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Fatal Design Flaw...
3 posters
Page 1 of 1
Fatal Design Flaw...
We bought a new riding mower in 2011. It performed well enough for that year, and the first part of the 2012 mowing season. Then trouble started. Both cylinders started leaking oil, and it started overheating. We've had it repaired under warranty twice. Now they are refusing to repair it any more under warranty. Two weeks ago it got hot enough that I had to carefully spray the frame of the mower with water to cool it enough to be touched. The water sizzled on the mower frame, never getting close to the engine, and oil was pouring from the right cylinder valve cover.
Here's what we bought...http://www.cubcadet.com/equipment/cubcadet/sltx-1050
Here's what we bought...http://www.cubcadet.com/equipment/cubcadet/sltx-1050
Re: Fatal Design Flaw...
So I tried to tackle the problems myself. First the oil leak...Being a fully pressurized system I was surprised to find the engine did not use gasket material between the head and the valve covers. I pulled the entire heat shield assembly, cowling, engine fan, etc. Basically I stripped to long block plus carburetor. I cleaned everything, and then put it all back using high temp (700 degree) silicone based RTV "gasket maker" for everything that involved oil sealing. I left the hood off and the fan screen too. I tested the mower in this condition, and found the oil leaks were stopped. Lots of debris (grass clippings and shredded leaves) had to be cleaned out of the fan and air cooling passages. Today I re-installed the fan screen, but pulled the hood assembly completely apart. I went to the hardware store and bought a roll of metal window screen material. Everyone of those openings in the hood now has window screen material filtering the cooling air coming into the engine bay. The overheating issue seems to be from the screen clogging up.
Re: Fatal Design Flaw...
So here's my theory. The debris generated from cutting dry grasses and blowing previously cut grasses out of the deck was getting sucked into the cooling air stream, and being trapped by the fan screen. This material would build up, restricting the cooling air flow, to the point of overheating the engine. The engine would get hot enough to cook off the sealant used by the factory, and warranty repair shop, and allow the pressurized oil to push out of the valve cover.
Anyway if you buy one of these, it needs to be watched carefully for oil leaks and overheating.
Anyway if you buy one of these, it needs to be watched carefully for oil leaks and overheating.
Re: Fatal Design Flaw...
these can get hot enough to catch the electrical system on fire, so seriously watch for overheating issues if you buy one
Re: Fatal Design Flaw...
I buy anything right now, it will be used. And, that won't be until spring.
dizzy- Posts : 4019
Join date : 2012-09-21
Age : 62
Re: Fatal Design Flaw...
Thanks for the info Keith. I hope your issues are solved with the new repairs.
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