I have my dad’s 1971 Cub 154 Lo-Boy that I’m trying to get back in to running shape. To my knowledge it has not been used in 5 or 6 years. My Dad always kept good care of it until he past away and then our family hired someone to use the tractor to mow his property for a couple of years. We are not sure how well the tractor was kept up during that time. We’ve changed the spark plugs, coil, distributor cap, rotor, condenser and points. We’ve cleaned the carburetor and made sure it has a good flow of fresh gas coming to the carburetor. The oil has been changed.
It cranks fine but the oil light comes on and after 40-60 seconds the engine slows down and stops, like its starting to freeze up. When I then turn the key the generator/starter attempts to turn but can’t because the crankshaft seems to be freezing up. The generator belt is good and tight. When belt is loosened the generator and water pump turn freely. The idler shaft at rear of engine can be turned with a wrench but it’s tight at first but then seems to free up and if we try to start the engine again it starts but after 40 seconds or so it slows down again and stops. The rear seal does leak some and I think there is some noise coming from back of the engine area.
I’m not a mechanic so I’m not sure what to do from here. So far I’ve been unable to find a tractor mechanic in Western North Carolina/Northeast Georgia to work on it. Any ideas about what the problem may be or people to work on it would be much appreciated.
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Engine Problem Cub 154
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Re: Engine Problem Cub 154
It may not be pumping any oil in the engine. Before you go any farther, prime the oil pump. Read the first half dozen posts in this thread to see how it is done:
http://www.farmallcub.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=98341
http://www.farmallcub.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=98341
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Re: Engine Problem Cub 154
Welcome.
Prime the oil pump. Search this site for photos and a how to. My guess is the oil pump is not pumping oil and the engine bearings are dry. Common problem for a long sitting Cub.
Allen plug (if you can remove it) on the left rear of the engine, just in front of the oil pump is the best place to prime the lubrication system. A 1/2 cup or two of engine oil is this location will fill the galleries and put oil into the bearings.
Prime the oil pump with 1/2 cup of engine oil. Rotate the engine by hand at least two full turns. Prime the oil pump again.
Oil light comes on during engine start up and will remain lit until the oil filter housing is filling up with engine oil.
The 154's engine is the same as the standard Cub. Plenty of information on this site concerning the engine and the 154.
No water pump with the C-60 engines, thermosyphon.
And I see Jim's post suggesting the same thing.
Prime the oil pump. Search this site for photos and a how to. My guess is the oil pump is not pumping oil and the engine bearings are dry. Common problem for a long sitting Cub.
Allen plug (if you can remove it) on the left rear of the engine, just in front of the oil pump is the best place to prime the lubrication system. A 1/2 cup or two of engine oil is this location will fill the galleries and put oil into the bearings.
Prime the oil pump with 1/2 cup of engine oil. Rotate the engine by hand at least two full turns. Prime the oil pump again.
Oil light comes on during engine start up and will remain lit until the oil filter housing is filling up with engine oil.
The 154's engine is the same as the standard Cub. Plenty of information on this site concerning the engine and the 154.
No water pump with the C-60 engines, thermosyphon.
And I see Jim's post suggesting the same thing.
I have an excuse. CRS.
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Re: Engine Problem Cub 154
Eugene, I had you by 4 minutes (this time).
Either the hole inside the oil filter housing as shown in the thread I pointed at, or the allen plug described in Eugene's post will work for priming it. You can use whichever one is more convenient for you.
Either the hole inside the oil filter housing as shown in the thread I pointed at, or the allen plug described in Eugene's post will work for priming it. You can use whichever one is more convenient for you.
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Re: Engine Problem Cub 154
I gave you a head start.Jim Becker wrote:Eugene, I had you by 4 minutes (this time).
I have an excuse. CRS.
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Re: Engine Problem Cub 154
Thank you so much for the information. We were wondering about priming but had no idea how to do it. I'll give it a try and let you know.
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Re: Engine Problem Cub 154
You can also add a couple of fittings and substitute an oil pressure gauge for the sending unit on the oil filter housing to see if the oil pump is producing pressure when the engine is running. It will need to be a low pressure gauge like a Cub engine (0-30 range).
Stan in LA (lower AL)
USAF & Reserves, Reg ARMY, ARMY NG (AL)
USAF & Reserves, Reg ARMY, ARMY NG (AL)
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Re: Engine Problem Cub 154
Rather than purchase a new oil pressure gauge - - remove the oil filter housing cover. You will probably do that during priming the lubrication system.
Prime the oil pump. Disconnect and ground the coil to distributor wire.
Crank the engine over while watching for oil flowing into the oil filter housing from the same priming hole. Once oil is flowing, replace oil filter cover, good to go.
Prime the oil pump. Disconnect and ground the coil to distributor wire.
Crank the engine over while watching for oil flowing into the oil filter housing from the same priming hole. Once oil is flowing, replace oil filter cover, good to go.
I have an excuse. CRS.
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Re: Engine Problem Cub 154
Thanks so much for everyone's ideas. I followed your instructions for priming the oil pump and it worked great. She cranked right up and seems to run fine. The oil gauge shows the pressure is okay. Again, Thanks for your help.
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