Auction Buy

[Stanton]

Owner passed and had a lifetime accumulation of items he couldn't take with him. Had my eye on a Cub Cadet 1872 Super, billed as good condition, along with several other IH made Cub Cadets (782 and 682). Day of sale, the auctioneer told me the 1872 wasn't for sale; family decided to keep it (and why not?), it was the only mower that ran to use around the place.

Here's what I bought and hauled home.

Has a suspect engine. One of the heads was removed, so need to investigate. Has the 50C deck, dual hydraulics, rear lift and of course, the coveted IH hub caps.

It's funny. I've been shopping several years for the black, plastic hood ornament, which seem to go for no less than $30. Got this whole 782 for...wait for it...$45.

EDIT: Oh, and of course, I purchased the obligatory Farmall headlights for $5. Seems to be a common theme with me at auctions...

[Denny Clayton]

Great buy, Stanton!

[Super A]

Nice! I have a 782 I bought a couple years ago stashed away in the corner of the garage that I either need to get running or find it a new home it's a CCC version so though it's red the hubcaps are plain.......Really wish mine had the 50C deck instead of the 48!

Al

[AL Farmall Boy]

Nice! I have a 782 I bought a couple years ago stashed away in the corner of the garage that I either need to get running or find it a new home it's a CCC version so though it's red the hubcaps are plain.......Really wish mine had the 50C deck instead of the 48!

Al

I should have a 50C deck if you want one. If so I can check and send pictures and go from there. Let me know.

[Stanton]

After some work on the engine and starter, here's what a non-running auction-buy Kohler M18 sounds like:

https://youtu.be/GXW6wF2Cwmw

May not need to buy a replacement engine after all...

[randallc]

Got a keeper looks like. Great price!

[Stanton]

Got a keeper looks like. Great price!

Thanks. Also got the rust off the hubcaps using aluminum foil and Coke. Turned out real shiny...

Before:

After:

[Bob McCarty]

Stanton, Explain the foil and coke process please. Never heard of that before.

Bob

[Stanton]

Use a piece of aluminum foil (household; I used heavy duty) and fold it up into a small square, about 3"x3". Pour some Coca-Cola on it and the rusty, chrome surface. Use the foil as if it was sandpaper; swirling motion or straight-line, your choice.

YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkHyARsjNEg

There appear to be other videos dealing with the same thing. Worked for me.

EDIT: Did find another interesting video that uses similar ingredients with great results: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76-lQwTru3s

[Stanton]

Since I was able to get the Kohler M18 to run, decided to keep this 782 and do a refurb. This is what it looks like now...

...let the fun begin!

[gitractorman]

NICE!!!! I love it when I get them to that point!

Since you've got the engine hoisted, take the time to pull the oil pan and clean out the bottom end of the engine, oil passages, and oil pan really well! Also, if you didn't already, blow out all the fins on the heads, and all the sheet metal. Rumor is that the combination of sludge in the oil pan and the poor engine cooling from the fins and sheet metal getting plugged with grass, is what kills the KT-17 engine.

Keep the pics coming!!

Bill

[Stanton]

...Rumor is that the combination of sludge in the oil pan and the poor engine cooling from the fins and sheet metal getting plugged with grass, is what kills the KT-17 engine.

This is a Kohler 18 Magnum. A kissing cousin to the KT-17. Think I should still pull the oil pan?

[gitractorman]

Prob wouldn't hurt, even though the KT18 has pressure lube and an oil filter. However, I've rebuilt two of them and the oil pans didn't look bad.

[randallc]

Ah! Another new one getting ready to come off the line in a few weeks.

[Stanton]

The PTO switch was a rusty mess. Disassembled, cleaned and reassembled. Should work.

Got the engine cleaned and painted. Used Ace Rust Stop BBQ (1000 degree F) paint. We'll see how long that lasts (probably not long).

Have some more black sheet metal to paint tonight, then I can move on to the red sheet metal.