Release bearing

[Vice]

Are the cub's clutch release bearing rotational such as in the auto type ? The original one doesn't seem to rotate, and the replacement doesn't either ! Help ? Vic

[Jim Becker]

That is normal. The carbon block of the release bearing simply rubs against the fingers. Make sure the bearing gets greased on schedule. If your new one is not thoroughly oil soaked, soak it in thin oil for a day or two before installing it.

[Vice]

What is the purpose of the grease fitting ?

[Gary Dotson]

Welcome to the Cub forum, Vice! There is a cavity behind the carbon block, that is filled with grease from the zerk fitting. The oils in the grease separate from the solids and slowly saturate the carbon block, keeping an oil film on the surface of the block. Some of the better bearings come pre-lubed, others, dry. Do as Jim mentioned, soaking with oil and also coat the surface of the block with grease, before installation. If the bearing is installed dry and one depends on the grease in the cavity to immediately lube the bearing, it will likely suffer an early failure.

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

As an addition to Gary's statement, make that a very thin layer of grease on the surface. If you put a thick layer of grease on it the fingers immediately sling it off the sides and it makes an awful mess inside the bell housing. It doesn't hurt anything, but your hands will sure get dirt if you ever have to do anything in that housing again. Only one guess as to how I learned that.

[Vice]

Thanks for clearing that up ! Question # 2 is the Magneto on my 1949 has a unusual gear driven rotor. when did this change and is there parts for such a set-up ?

[ScottyD'sdad]

That's the rotor for the mag. Available, but pricey . Non geared, are for distributors.
http://www.tmtractor.com/new/el/294fp.htm

Ed

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

That changed when they wnet to distributors instead of magnetos, some time in the 50s if i remember correctly, but I do not remember just when.

[Vice]

Thanks, is one better than the other ? Should I be thinking of converting to a distributor ?

[Eugene]

Thanks, is one better than the other ? Should I be thinking of converting to a distributor ?

Short answer. No. Both systems work great.

If the magneto is working, keep it. Also magnetos can be repaired, which is usually quite a bit cheaper than converting to a distributor type ignition system.

[Vice]

Thanks for your help, Just delivered the Cub to my niece for use on her small farm ( realized after / during the delivery she has not driven stick shift, but I am sure she will figure it out quickly ! ) unit has sickle bar attached to help with the field growth !! Again thanks to all that helped me through this task !

[Barnyard]

unit has sickle bar attached to help with the field growth !!

Vice, If your niece has pets or kids make sure they are inside when using the sickle mower. If one comes up from behind and unexpectantly runs in front of the mower it's too late. A lot of pets have lost legs even with the "most careful" operator.

realized after / during the delivery she has not driven stick shift

Shifting won't be a problem. It is not like a car where you start in low and shift up through the gears. You just put it in the gear you want and go.

[Scrivet]

unit has sickle bar attached to help with the field growth !!

Vice, If your niece has pets or kids make sure they are inside when using the sickle mower. If one comes up from behind and unexpectantly runs in front of the mower it's too late. A lot of pets have lost legs even with the "most careful" operator............

Don't know how much sickle mower experience you have but this can't be stressed enough. The other sickle mower caution is to watch where you put your fingers when you lift or lower the bar for transport. The knife can slide down the bar at any time taking misplaced fingers with it. Best practice is to lift with your palms flat and fingers sticking straight out. If you have to grip the bar with your fingers, do it along the back edge of the bar. NEVER put your fingers between the rock gaurds!

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

To Scrivet's statement. I needed to fold the 7' sickle on our H one time, and in this area there are frequently scars and gouges in the bottom of the guards due to rocks, so I normally wore gloves. This time I just used the gloves for pads between my hands and the bottom of the sickle. When I got it raised and secured I noticed a finger was missing from one glove. Apparently it had flopped between a guard and section as it slid down.