1650 Engine trouble coming?

[Tom Evans]

I have a 1650 built in 1975 that I use as my regular mowing tractor on a 3/4 acre lawn. I have a 20 degree hill that I mow at the back. Lately it has been struggling climbing the hill and occasionally belches black smoke out the exhaust, until it gets back on level ground. No oil leaks that I can detect. I have the rear wheel weights still on from snow plowing. Is there Anything other than a compression test I should check? If so, what is a satisfactory compression reading? Is trouble just around the corner? Thanks for any help, Tom.

[Slim140]

Head gasket. Had a mower recently doing the same thing and put a new head gasket on it and it was like new.

[Bill Hudson]

Head gasket. Had a mower recently doing the same thing and put a new head gasket on it and it was like new.

My thoughts, as well.

Bill

[dgrapes59]

Bad head gaskets are a common occurrence and pulling the head to "de-carbon" is also a maintenance task often overlooked. You will likely have some visible oil residue on the engine around the head area. While you have it apart it's a good time to clean out any grass and mouse nest evidence behind the tins to aid in cooling. Something often overlooked when changing the head gasket is inspecting and truing the head. Being aluminum they tend to warp over time, probably causing the gasket failure. Jeff in PA did an excellent job on a "how to";. viewtopic.php?f=141&t=56106&p=462489&hilit=Kohler+head+gasket#p462489
Suggest following it, time well spent

Good luck,

[Tom Evans]

Great how to article. Is there an engine manual on the server that might specify the torque specs on the 16HP 1650 engine? Thanks for all the help. Tom

[dgrapes59]

Looks like the 16 hp has 1 more head bolt than the 10 - 14 hp., but same 30 lb. torque (in steps). I couldn't find the manuals here, but here's a link with the info:

http://cubfaq.com/kohlertorquespecs.html

Good luck,

[Tom Evans]

Ordered a new head gasket today and started the tear down to remove the head. After an hour I got to the bolts to remove the head and there's a 2 inch crack in the center of the head. Pulled the head and the crack goes all the way through. I see no evidence of blow-by on the gasket. So now I'm on the hunt for a replacement head. New runs about $180-$250, used is slim Pickens on the internet. I'll start cleaning the block surface tomorrow, but I see no damage to anything except the head. Any suggestions on where I can obtain a good used head?

[dgrapes59]

I would check with Ray Weaver, good guy with tons of parts. Phone call is the best way to contact him.
*Edit* his info came from an older post I think he has moved but phone should be correct...

We are a Cub Cadet Salvage yard specializing in Cub Cadets. We have 150 Cub Cadets here and have most parts pulled and ready to be shipped. We have in stock a lot of attatchments, tillers, mower decks, snowblades, snowblowers, and Brinly attatchments. We ship almost daily with UPS and United States Postal System. We can also truck frieght on large or heavy items. Thanks!

Contact Info:
Ray Weaver
315 Schoeneck Rd
Stevens PA 17578

phone: 717 587 3727 e-mail: rmweaver5@dejazzd.com
Website: http://www.raysihparts.com

[Tom Evans]

Thanks david. I'll give him a call in the am. Tom