4 digit Original

[ajtimm]

Looks like I'm starting again.. 34 years after my first Cub Cadet -another Original, (that eventually got away). I think I'm calling this one "Christine" after the car. It fired up and runs better than everything else I have. Even the lights work. PO said it has sat for at least 12 years. I believe him.

 

[ajtimm]

Here's what I have found so far..

Good: straight tin with most of the 'goodies' like- IH badge, chrome hood ornament, correct steering wheel & seat.

Bad: No brakes, clutch pedal froze, steering froze, front tires gone..

 

[ajtimm]

Restoration tip: "Never assume what is wrong until you get you're hands dirty".

I was pricing steering gear rebuild kit's; however, when I dropped the tie rod, I found both front spindles froze- not the Ross steering gear.
Worm gear turns very nice, only a touch sloppy.

 

[ajtimm]

Restoration Tip: When removing/loosening spindle's. Remove axle from tractor. Place spindle in large vise. Pry with axle leaving spindle shaft free from damage.

I didn't think of this until it was too late, I was using pipes to slowly work it back & forth. I also ended up leaving pry marks on my spindle(which I thought I had protected). Of course they will smooth out- but a bone-head move, especially when the axle drops out easily with one bolt.

 

[hydroharry]

Timm - hold old is that pic in your profile? And is that the "O" that got away?

 

[ajtimm]

Besides the clutch pedal being rusted, I found the clutch rod was cracked on the end. Under tension I believe the end was twisted in the pedal cam, which allowed it to bind.

Surprised it never broke off under load.

 

[ajtimm]

Indeed Harry. I dug the picture out just today and the date said 'June 1982'. And yes, that is the O that got away.
I tore it down to the frame and repainted it during the time I worked at an IH dealer while in High School.

That picture was taken after I managed to get it running ..some how through all that hair.

 

[ajtimm]

I'm waiting for parts so, this is a good time to crack open the Starter Generator. Doesn't seem to be charging the battery.
I would say, IH got their money's worth out of these brushes.. looking close you can see, they are all but gone.

Removed S/G from engine, removed two(long) 7/16 bolts at rear and cover came off very easy.

 

[ajtimm]

After the new brushes were installed- no change. Seems no voltage at the generator terminals. I tried a 'spare' gen and same thing. I have some more trouble shooting to do- either two bad generators or something else going on.

On a different note: amazingly.. after sitting for years, I put in some new gas and it fired right up and ran very well, no carb cleaning. After a little fine-tuning, it just lopes along, pulls and has good power. What a delight.

 

[mfrade]

Hello Anthony.

What's the plan for the "O"? Just a yard machine or a trailer queen?

In any event, enjoy the ride and yes, I'll be watching and enjoying "the ride" with you.

 

[mgwin]

Anthony,

Fix it up!

Then it will look something like this: