New member from NC and need some advice about my 122…

[SethHorton]

Hey everyone, I have a 122 that I believe is a 1965 and has been in my family for over 50 years. It has been taken care of and is overall in great condition, but due to various circumstances has sat in a garage for the last 6 years. I took it a few weeks ago to a Cub Cadet dealer that I had success with in the past to get it up and running again, but this time haven’t had great luck. When they inspected it, they said that they were not getting any compression and that it would most likely need a new engine. Can someone point me in the right of where I might be able to find an engine? The serial number for the tractor is 216264 and the engine is a Kohler 301AS. I have a feeling that the people working on it aren’t super familiar with a tractor this old, so if anyone has any tips or suggestions I would really appreciate it. I unfortunately don’t even know what to ask and have had to just take them at their word.

 

[dschwandt]

Do they even know that it has a compression release while cranking??
Sitting INSIDE in a GARAGE should not be an issue.
How did they determine that it has no compression??
Stuck valve maybe?
Pull the head and have a look
For the cost of a new gasket you will likely be on to of the issue WITHOUT a huge hourly rate charge.

 

[gary noblit]

Seth,it sat for 6 yrs anything is possible .Ask family if it was running when parked.If it was a host of possibles jump out.It is possible a valve is stuck open.Here is the simplest comp test I know of ,assuming it turns over with starter.Remove plug and hold a plastic handled screwdriver over the hole.If it has comp you will hear a woosh..If you hear nothing the piston may not be moving...The piston is not in line with plug hole so to prove it's moving you may have to remove head,this not a major issue and head gaskets are available...You can turn it over with head removed to prove valves are working.This where other details begin to surface such as points,plugs,switches,wires,coil...keep us posted..

 

[mjame]

PM sent.

 

[Bob Strong]

Seth,it sat for 6 yrs anything is possible .Ask family if it was running when parked.If it was a host of possibles jump out.It is possible a valve is stuck open.Here is the simplest comp test I know of ,assuming it turns over with starter.Remove plug and hold a plastic handled screwdriver over the hole.If it has comp you will hear a woosh..If you hear nothing the piston may not be moving...The piston is not in line with plug hole so to prove it's moving you may have to remove head,this not a major issue and head gaskets are available...You can turn it over with head removed to prove valves are working.This where other details begin to surface such as points,plugs,switches,wires,coil...keep us posted..

My 105 had been sitting outside for some years when I got it. No compression. Took the little cover off the side, sprayed a little WD40, wiggled the intake valve with Vise-Grips and watched it pop into place, then started it, and it's been running for 16 years now....

 

[HKCooper44]

Take the cylinder head off. If the cylinder wall isn't scored, then in my experience, there isn't much on the 241/301 engines that can't be fixed with less than two $100 bills, and it's worth it! Don't rely on the dealer. There must be someone you know who can help you directly. If not, there are a host of people on this site who can and will!

 

[rlause]

Hello. An engine needs fuel, compression and ignition to run. Is the engine getting fuel into the cylinder and does it have spark? That is where I would start troubleshooting the problem.

 

[pdorow]

Hey everyone, I have a 122 that I believe is a 1965 and has been in my family for over 50 years. It has been taken care of and is overall in great condition, but due to various circumstances has sat in a garage for the last 6 years. I took it a few weeks ago to a Cub Cadet dealer that I had success with in the past to get it up and running again, but this time haven’t had great luck. When they inspected it, they said that they were not getting any compression and that it would most likely need a new engine. Can someone point me in the right of where I might be able to find an engine? The serial number for the tractor is 216264 and the engine is a Kohler 301AS. I have a feeling that the people working on it aren’t super familiar with a tractor this old, so if anyone has any tips or suggestions I would really appreciate it. I unfortunately don’t even know what to ask and have had to just take them at their word.

I would check the automatic compression release (ACR) or stuck valve as others have mentioned.

 

[SethHorton]

I really appreciate all of your responses! Does anyone have any recommendations of someone I could take it to around North Carolina? Willing to drive several hours. The tractor has a ton of sentimental value to me and I want to get it done right. Thank you again!

 

[mjame]

I’m still rebuilding the old k and Magum kohler engines. I’m in Richmond Va.
let me know if I can help you.

 

[dxsmith]

Seth,
I sent you a private message. I am from Oakboro, NC. There is a guy near me, that might be able to help you some. Good Luck with getting it running. I have a 122 also and I really like it.

 

[gloughery]

My 122 is my GO TO tractor. If it don't do it, I get my 2500!

 

[dsarow]

Keep asking questions here,posting pictures,look for manuals,there is much knowledge on this site.And please patronize are people on site that sell parts