Just traded Cub to a 184 lowboy

[Oldthings]

Hi, I just traded one of two cubs I had to a 1979 184 Lowboy. Reading the forum on this section, it seems the 184 has common issues that I have. It will not stay at full throttle. It starts fine. and the choke knob pulled off. My questions are what should I Look for regarding problems with this model? Will a universal choke cable interchange with the original type? The previous owner just installed a new carb and that's when the throttle problems started. What should I look for? Is the 184 engine different than the cub? Thanks, Ray

[outdoors4evr]

If you are going to buy parts, then get the right parts for the machine. HamiltonBobsCubs (link at the bottom of the page) is a forum sponsor and most likely has the right parts for your 184.
You mentioned that it will not stay at full throttle. If that is because the throttle lever works its way back down, then there is a friction nut that needs to be tightened down on the throttle lever. There should be an access hole by your left knee that allows you to reach the nut.
If it won't stay at full throttle due to the governor slowing the engine, then you probably have a governor to carburetor linkage adjustment out of whack. See manual for adjustment procedure.
Don't forget to lubricate the throttle cable pivot joint at the front of the engine.

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

Doesn't the 184 throttle hand lever have a friction disk in it?

[gitractorman]

Yes, it does, and it is adjustable. Pull the T handle off, unscrew the two mounting bolts and the whole throttle lever assembly will drop out from under the dash. Then you can tighten the friction disk, and reassemble it. Any universal choke cable will work, as long as the carb is correct and takes a universal choke. First, I'd try some JB weld to try to reattach the choke knob.

[Oldthings]

Thanks for the info everyone. I got it out today and adjusted the carb. It ran a lot better after mowing with it for almost an hour. Its was over half full and gas and wanted to run it out. The choke knob is not broke. It pulled off due to the choke cable being stiff. I will deal with it and the throttle at the same time. I ran it in first gear. Its faster than my cub. I was satisfied with how it mowed in first gear at half throttle where it backs down to. I never run anything full throttle even my weedeater anyway.

[outdoors4evr]

Don't be afraid to run it at full throttle. It's only 2200 engine RPM's with the mower deck running and it mows MUCH better at full throttle.

[gitractorman]

You will want to run it at full throttle. matter of fact, you should be running every piece of machinery at full throttle, except your weedeater. All equipment that runs a PTO is designed to be run at full throttle, to have the implement running at the correct speed. Anything less than that uses more fuel and works much less efficiently, and newer equipment may not even operate at all. Most new mowers will not engage the PTO unless at near full throttle.

[LSX]

Full throttle for proper implement performance.

[Daddy04]

I too have just brought home my first 184. What other common model specific problems should I be looking for?

[Daddy04]

So what rpm are they supposed to idle at? I've set my timing at WOT (which registered 2500rpm no load) but don't know where it should idle.

[Larry B]

Yes, it does, and it is adjustable. Pull the T handle off, unscrew the two mounting bolts and the whole throttle lever assembly will drop out from under the dash. Then you can tighten the friction disk, and reassemble it. Any universal choke cable will work, as long as the carb is correct and takes a universal choke. First, I'd try some JB weld to try to reattach the choke knob.

You can also tighten the nut on the throttle lever without removing the lever assy. If you reach up for underneath there is an access hole where you can get a socket on 1/4" ratchet on the pivot nut.