1863 Cub Cadet Rocker Arm

[Jeff Albring]

Had replaced both head gaskets, due to oil leak and mower ran smooth first day afterwards. Next day, hooked up log splitter and noticed engine seemed to be running a little rough and heard rattling from rocker arm area. Then when I was backing up log splitter to wood pile, the engine backed fired a couple times too. I checked rocker arm, thinking maybe a loose screw so checked with torque wrench even though the screw didn't appear to look loose. The screw just continually turned without getting tight, so I'm thinking it's possibly stripped, so do I just need to order replacement screw and torque back down? Also, I noticed some odd white substance inside the rocker arm compartment and have no idea where it came from. Any suggestions are welcome as I was so excited earlier after completing replacement of my head gaskets and mower running great afterwards, only to be upset the next day with engine performance/noise. Thanks

 

[dschwandt]

What value did you torque the heads to, and did you do it in the proper sequence?

 

[Jeff Albring]

What value did you torque the heads to, and did you do it in the proper sequence?

Per service manual diagram,
Torque nuts in two stages; first
to 16.9 N·m (150 in. lb.), finally to 35.5 N·m
(315 in. lb.), following sequence shown

 

[Jeff Albring]

Per service manual diagram,
Torque nuts in two stages; first
to 16.9 N·m (150 in. lb.), finally to 35.5 N·m
(315 in. lb.), following sequence shown

This was for head gasket bolts, but it's the rocker arm bolt that's not tightening. Thanks

 

[mgonitzke]

The hole for the rocker arm bolt is stripped in the head. IMO, the torque spec is VERY close to the value that strips the threads. I had this happen to one of mine, and reduced the torque value by 10-15%. Bolt is fine, you will need to helicoil the threads in the head.

 

[Jeff Albring]

The hole for the rocker arm bolt is stripped in the head. IMO, the torque spec is VERY close to the value that strips the threads. I had this happen to one of mine, and reduced the torque value by 10-15%. Bolt is fine, you will need to helicoil the threads in the head.

Thanks for your help and will do that! I'm guessing this is some type of kit I'll need to re-thread the head for rocker arm bolt? Working on mowers is all new to me, but never afraid to try and tackle something myself, especially to save money. Since you've already been down this road, where do I get my hands on a helicoil specific for the size I need for my 1863 please? Thanks again for your advice and help!

 

[mgonitzke]

This is the kit I used. (Double check the size when you remove the bolt...I am 98% sure this is the one. Lots of M6x1 hardware on the Commands) When I bought it 3 years ago it was about half the price. There are some Chinese knockoffs that do the same thing..I also have a few of those kits for different sizes; they work fine, but if you go that route I'd at least buy the Heli-coil brand inserts.

https://www.amazon.com/Heli-Coil-He...mzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840

 

[Jeff Albring]

This is the kit I used. (Double check the size when you remove the bolt...I am 98% sure this is the one. Lots of M6x1 hardware on the Commands) When I bought it 3 years ago it was about half the price. There are some Chinese knockoffs that do the same thing..I also have a few of those kits for different sizes; they work fine, but if you go that route I'd at least buy the Heli-coil brand inserts.

https://www.amazon.com/Heli-Coil-He...mzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840

Thanks a bunch and will order today! Will look for video on how to use........thank you!

 

[Jeff Albring]

Thanks a bunch and will order today! Will look for video on how to use........thank you!

So when I go to use my torque wrench, 160 in lbs = 13.33 ft lbs, but you recommended using less torque to avoid this issue in the future. So what torque value will be safe and still be adequate? Thanks

 

[Jeff Albring]

So when I go to use my torque wrench, 160 in lbs = 13.33 ft lbs, but you recommended using less torque to avoid this issue in the future. So what torque value will be safe and still be adequate? Thanks

 

[mgonitzke]

To be honest I can't remember what I did on mine after I repaired it. 120-130 in-lb is probably tight enough to not loosen but not too tight as to strip the threads.

 

[Jeff Albring]

To be honest I can't remember what I did on mine after I repaired it. 120-130 in-lb is probably tight enough to not loosen but not too tight as to strip the threads.

I have the kit and I'm supposed to pre-drill hole prior to using tap. However, the M6 screw fits thru 15/64 hole chart and 1/4 relatively close. Should I see what bit fits better in Rocker Arm hole to determine the correct size to use? Sorry, this is first time ever doing and don't want to screw this up? I just want to make sure I use correct drill bit size to pre-drill so I don't mess up hole for tapping.

 

[Doug Rusk]

You want enough material left for the helicoil to grip correctly or you will be in the same mess. What does the instructions for the heli coil kit say?

 

[Doug Rusk]

Don't worry about the bolt right now. Your drilling the hole to be the proper size for the tap to make threads for the outside diameter of the heli coil to grip correctly. The inside diameter of the heli coil will be the correct diameter to grip the bolt it's self.

 

[Jeff Albring]

Don't worry about the bolt right now. Your drilling the hole to be the proper size for the tap to make threads for the outside diameter of the heli coil to grip correctly. The inside diameter of the heli coil will be the correct diameter to grip the bolt it's self.

Thanks for info.......you were absolutely right! I used 1/4 bit, which was the proper size of tap. All went well and she's back in service! Thanks!!!