And then the knocking!

[Daddysbabybearcub]

Finally got the loader put on my cub. I've had it a few years and finally found the time to get it on. 2 cinder block, nine 2x6's and jack, wheel dolly and some pipes later, it was on. Then the hydraulics took a few trips to Napa but it was done. I drove the little cub home from the shop about 4 miles in second gear half throttle. Didn't break any land speed records but got it home safely. I made three test scoops ( about 10 lbs of dirt a piece ) and it started making a horrible noise. Uhhh! Idled it back up to the house and got off to listen. It is there a loud knocking from the lower end. What a bummer. Do you guys think I can open the oil pan and replace the bearings without a split or removing the loader? This really bums me because for the 15 mins using the loader it was worth the wait and time it took to put it on. I'd just rather not do it again so soon.

[staninlowerAL]

It is possible to replace rod and main bearings without splitting the tractor. You won't know if that will correct the knocking until you try it or check for other causes before investing in the parts and time.

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

Before you tear the engine down look at the clutch fingers.

[pickerandsinger]

If you're using the cub hydraulics,check your hydraulics if it screamed at you along with a knock( of course also a bearing could spin)….And you can change the bearings if you can get the pan off.( not sure of how you braced the loader)…But as has been posted check out the source the best you can first…Does the knock subside when you let the clutch out (under load) If so its a good sign of a rod bearing….(things tighten up)….My 2 cents…Dave …Good luck

[Daddysbabybearcub]

I just started it up and it sounded like a metal on metal no oil sound. I did listen when I pushed in the clutch and it didn't seem to differ. The hydraulics sounded fine and worked to pick the arm up to move. The one thing I did notice is when shutting it off it stops very quickly. Just like an e-stop on electric motors. Hopefully I can sit down and figure out the picture thing so I can show you all what I find. But by the sounds of it its something serious. Another thing I did notice when I started it it fired right up but was kind of shrieky then stopped. Oil was clean when I checked it just now. Thanks for the suggestions and advise. Does anyone know if Rick Prentiss is still around. I don't live far from him. I was thinking about asking him if he had time to listen and give his thoughts.
Thanks again all.

P.s. I think every cub own should be part of this group. Ton of knowledge.

Kurt

[Eugene]

Engine oil pressure?

[Bob McCarty]

Kurt, Rick isn't on the forum very often. I think you'll probably need to call him if you have his phone #.

Bob

[Daddysbabybearcub]

I didnt look at the gauge for oil pressure. However that is definatly crossed my mind. Is it a good idea to start it up again to check? The tractor sat for about 3 years with a cooling problem. Earlier this year i had the radiator off and clean the bolster and the block. That was all resolved and I never overheated the motor prior to. Thinking of the history of the tractor and knowing it came from the original owner via his grandson that never used it, ( I think he had it for a couple of days at his place before I bought it ) it probably is worst case senario. I was planning on restoring both the loader and tractor in the winter. But we moved and i have to get the new shop built. The hardest part about that is the wifes approval of the placement on the property. The pile of dirt from the old pool is the future site of the barn. I think it could be awhile before shes up and running though.

[Bill E Bob]

Is the cooling fan hitting the shroud and/or does the fan hub need oiling?

[pickerandsinger]

Is the cooling fan hitting the shroud and/or does the fan hub need oiling?

…..Fan just seized up on my mowing cub…Bill E Bob might be on to something…It shared some of your symptoms…Dave

[bythepond88]

Is it a good idea to start it up again to check?

I can't recommend starting it up again. However, you could pull the oil filter cover and crank her over with the ignition off, to see if the pump is pumping oil. This won't definitively answer the pressure question, but if oil is not coming out of the hole at the back, it makes bearing problems more probable.

[gitractorman]

Another thing to check, and it could be along shot, but I would double check that the hydraulics are hooked up correctly and you're not putting too much pressure on the pump. Hydraulics are a little tricky on the Cub, so if you have something dead-headed, you could be really working the pump. The only reason I'm suggesting this is because you just hooked up the loader. However, the pump runs off the cam gear, so if you're working it too hard, it could cause some of the issues you mention.

[Daddysbabybearcub]

I did drain the oil today. Looked fine no real discoloration or anything out of the norm. Took off the flywheel cover and inspection cover too. So far the oil is fine, the fan hub is fine and free, the clutch feels altogether, and the throwout bearing is do for replacement. After that I checked for broken valve springs and such. I think with some extra cribbing and some thought behind it, I can split it without detaching it from the rear section of the tractor. I have to support the front of the loader frame to remove the bracket to get the oil pan off. I tried to roll the engine over by hand ( without a crank ) which usually is easy and it seemed kind of tight at spots. I'll put new oil in it and try to roll it over to check if oil comes out the into the filter area. The hydro hook ups are correct as per the manual. I had to back the tractor into the garage and lift the boom to do it and it didn't sound abnormal. I will know more when I get the pan off. Does anyone know how difficult it is to roll in new main bearings? Thanks for all the suggestions.

[Scrivet]

...... Thanks for all the suggestions.

Here's my suggestion; The time you spend now removing the loader will make your engine work go much quicker, you will be working safer, your blood pressure will not go up as much, you will use fewer "choice" words, the grass will be greener, the sky bluer, and the cold beverage of your choice will be that much more refreshing. Besides, it'll go back on that much quicker now that you have all the pieces and know where everything goes.

[Daddysbabybearcub]

Taking the loader off does seem to make the most sense. The last thing I need is Murphys law to play out to the T. Is there any way that a seal in the hydro pump could have pushed that oil into the crank case? Someone I know threw that out there as well. Thanks for all the help. I will let you know what I find.