1972 Cub Loboy 154

[VMBanner]

Folks, I have a complete Cub Loboy with a belly mower that I picked up on the cheap from a local farmer. I had to replace a few body panels and battery box support. Now that I have a battery hooked up, I'm getting nothing. I haven't really started to work on it yet but wanted to see if anyone could provide some insight. The wiring looks unmolested. Does this model have issues with the key switch, solenoid, starter generator? Can I run power to the generator and get it to turn over? If so, how? I think I may have a pretty good project in front of me as the engine feels like it's lacking compression. If I can spin it over, at least I could do a quick compression test.

Thanks folks. This tractor will be perfect for my 7 acres.

[outdoors4evr]

Start by cleaning the battery and wiring connections. Particularly, the ground connection.
Since you replaced the battery box and some other sheet metal, you might want to make sure that your ground connections are clean, paint free, and well connected.

[staninlowerAL]

Does this model have issues with the key switch, solenoid, starter generator? Can I run power to the generator and get it to turn over? If so, how?

Check manuals above for wiring diagram for 154, this link should take you there. http://www.farmallcub.com/[ Sorry, direct links to manual section is not allowed. ]/downloa ... 011-73.pdf Any of the items that you listed can be at fault. Also check ground, the ground to sheet metal is not as good as a positive contact to the chasis. The system grounds through the frame. It's possible to "motor" the S/G by applying power directly, someone posted on this a few months ago on this forum. If you can make it to a CUBFEST you can get lots of information and answers there. Stan

[ihcc104]

Yes you can jump the starter, put the positive lead from a battery to the generators "A" post, and just ground the negative to the case of the generator, it should turn it over. But do not hold this for more than is necessary. It can burn out the coils.

Sometimes the solenoid doe get stuck in the open position, I have had that happen on one of my Cadets.

MY guess is that your clutch safety switch isn't working properly... had that happen countless times. I usually bypass it because its unreliable. The safety switch send the signal to the solenoid saying its safe for power to go to the starter... in not so many words.

[Eugene]

Move the battery ground cable from the sheet metal to the transmission case. Battery grounding through the sheet metal is a common start problem.

As mentioned there is or was a clutch safety switch under the tractor as well as a solenoid and ignition switch behind the dash.

I would start by checking the clutch safety switch. You will need to drop the mower and slide it out of the way to get to the switch.

To get to the ignition switch and solenoid you will need to remove the hood and perhaps the gas tank.

Compression. You can easily turn the C-60 engine over by the fan. I wouldn't discount the compression just yet.

I would find/locate, solve, the start problem before trying to motorize the starter/generator. The solution will be inexpensive or perhaps no out of pocket cash.

[VMBanner]

Thank you for the advice. I'm not as familiar with the numbered series lo boys older cubs. My 152 shares a lot of DNA with my older cubs but different enough to cause me
some head scratchin.

I was basing my comment of the compression on the ease of being able to turn the engine by the fan. I didn't realize it would be easy to turn with the fan. My older cub has a lot more resistance to rotation than the loboy. Anyway, when i get the engine turning, I'll be able to do a compression test and determine if a rebuild or at least a rering is in order. Hopefully, I can skip an engine rebuild. It's not the worst engine to rebuild at home, but it's just one broken head bolt from "disaster!" I'll post some pics of what i have especially as I get into resuscitation.

I was told that the tractor needs a new clutch so I know i have that on my to-do list. I'm also skeptical about the PTO clutch...it doesn't feel right but once the engine's running i'm sure it'll be obvious. Anyway, the tractor is complete with the belly mower so I'm sure I got my $200 worth.

Thanks again for the advice. This is a very cool and useful tractor. I'm looking forward to putting back to meaningful work.

[Eugene]

$200-. Wow, good buy.

You will need the service and parts manual for the Numbered Cub Low-Boys to work on the engine clutch and PTO.

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

.........Anyway, the tractor is complete with the belly mower so I'm sure I got my $200 worth. ......

were you holding a gun when you got that buy?

[VMBanner]

I was lucky enough to find a local farmer who needed his barn space more than he needed a project that he was never going to get to. I was just lucky enough to get there before anyone else. I'll post some pictures this weekend.

Thanks all for the advice!

[VMBanner]

A couple pictures of the loboy. It's complete and I'm hoping I can get it running over the next few months. The previous owner mentioned that it needed to have the clutch replaced. I'm also a bit skeptical about the PTO clutch. I love the design...but it doesn't quite feel right. Well, first things first. Need to get it running.

[Eugene]

First thing, remove the hood and conduct compression tests.
You may need a jumper cable from a good 12 volt battery to conduct the tests.

As far as the clutch, there is a clutch brake on the back side of the pressure plate. You may only need to adjust the clutch brake or replace the clutch brake pucks.