Bought Cub Cadet LT1042 new in 2008 from a local authorized dealer. Less than 100 hours. It ran great for two years, but then problems began. Engine would crank, but was really slow to start. When it did finally start, it did so without showing signs it was flooded and it ran fine, but backfired about every time it was shut off... regardless of where the throttle was set.
Had it tuned by the same dealer about 4 weeks ago. Dealer said he adjusted the lifters. Whatever he did, both problems went away, but after about two mowings, it is back to being slow to start, but so far hasn't backfired.
On a previous service, when the lawn tractor was still under warranty, the same dealer overfilled the oil crankcase. I discovered that mistake while mowing down an incline. It backfired for the first time and did so... BIG TIME and blue smoke billowed out.
(Our neighbors, who very much dislike the dealer, got to hear and see that, which probably reinforced their negativity. Needless to say, it bugs me to no end to have to have it crank, and crank, and crank when they are outside.)
Battery is less than 30 hours old. New plug, fuel filter and air filter. Choke lever travels the full range. There are no apparent fuel line restrictions. Using middle grade gasoline.
Dealer finally came and picked tractor up about a week ago. I have not heard anything back yet.
1) Does this engine have lifters that are even adjustable?
2) Could the dealer overfilling crankcase with oil have caused problems that still linger?
3) Could problem be in the fuel solenoid?
4) Suggestions?
Had it tuned by the same dealer about 4 weeks ago. Dealer said he adjusted the lifters. Whatever he did, both problems went away, but after about two mowings, it is back to being slow to start, but so far hasn't backfired.
On a previous service, when the lawn tractor was still under warranty, the same dealer overfilled the oil crankcase. I discovered that mistake while mowing down an incline. It backfired for the first time and did so... BIG TIME and blue smoke billowed out.
(Our neighbors, who very much dislike the dealer, got to hear and see that, which probably reinforced their negativity. Needless to say, it bugs me to no end to have to have it crank, and crank, and crank when they are outside.) Battery is less than 30 hours old. New plug, fuel filter and air filter. Choke lever travels the full range. There are no apparent fuel line restrictions. Using middle grade gasoline.
Dealer finally came and picked tractor up about a week ago. I have not heard anything back yet.
1) Does this engine have lifters that are even adjustable?
2) Could the dealer overfilling crankcase with oil have caused problems that still linger?
3) Could problem be in the fuel solenoid?
4) Suggestions?