Motor Damage (CC 1042)

[Virginia_Cub]

We'll it doesn't look good folks. Yesterday I was planning on mowing my yard but got a little more than I bargained for and here's what happened. Started up my 4 month old 1042 riding mower, drove it out of the garage and started to line myself up for my first path. Gave the mower it's full throttle and then engaged the PTO. Next the engine made a huge BANG as the RPM's slowly dropped. The motor sounded like there were loose gravels bouncing around inside. I immediatly turned off the mower and thought "WHAT THE HECK"!! I thought I'd try it again but got the same results as the first. After pushing the mower back into the garage I then tried starting it again. The motor does turn over but won't fire up. Called my local Lowe's store and had my CC service dealer came by the house today to pick it up. I'll be keeping everyone posted on the outcome. The motor did have oil at the proper level. Only 14 hours of faily level 1/2 acre land was all it saw.

On a side note, when the CC service tech came to pick up the mower he really stressed how important it is to properly maintain a piece of equipment. I also stressed to him how I couldn't agree more. If they think it was intentional or from neglect they will here from me and I won't be buying anything else from Cub Cadet again. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

Shannon

 

[gamble77]

I'm sure they will fix everything under warranty. You have to understand that the motor in that unit is a brand new design and as with all new design's will have some design flaws. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[cyberkrazze]

The engine will tell the story of whatever happened to it. It shouldn't be to hard to tell what went wrong.

 

[Virginia_Cub]

Got my riding mower back today. The problem was a sheared flywheel key thus throwing everything out of time. The service tech said this is a type of problem that's not a big deal and is easily repairable. The purpose of the flywheel key is to prevent engine damage from occuring. The tech said some of the main reasons for a sheared key is rock/big stick lodged underneath the deck while the PTO is engaged putting pressure on the key. He also said running the throttle in full speed "before" engaging the PTO "MAY" put stress on the key. Or it could even be a faulty key from the factory. The owners manual clearly states before engaging PTO to put throttle in full speed but the service tech said you can place throttle 3/4 speed, engage PTO then move throttle up to full speed before you start mowing. All in all I'm glad there was no motor damage but these things do indeed happen.

I am a bit surprised with the amount of people this board has that no one even suggested a sheared flywheel key considering how common this could happen to "any" tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Shannon