7 02-14-2016, 12:42 PM

Speaking of the seat! Mine is in ok shape, but is just fiber glass, no cushion, no cover. Any recommendations for a replacement seat that is more comfortable? I didn't realize how nice the one is on my craftsman mower, until I drove the 123 around a bit! One sore booty!

Also, any info on what size tire valve stem the rear wheels take would be great! I prefer a metal one over rubber, I find the rubber ones get old and leak before the tires wear out...

ACecil · #8 02-15-2016, 01:46 PM

Keep up the good work on your 123!

kuleinc · #9 02-15-2016, 04:56 PM

Just finished mounting the rear tires today, not rounded or bulgy at all. I went with the 10.5 wide tire on the 8 inch wide rim. Carlisle tru powers...

zippy1 · #10 02-16-2016, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kuleinc

Speaking of the seat! Mine is in ok shape, but is just fiber glass, no cushion, no cover. Any recommendations for a replacement seat that is more comfortable? I didn't realize how nice the one is on my craftsman mower, until I drove the 123 around a bit! One sore booty!

Also, any info on what size tire valve stem the rear wheels take would be great! I prefer a metal one over rubber, I find the rubber ones get old and leak before the tires wear out...

Where did you come up with this thought?