Archive through December 07, 2008

[nhasson]

Kenneth, when I restored my 149 I needed new front tires and rims and happened to come across a set of mounted tires at the local tractor supply or farm and fleet for around $25-30 apiece. I think they were Husky rims off of one of their cheap tractors. I took the tires off, sandblasted them and painted them and ended up with a better tread. Like Art said, those tires really S!/K. I mow a really steep hillside sideways and never have a problem with the front end wanting to slide. Just my 44 cents. And I noticed everyone's advice keeps going up in price. Must be wanting to buy Christmas gifts. Nick

 

[kide]

Harry M:
I'm going to repost a comment I made last winter that may enlighten you and the others that haven't lived with a Kohler powered Cub in cold weather - the routine may help you and also this post will explain why it "sounds funny" (firing with the ACR holding the exhaust valve open partially) when cranking.

"I was getting the 129 out to clean up the driveway this afternoon, and as it had set for about 6 days in the unheated barn, I had to run through my cold weather starting routine. Got me to thinking, both motors I've had in the 129 (this covers more than 22 years) started exactly the same way in very cold (let's say 15 degrees or colder)weather. Most of this is due to the speed that the automatic compression release kicks out at, but once I learned it's routine, I've very seldom had to resort to a battery charger (two batteries in 22 years, also). If you just open the throttle and pull the choke out, it'll crank until it fires, but it's jussst at that speed that it'll kick back on the starter rather than start. Now, if you open both and as you crank, start pushing in on the choke, usually by the second or third revolution, it'll start firing and usually catch. If it kicks back, you start all over again, throttle open, choke open and start closing the choke as you crank it."

Now I have to admit, putting a block heater on the transaxle rear plate has helped, but just yesterday morning, I hopped on the 129 (well, I actually strolled over to it and slowly swung my leg over the seat..) and went through that same starting routine as described, with no block heater, or battery charger. It kicked back about a half dozen times, but caught and started after that..same routine (full throttle, full choke, start pushing the choke in as it cranks) -now 23 years....

 

[kmcconaughey]

Don T., your shop is way to neat and organized, not to mention spacious. I want one just like it.

Keith, Happy <font size="-2">early</font> Birthday!

Art, nice progress on the 100. Is that the 10hp out of the 100 that a PO had painted green?

Mike F.

 

[kmcconaughey]

Kendell, I'll second that, any Kohler I've started or attempted to start in cold weather has responded very similar to the way you describe, including Killer, though my routine differs slightly. However, Killer, with the fresh rebuild, PointSaver and Bosch coil fires up almost instantly and when I do misjudge the choke/throttle dance the high compression stops the rotation NOW! Same when I shut it off, it stops like it has a brake on the crank. I did get a chance to use the #2 125 to haul several loads of firewood on Saturday. Killer started right up, the temp was about 15°F. I'm liking the way this Cub starts and runs!

Can't wait to give it a try at snow removal and if the weather guessers are correct that chance could be sooner than later. In really cold weather I use a magnetic heater on the rear differential to warm up the Hy-Tran, makes for faster spinning of the engine and quicker starts.

 

[plied]

Lurker mostly, but I have a question for you fellows. I have been thinking about finding and using a wood chipper that mounts on the front of the Wideframe Cubbies. Anybody ever use these things and have any input on how well they work? or am I better off getting a chipper from the box stores?

 

[kide]

Kraig:
One of the things that will vary is the exact speed at which the ACR kicks out at (quits holding the valve open).. On the original engine, the ACR held in until a higher speed and the engine was much more prone to the "half running" that Harry is probably seeing (it sounds like it's firing, but doesn't actually start, but doesn't kick back). The crate engine I put in was more apt to kick back and stall the SG (if the belt was tight enough), at which point, I start the routine over...

 

[kide]

Paul:
I know that Bryan M. has (or had) one and used it. I have the same type, made by Amerind McKissic, in a standalone version powered by a 5 horse Briggs. It was great for leaves and small brush, but not great for anything larger than about 3/4 inch..

 

[rchristensen]

It's a cold one here today, some front moving through. Down to 49 degrees so I think I will sit by the computer until it warms up. Time to install a new Anti-Virus anyway.

I did find out something about high speed hunting on a Kohler the other day. Going to see if I can make it do it again before I say its fixed.

 

[hwmiller]

Kendall-that sounds like my start (try to start) routine. but the battery runs down with about 3-4 tries. It wasnt that strong in summer but wasnt fighting cold then. Idid actually get it started with choke out right as I cranked then pushed it in-with me moving throttle. I didnt know these older engines had any compression release. hmmmmmmmm....
Jason -hard to see in pic but on top I tied a 7.5' 70's vintage Gordon & smith board plus a Hobie out back. I have couple LB's,but too far back in garage to dig em out that day.I use boards for top my wagons when I hit car cruises. heres couple my long roofs:

 

[rnajecki]

Kenneth -
Regarding spark plugs there have been postings over the years and the one thing I jotted down is to avoid Champions. On my last tune up this past summer I installed Autolites as I recall they were among the recommended brands.