Engine Rough idle Cub Cadet 1550SLT - new to maintenance

[CrazyCamels]

Hello!

I'm trying to get to the bottom of a rough idle problem on our Cadet 1550SLT - You can see a video of the problem here: https://youtu.be/Cb3Fb4FMfzE

Does anyone know what could be causing it? I've checked the throttle cable and I'm pretty sure it's not due to it being loose or stretched, it seems to be revving roughly due to something else.

Any help hugely appreciated.

Cheers,
James

 

[Scrubcadet10]

Sounds like it's surging, usually due to a partial clog in the carburetor or a carb gasket leaking and allowing air in past the carburetor.
So either a cleaning or replacement with new gaskets should fix it,
It's possible it may be running on one cylinder, but that's least of all possibilities.

 

[jp1961]

Hi James,

My Chiltons guide to small engine repair list these causes of engine surge.

1) The fuel line is clogged
2) the fuel tank cap vent is clogged.
3) There is water in the fuel.
4) The fuel pump is faulty.
5) The governor is improperly set, sticking, binding or there is wear.
6) The carb is not adjusted properly.

Also, check to make sure the fuel filter isn't clogged, if equipped.

Regards

Jeff

 

[CrazyCamels]

Thank you so much both! I'll take a look at what you've recommended with the power of YouTube to help me :laughing:

Jeff - would you mind sending a link to the book you mentioned?

Thanks,
James

 

[bertsmobile1]

If it only does this then the Idle circuit in your carb is blocked.
There are two places it can be blocked
In the front of the carb is the idle air passage
In the side of the carb is the idle fuel jet

If you want any more specific information we need to know which engine you have

 

[jp1961]

Hi James,

Sorry, no link, I bought a hardcopy book titled "Chilton's guide to SMALL ENGINE REPAIR up to 6Hp" (copyright 1983), at a flea market this past summer. Old farts like me like old school,,,lol.

But I'm always ready to help somebody with a problem with all the documentation I have, which isn't a whole lot, but more than most.

Regards

Jeff