1554 issue/maintenance

[bline22]

Hello,
I bought a 1554 second hand. The previous owner i knew and took good care of the tractor. I bought it last summer so have used it through one summer and winter and then part of this summer.

The unit just started making a slight knocking sound and doesn't seem to be running as smoothly as it has in the past. It is knocking sound that I am hearing and it doesn't make a difference how high the throttle is up or down or whether I am moving forward or in reverse. I also tried moving the chock a bit to see if that would make a difference and it did not seem to. I then went and checked the air filter and noticed that it was plump full and look as though a mouse may have started making a nest next to it at some point in the past. This prompted my maintenance thought.

My question is, I haven't done any sort of maintenance on the unit since i bought it and don't know when the past owner did maintenance on it before i bought it. I am a mechanic dummy but can manage a few minor things like this. Do you think any of these things could be causing the engine sound I am hearing?

Replace:
air filter
change oil and replace filter
possibly change spark plugs
fuel filter possibly?

Also, where have you found the best deal on maintenance parts like this for the Cub Cadet 1500 mower?

Thanks for the help.

 

[diesel_nut]

Possiby have some trash in the carb. Try some SeaFoam or some kind of carb cleaner first.
May also be some bad gas. Try some mid-grade fuel. Try this easy stuff first before looking further.

 

[bline22]

Thanks for the reply and I like your thinking.

Since I don't know a whole lot about a mechanics, can you give me some pointers on where to add the seafoam to my tractor? I am watching the video on there site but it is for a vehicle and I am guessing the application process is probably different for this tractor?

 

[diesel_nut]

Either straight in the carb throat or in the gas tank. I'd put just a half-ounce or so in the carb directly and put some in the gas tank too(whatever they recommend per gallon). Run the engine a little and let it sit for a few hours.

 

[bline22]

Can I just add it to the gas and be good do you think? The reason i ask is, i am not sure if i am able to id the carburetor on the tractor. Anyone have a pic by some odd chance pointing to it?

 

[Frosty2]

I'd try and find a service manual for your machine.It will show you all the parts.The carb should have a gas line hooked up to it and the air filter should be on one end with the engine being on the other.Good luck.

 

[OldMachinist]

The carburetor will look like the thing in this picture with the gold bowl and solenoid on it.

It may not be exactly like this because the 1554 came with ether the Kohler Command or Courage engine depending on your serial number.
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg49/calfranch/CubCadet/1554carb.jpg

 

[bline22]

Perfect!!! I will take a peak this evening. Thanks a ton for the picture. makes things so much easier.

It was recommended i add a little seafoam to the carburetor. Maybe when i get a better picture of mine it will be clearer where i should add the seafoam exactly?

I know enough that I have the kohler engine for future reference.

 

[JTKub]

Are you positive the knocking is coming from the engine or could it be from another belt driven, rotating element? I know 1K series have had issues with 'knocking' tensioner pulleys for the engine to transaxle belt. The tensioner bangs around making the noise.

 

[bline22]

I am pretty certain it is an engine problem of some sorts as the mower is a bit louder then normal and doesn't run as well as it did a couple of weeks ago. It seemed when I tried to mow it last that if i had the throttle way up and going up a very slight incline that the mower wanted to almost quit.

As far as the knocking. I am not sure i would describe the difference in sound that I am hearing from 2 weeks ago as knocking but I could see where someone might hear it as that if that makes sense.