123 Hydro Cub

trickyphish · #1 03-06-2017, 05:51 PM

Picked up an old Cub 123 Hydro yesterday. Is there anything I should do before I put a battery in it and start messing around? It hasn't been started or messed with for many years. Picked it up from a girl cleaning out grandpa's barn. Not sure of the year, but I'm anxious to see what it can do.

john hall · #2 03-06-2017, 08:34 PM

Sometimes I first crank stuff that has been sitting a long time just to see how it runs before I change oil, but I don't run it long at all--maybe just a minute or two. Obviously make sure it has enough oil in it. Certainly check for mouse nests that may could cause a fire. If the fuel tank wasn't left nice and dry, I'd rig up an auxiliary tank to see how it ran. Once I hear one run then I start fixing and cleaning up all the issues.

trickyphish · #3 03-06-2017, 09:14 PM

Thanks John. I'm not certain but it looks like it was pulled out of the barn and sat outside all winter. The tank has some old gas in it. Think I'll drain it and check the plug before I fire it up. Picked up a battery at Wally World so tomorrow after work I'm going to play around with it. Kind of excited. Always wanted an old sturdy tractor to mess around with. Been through several lower end riders and they never last long. I expect them to do more than they are capable of most likely.

john hall · #4 03-06-2017, 09:24 PM

Make sure you have a supply of clean gas going to the carb, or you may get to take the carb apart. If it has been sitting outside (moisture exposure) I'd probably change oil in it, holds about a qt, maybe a little more. Once you get it running and assuming the engine seems solid, then I'd change oil again. Consider the first oil change a $4 engine flush.

J-Mech · #5 03-06-2017, 09:37 PM

First off, Welcome to OCC!

Second, I moved this thread to the proper section. The 123 is a IH built Cub.

Third:
I'd do a very loooooong list of things before I try to start any machine that has been sitting who knows how long, that I know nothing about. I wouldn't suggest just throwing a battery in and cranking on it. I'd check everything out first, and drain ALL the fluids and change the hydro filter before I tried starting it. Hell.... I'd pull the head while I had the motor out cleaning the mouse nest out of the blower housing. I'd be shocked beyond belief if it didn't have one after sitting in a barn for years.

trickyphish · #6 03-06-2017, 10:06 PM

I guess I better get some oil and a filter before I get too jumpy. Appreciate the insight.

Cub Cadet 123 · #7 03-06-2017, 10:27 PM

The 123 came out as a 1967 cub cadet. It was the very first hydrostatic transmission on a cub cadet that IH put out, so you have a great find on your hands......a real piece of history. It was also featured in a traveling circus (see photos).

I usually just check for mice nest in the engine tins, check the oil and put some new fuel in/drain old out and then put a battery in to see if it fires up. As soon as it does (if it does), then I shut it down and then start replacing filter, possibly had gasket, rebuild carb, etc. once I know that the engine doesn't need rebuilt or she doesn't need major work.

Congratulations on your first real garden tractor purchase!! The 123 was one of the last all metal cubs (aside from the seat and steering wheel cap, that IH produced.

Cub Cadet 123

Terry C · #8 03-06-2017, 10:56 PM

Reviving an old tractor is my favorite part of this hobby.
What was mentioned in others posts is good advice.
Congrats on the 123.

I'm glad you asked this question cause it's good one and shows you care.

jaynjeep · #9 03-06-2017, 11:23 PM

Welcome to the OCC forum.. Lots of nice guys here to help with tons of knowledge!

The 123 is a great model! If you get it worked up into good condition It will serve you well for the rest of your life! The last model with the all metal dash.. after that they started introducing fiberglass and plastic dashes!

Have fun with it and keep us all posted! We like pictures!!

johncub7172 · #10 03-07-2017, 12:38 AM

Nice to have you! Welcome to OCC!

Along with all the tid-bits of history and information given about your 123, the 123 was part of the same series line up that were the first to incorporate a safety starting switch, imagine that! The model 123 was released "late" in the series line up, much like the wide frame model 169 was.

I have to agree, because of past experience that there sure could be a mouse hotel on top of the fly wheel in the blower housing. I'd also determine compression, because with out that, you'r just wasting your time trying to start it. If you know for FACT the 123 has been sitting for years and years, don't start it. Check any and all vital signs, and pull the head to get a visual of the valves and piston, turning the starter pulley by hand and watching. As long as you got that, its going to run.

Good tips here as mentioned!