Only Cub Cadets

PLEASE PATRONIZE OUR SPONSORS!

CC Specialties R. F. Houtz and Sons Jeff in Pa.

P&K Cub Cadet Machtech Direct

Cub Cadet Parts & Service


If you would like to help maintain this site & enhance it, feel free to donate whatever amount you would like to!




Go Back   Only Cub Cadets > Cub Cadets > IH Cub Cadet Tractors (GT)

Notices

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 05-30-2019, 10:17 AM
three4rd three4rd is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: PA
Posts: 401
Default Can rebuilt K-301 be used for mowing right away?

I read the recommended break-in procedure here. Step #3 indicates to "run engine as you normally would" so would that include putting a load on it, i.e. mowing and also that it can be run (and checked) for high rpm speed? Then step #4 refers to "after 5 operating hours"...again....meaning...what? Simply running the engine or using it to work? My 129 was already 8-9 years old when I got it and so I never went through a 'break-in' on one of these motors. Thanks for any advice....
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 05-30-2019, 11:29 AM
Billy-O's Avatar
Billy-O Billy-O is offline
Grand Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 1,889
Default

Cut your grass and kick some ass but change your oil after 5 hours while you are still in break-in period.
__________________
Two 125's and a 124 all with 42" decks
Plow blade
#2 Cart
QA36 snowthower
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 05-30-2019, 12:11 PM
three4rd three4rd is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: PA
Posts: 401
Default

LOL..simple as that, huh? The area I have to mow is not exactly your average lawn. Planning on using the Cub to cut paths in the woods that get overgrown with weeds. I'm doing it all again first with a weedwacker so as to not work the Cub too hard right away. Almost afraid to start it, since the last time I used it (last June) is when the rod broke - was NOT a pleasant sound.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 05-30-2019, 12:22 PM
cooperino's Avatar
cooperino cooperino is offline
Grand Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: New York
Posts: 3,065
Default

Get it cranked up. If it makes you more comfortable run until hot at half throttle with out blades engaged. Shut it down, check for leaks, loose parts, etc.. Once you have done that. Let her rip!
Then of course change oil at 5 hours

PS. If you have not started at all since rebuild, there may be a few final minor adjustments to be made still... High idle, governor, etc
__________________
Cooperino 100, 104,125, 126, 2x129's, 804, 1211, 1641
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 05-30-2019, 12:24 PM
finsruskw finsruskw is offline
Grand Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Iowa
Posts: 3,237
Default

Don't forget to re torque the head bolts after break in
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 05-30-2019, 01:20 PM
three4rd three4rd is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: PA
Posts: 401
Default

So really no need to follow this?

2. Start and run engine at a fast idle for 15 – 30 minutes. Shut down and allow to cool to ambient temperature (takes about 2 hours). Re-torque cylinder head bolts to 30 ft-lb. Failure to do this can possibly result in a blown head gasket in a relatively short period of time.

3. Run engine as you normally would. Do not “baby” or run at slow speeds…keep the rpm up as this provides proper airflow for cooling and assists in ample lubrication.

4. After 5 operating hours, drain crankcase oil while engine is hot. Replace drain plug and refill crankcase with 1.5 quarts of 30 wt. non-detergent oil.

5. After 5 more operating hours, drain crankcase oil while engine is hot. Replace drain plug. Refill with 1.5 quarts of a name-brand, 30 wt. detergent oil (do not use 10W-30, only straight-weight 30).

6. This oil may be run for 25-30 hours before changing, which is the normal change interval for Kohler engines. Always change oil when the engine is hot…this removes more particulates. At 50 operating hours, the engine can be considered fully broken in.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 05-30-2019, 01:27 PM
three4rd three4rd is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: PA
Posts: 401
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by cooperino View Post
Get it cranked up. If it makes you more comfortable run until hot at half throttle with out blades engaged. Shut it down, check for leaks, loose parts, etc.. Once you have done that. Let her rip!
Then of course change oil at 5 hours

PS. If you have not started at all since rebuild, there may be a few final minor adjustments to be made still... High idle, governor, etc
Coop...speaking of carb settings...I find it interesting that there is a discrepancy between the initial low idle setting in the owner's manual (1 turn) compared to the Kohler manual (2.5 turns). Both manuals are the same for high idle (2 turns). Right now I have the low idle screw set at 1 turn. Will be checking the high rpm with a tachometer since the guy who put the engine together for me strongly suggested doing that.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 05-30-2019, 02:24 PM
dodge trucker dodge trucker is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Illinois
Posts: 641
Default

Those are just Starting points, not hard and fast cast in stone settings, they must be tweaked til it runs the best and doesn't stumble especially when going from idle to high speed. Where those screws wind up will differ between machines. And don't be afraid to make slight adjustments as the engine wears in, possibly for weather conditions, etc.

That said, I initially set every carb that I work on to 1-1/4 turns out from seated and go from there. Some need adjusted tighter some looser from there. But I find that to be pretty close for most fresh from the get go.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 05-30-2019, 04:04 PM
three4rd three4rd is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: PA
Posts: 401
Default

At the least, I would think retorquing the head after running the engine for only 15-30 minutes seems a bit sooner than needed (?)
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 05-30-2019, 06:02 PM
cooperino's Avatar
cooperino cooperino is offline
Grand Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: New York
Posts: 3,065
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by three4rd View Post
At the least, I would think retorquing the head after running the engine for only 15-30 minutes seems a bit sooner than needed (?)
No,

It is needed. The first time you get it hot, you will need to re-torque.
You will see that its needed once you put your torque wrench on it. Trust us...
__________________
Cooperino 100, 104,125, 126, 2x129's, 804, 1211, 1641
Reply With Quote
Reply


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:15 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.

Cub Cadet is a premium line of outdoor power equipment, established in 1961 as part of International Harvester. During the 1960s, IH initiated an entirely new line of lawn and garden equipment aimed at the owners rural homes with large yards and private gardens. There were a wide variety of Cub Cadet branded and after-market attachments available; including mowers, blades, snow blowers, front loaders, plows, carts, etc. Cub Cadet advertising at that time harped on their thorough testing by "boys - acknowledged by many as the world's worst destructive force!". Cub Cadets became known for their dependability and rugged construction.

MTD Products, Inc. of Cleveland, Ohio purchased the Cub Cadet brand from International Harvester in 1981. Cub Cadet was held as a wholly owned subsidiary for many years following this acquisition, which allowed them to operate independently. Recently, MTD has taken a more aggressive role and integrated Cub Cadet into its other lines of power equipment.

This website and forum are not affiliated with or sponsored by MTD Products Inc, which owns the CUB CADET trademarks. It is not an official MTD Products Inc, website, and MTD Products Inc, is not responsible for any of its content. The official MTD Products Inc, website can be found at: http://www.mtdproducts.com. The information and opinions expressed on this website are the responsibility of the website's owner and/or it's members, and do not represent the opinions of MTD Products Inc. IH, INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER are registered trademark of CNH America LLC

All material, images, and graphics from this site are the property of www.onlycubcadets.net. Any unauthorized use, reproductions, or duplications are prohibited unless solely expressed in writing.

Cub Cadet, Cub, Cadet, IH, MTD, Parts, Tractors, Tractor, International Harvester, Lawn, Garden, Lawn Mower, Kohler, garden tractor equipment, lawn garden tractors, antique garden tractors, garden tractor, PTO, parts, online, Original, 70, 71, 72, 73, 76, SO76, 80, 81, 86, 100, 102, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108,109, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 147, 149, 169, 182, 282, 382, 482, 580, 582, 582 Special, 680, 682, 782, 782D, 784, 800, 805, 882, 982, 984, 986, 1000, 1015, 1100, 1105, 1110, 1200, 1250, 1282, 1450, 1512, 1604, 1605, 1606, 1610, 1615, 1620, 1650, 1710, 1711, 1712, 1806, 1810, 1811, 1812, 1912, 1914.