New 2024 Cub Cadet Ultima ZTXS5 54

[Carl_NH]

Runner, I presume you are not running the unit now and still getting oil leaking out?

I have had no leaks on my FH751 25HP - but some models as 5030 point out will leak under certain conditions.

I think a visit to the dealer to see what they say and or reach out to your regional Kawasaki rep may be a good idea.

It''s not a lot of oil, but it will coat everything under there eventually and make a mess - I would want a new machine to be leak free.

 

[Runner]

The Kawalski engines have a push in interference fit dipstick tube than can get loose and leak, especially if you use a motor oil that foams excessively or is probe to hot vaporizing. Running slightly below full will mitigate the issue. What I did with the one on my traded in M50 tank.

The dipstick/drain plug area is the general location of the leak, but it appears to be dry around the base of the dipstick tube. I really can't feel anything coming out around the drain hose fitting either, but I can't see anything else that could leak oil in that area.

It's really strange that this didn't start until after the first oil change.

 

[Runner]

Runner, I presume you are not running the unit now and still getting oil leaking out?

I have had no leaks on my FH751 25HP - but some models as 5030 point out will leak under certain conditions.

I think a visit to the dealer to see what they say and or reach out to your regional Kawasaki rep may be a good idea.

It''s not a lot of oil, but it will coat everything under there eventually and make a mess - I would want a new machine to be leak free.

I want it to be leak-free too, but would just about rather light myself on fire than have to go and fight with a dealer about something like this....

 

[5030]

Was the oil up to the full mark prior to you changing it? Try running a pint low, won't hurt anything, besides that motor has a low oil shutdown so it's safeguarded anyway.

One my K241 Kohler on my engine drive Weld & Power, it specifically states in the manual to not screw it in but rest it on the outer edge to determine oil level.

Though I'm a little vague on the oil capacity of the engine as I traded mine in early last spring but if I remember correctly, you check the full level with the dipstick resting on the edge of the filler tube and not screwed in.

 

[Carl_NH]

5030 you are correct, the Kawasaki manual and believe written on the dipstick too, says to rest the cap on the fill port not screwed in to check the level.

That could be the problem, but I think the machine is just sitting over the winter (not running) and still leaking.

 

[Runner]

Was the oil up to the full mark prior to you changing it? Try running a pint low, won't hurt anything, besides that motor has a low oil shutdown so it's safeguarded anyway.

One my K241 Kohler on my engine drive Weld & Power, it specifically states in the manual to not screw it in but rest it on the outer edge to determine oil level.

Though I'm a little vague on the oil capacity of the engine as I traded mine in early last spring but if I remember correctly, you check the full level with the dipstick resting on the edge of the filler tube and not screwed in.

The FS730V manual for this unit also specifies checking with the dipstick resting on top of the tube.

Of course, the manual specifies "2.1 liters" with filter, so converting that to 2.22 quarts might have resulted in me just putting in 2.25 quarts. Maybe being .03 quart over filled causes it to leak somewhere, but hard to imagine.

I wouldn't be quite so hesitant to take it to a dealer if I could pinpoint where it's leaking. My first thought is the most obvious thing which is the fitting between the rubber drain hose and the sump. I've checked the hose end and the fitting and they seem to be tight, but extremely hard to put a wrench on. The hose end has some kind of thread sealer on it.

 

[Carl_NH]

Here's the service manual and it states 2.1 liters. Interestingly, my 14 YO Kawasaki FH721V states the same thing in liters. I have always added 2 quarts and checked levels and added more if needed.

 

[drumminj]

My ZTX4 with the Kohler engine doesn't seem to leak any oil, for whatever that data point is worth.

It does apparently have a common issue with the throttle cable being loose such that it doesn't always fire up when cold. Tightened the cable and all good now.

 

[drumminj]

@Runner what mower lift do you have/use with the ZTXS? Looking to get one and curious how it works with the ZTR.

 

[Runner]

@Runner what mower lift do you have/use with the ZTXS? Looking to get one and curious how it works with the ZTR.

I have this one from HF

https://www.harborfreight.com/750-lb-heavy-duty-atvmower-high-lift-jack-63298.html

I like it, but it takes up a TON of floor space when not being used. Decided to remove the handle and just move it around by picking it up from the end of the forks. For storage it stands upright very well without the handle on it by placing a 2x4 block under the frame.

Would not want to have a ZTR without a lift like this.