Why won't this Cub Cadet LT1550 start?

[@len4338]

I heard you say " that's what's wrong " like three times ,,,,,, lol there was definitely a lot wrong with that one, fortunately nothing too expensive or complicated. Well it helps that you're great at sniffing out the trouble. Nice repair Random thanks for another good video

[@randomwrenching]

Ya, there was a lot of little stuff going on. Complete lack of any kind of maintenance for many years on this one.

[@Jay-mf3zc]

I have the same machine and yes the fuel cap vent was not noticeable but slightly damaged and letting tons of water into the fuel tank

[@randomwrenching]

This is the second one I've seen with the fuel cap so bad. I had a GT1554 with the same issue in the past.

[@mikejerrett7354]

Omf that was alot of water in the tank, I'm surprised it ran as well as it did. The "new candles " lol no doubt helps. 😊.good video random.

[@randomwrenching]

Heh, I think I might have even called them "boogies" In a video. My buddy used to call them that because the French name for spark plug is "bougie"

[@mikejerrett7354]

@@randomwrenching hahaha that's awesome 👌

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

Hey, Don! I see you had the shed extension up for this one and a car inside, huh?

[@randomwrenching]

That portable shelter thing has been up for a few years, and that's my Harley sitting just outside at the end of the video.

[@steveriggenbach90]

Everything I’ve had the tightening screw was in the middle. How can you tell when it’s the opposite? Probably an easy answer but never ran across it. Even though you’re not a mechanic it’s surprises me how people do not take care of their things. And then question why won’t start. Take care great video

[@randomwrenching]

Well, you can just loosen stuff and see which part adjusts the lash...lol. Typically, if it's got the small T20 torx in the middle, that's the lock. If it has the T40 in the middle, the outside nut is the lock.

[@steveriggenbach90]

@@randomwrenching Thanks, that makes sense. I always have like taking apart things LOL.

[@jp-us9rq]

Always drain my fuel out bro no issues with fuel ever

[@randomwrenching]

Empty is always the best way to store them

[@billb2832]

wonder how so much water got in the tank

[@randomwrenching]

I've seen the vents on top of the gas caps on these let water in.

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

So can you always tell if the pushrods are straight by spinning them in place? What exactly are you feeling for? Thx!

[@randomwrenching]

If you can see down the side of the rod as you're spinning it, you WILL see if it wobbles if it's bent. Or you can remove it and roll it on a sheet of glass.

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

@@randomwrenching Yup, I know the sheet of glass from my father’s music stores - testing drumsticks for straightness. I just didn’t realize you could test in place in the engine without removing them. I’ll have to check that out the next time I remove a valve cover. Thanks!🔧👍

[@randomwrenching]

As long as the cam lobe for that cylinder is on the base circle, the rocker should be loose enough to spin it and have a look.

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

LT = lawn tractor. 1550 = 15 horse, 50 inch deck. Unless they’re playing games with us, and then all bets are off. 😂 I wonder how much actual cutting power it has if the HP is only 15 to drive a deck that size. Would they play around with pulley sizes to make it work the same as an engine with several more HP but consume less fuel?

[@randomwrenching]

These cubs are a little different with the numbers. I have no idea why they have the 15 in there, but the 50 is the deck size like you said. I had the GT1554 model. That one had a 27hp Kohler and a 54" deck.

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

@@randomwrenching Is it possible that engine was a replacement?

[@randomwrenching]

Nope, factory engines are over 25hp on these