Orry Allison
Well-known member
I'm looking to buy a 1200 in decent condition that I've found. Is there anything I need to know about them before I make a offer on it?
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Model 1200?
- Thread starter Orry Allison
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JPrattico
Well-known member
Well, most of it is pretty simple. Does it run? If yes, how well does it run? If no, does it spin over and have compression? What shape is the clutch in? Does it work properly? Does the transmission shift into all gears properly? If the tractor runs, can it also drive? That's most of the main questions you need to think about when you go look at it.
However, being a Quietline, I'd expect that there'll be a couple issues, mainly the engine Iso mounts. I would suspect that they have most likely crumbled, throwing the engine out of alignment with the driveshaft. I'm not a Quietline owner but from what I hear, this is a very common issue. It's also possible that the engine and mounts have worn into the metal below it that supports the front axle, and the bolt holes in the aluminum oil pan might be all wallered out. Also inspect the 3-pin driver, look for cracks. I think the Quietline ones had issues with cracking. If you find cracks, I think the best option is to replace it with one from an older Cub.
Usually if you do it right you shouldn't need to worry about it again. Pull the engine, do the "cradle mod" (I'm sure someone will chime in with a picture of what that looks like), if the oil pan mounting holes are indeed wallered out look for a replacement, particularily a stronger cast iron pan. Reassemble with new Iso mounts, or Solid mounts if you choose, and you should be good to go.
And if, by some odd chance the Iso mounts were already replaced, then you probably don't need to worry about anything other than the 3 pin driver. I would still check to make sure the job was done right. I think you can tell what shape the mounts are in just by looking down to where the mounts are located. Note that if you can move or tilt the engine around inside the frame, then your mounts are definitely shot!
However, being a Quietline, I'd expect that there'll be a couple issues, mainly the engine Iso mounts. I would suspect that they have most likely crumbled, throwing the engine out of alignment with the driveshaft. I'm not a Quietline owner but from what I hear, this is a very common issue. It's also possible that the engine and mounts have worn into the metal below it that supports the front axle, and the bolt holes in the aluminum oil pan might be all wallered out. Also inspect the 3-pin driver, look for cracks. I think the Quietline ones had issues with cracking. If you find cracks, I think the best option is to replace it with one from an older Cub.
Usually if you do it right you shouldn't need to worry about it again. Pull the engine, do the "cradle mod" (I'm sure someone will chime in with a picture of what that looks like), if the oil pan mounting holes are indeed wallered out look for a replacement, particularily a stronger cast iron pan. Reassemble with new Iso mounts, or Solid mounts if you choose, and you should be good to go.
And if, by some odd chance the Iso mounts were already replaced, then you probably don't need to worry about anything other than the 3 pin driver. I would still check to make sure the job was done right. I think you can tell what shape the mounts are in just by looking down to where the mounts are located. Note that if you can move or tilt the engine around inside the frame, then your mounts are definitely shot!
Here's a: Link to the CubFAQ entry on the ISO mounts.
Orry Allison
Well-known member
Great thank you for the information I appreciate it fellas!
Orry Allison
Well-known member
Jprattico could you explain the 3-pin driver? Where is that located? Excuse my ignorance please.
JPrattico
Well-known member
The 3-pin driver is the large circular piece that bolts to the flywheel side of the engine. It puts power to the clutch plate through 3 pins. Thus, it is called the 3-pin driver.
They looks something like this
They looks something like this
Orry Allison
Well-known member
Oh ok yeah I understand now! I got it. Thank you sir!!
The driver for the QL's is called s flex plate as it is a piece of spring steel sandwiched between the drive plates.
The center (spring) steel portion is prone to breakage from (IMHO) abuse and/or deteriorated, sagging or missing ISO Mounts.
The spring allows for slight movement of the engine alignment during operations as the engine is mounted on rubber isolators. It looks like this
As opposed to this unit which is used in solid engine mount applications.
The center (spring) steel portion is prone to breakage from (IMHO) abuse and/or deteriorated, sagging or missing ISO Mounts.
The spring allows for slight movement of the engine alignment during operations as the engine is mounted on rubber isolators. It looks like this
As opposed to this unit which is used in solid engine mount applications.
