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Cub Cadet Rescue

Posted: Mon May 09, 2011 8:52 am
by ozimmerman
Here's the story... I will be spending a month this summer at a summer camp on a farm in northern CA. There is a late 60's era cadet that has not been used for about at least a decade. I would like to try to get it running as a project to do with interested kids. I am going into it assuming that there is nothing major wrong with it, just neglect since they bought a kubota diesel and didn't need the cadet for any work. I will probably need to get an order of parts together prior to arriving since it is located about 45 min from civilization. I was wondering if anyone had any advice about what items to include in my repair order or what to focus on first, etc. Thanks

Re: Cub Cadet Rescue

Posted: Mon May 09, 2011 10:14 am
by Eugene
Knowing nothing more than the information provided in the initial post - I would not purchase anything. First objective would be to do a technical inspection of the Cadet. Compression tests, spark, fuel system, which model, which engine, attachments and their condition, etc..???

There is usually a mechanical reason or two why the Cadet was taken out of service.

Setting for a decade. $50- parts tractor.

Just my opinion.

Re: Cub Cadet Rescue

Posted: Mon May 09, 2011 10:33 am
by Rudi
I kinda agree with Eugene. You need a bit more information on this Cadet before you buy any parts. It would make the process simpler and probably a little better chances of getting it rehabilitated. Can you get hold of anyone close to it that would be able to get the model number of the engine and maybe what model carb is on it? I think the kind of things needed would be a carb rebuild kit for the Kohler, spark plugs, points, condenser and other likely spring tuneup items, couple quarts of 30wt oil, grease, SAE90wt gear lube and fresh gas. Some carb cleaner would be good to be in the toolbox to clean out any built up varnish etc.. Oh, take a copy of the manuals with you on your laptop or hard copy.

Congrats :applause: on coming up with this idea :D I think that is a wonderful project to do with the kids at camp. Instead of make play items on the daily schedule a learning experience such as this might add an element of pleasure to the daily activities schedule. Imagine the look on their faces if they could be part of bringing this cadet back to life :!: :big smile: - Priceless I would think.

Re: Cub Cadet Rescue

Posted: Mon May 09, 2011 11:43 am
by ozimmerman
thanks for the thoughts. Model #'s and the like aren't an issue. I will get all of that from my friend who lives on the farm and runs the camp. I am confident we can at least make it a fun and interesting project. I have seen what my grandfather can do with a briggs and stratton motors from early last century that sat more than 10 years, so I think it is worth the challenge. I figure it will start with alot of cleaning and soaking and take it from there. There is a good chance that the last gas put in it was much lower ethanol, which should help.

Re: Cub Cadet Rescue

Posted: Mon May 09, 2011 3:06 pm
by Eugene
Points file. Feeler gauge. Spark plug. Squirt can of engine oil. Several cans of good spray solvent. Battery. Battery terminal cleaner. Jumper cables. 12 gauge wire for jumpers and to replace old/damaged wire. Pony tank for gasoline with hose to fit carburetor metal fuel line. I would also take a good carburetor. Starting fluid. Container of gas line/carburetor cleaner.

You will probably find that any fuel left in the tank is now gunk. Same with the carburetor. And hopefully there was never any water in the carburetor.

Re: Cub Cadet Rescue

Posted: Sat May 14, 2011 7:46 am
by Froghunter
Zimmerman,

Also ask your friend about the conditions of the tires and tubes. May want to take repair items for the tubes/tires. if they have sat for awhile without air they do crack at the flat spot. Air them up slowly and watch the cracked area while airing, if you get the right amount of air in the tire you have a change of not blowing the side wall......To much air and you will blow the sidewall and need a tire/tube.

Also be careful with the sediment bowl. The screen may need to be cleaned......This is not a problem, but if you break the cork gasket you now have a problem, but it can be fixed by using a bicycle enter tube and cut a new one. When tightening the bowl screw don't over tighten it or you will stop the gas flow.

Good Luck and I think your project is a great ideal. More kids need to know about maintenance and fixing things!

Bill