Reliability of Cub Cadet with Kohler Engine

[msdougherty]

I purchased a Cub Cadet LTX1050 with a Kohler engine in the spring of 2014. After several weeks, I began having starter problems. It seemed to have a bad spot in the starter; sometimes firing right up, and other times you could hear the solenoid, but the starter wouldn't turn over. Finally at the end of the season last year it wouldn't ever turn over. This winter I replaced the starter and the battery, which also would not hold a charge after two years. It started like a champ after I first installed the nearly $200 starter, but now it's at it again. I can't afford these starters at this rate.

Anybody else having these problems continually? Is it a Kohler quality issue? It is a Cub Cadet reliability issue. I never expected to have these continuing problems with a Cub Cadet. Is there another greater problem that is causing these issues?

 

[jim44]

Mine has been doing that since new, and my previous 1050 did the same thing through its whole life (8 years). I found that if I just turn the key to the start position and hold it there, it will fire right up after a few seconds. It seems to me that the engine has a little more compression than the battery can handle, but as soon as it gets over that first compression, it's good to go. Mine has never failed to ultimately start. I considered trying to get a more powerful battery, but never did (because it kept starting). I've gotten used to that, and just expect that it will do it every time, and it has not disappointed me. Give that holding the key technique a try and see if that helps.

 

[msdougherty]

Mine has been doing that since new, and my previous 1050 did the same thing through its whole life (8 years). I found that if I just turn the key to the start position and hold it there, it will fire right up after a few seconds. It seems to me that the engine has a little more compression than the battery can handle, but as soon as it gets over that first compression, it's good to go. Mine has never failed to ultimately start. I considered trying to get a more powerful battery, but never did (because it kept starting). I've gotten used to that, and just expect that it will do it every time, and it has not disappointed me. Give that holding the key technique a try and see if that helps.

Thanks for the hint, Jim. I tried it and although I got a high pitched whine, it never turned over. I tried several time, even holding the start position for over ten seconds. The first time it acted as though it might turn, but it stopped with no result. I wish mine would be more like yours.

Mike

 

[msdougherty]

So the dealer from whom I purchased the last starter sent another on warranty. It appears that they've had trouble with these starters so much that replacements starters all come with instructions on a series of three tests to run before you swap out starters and return the faulty one. They want to make sure it is not a battery problem, so they have you run a battery voltage check. I had to get a multimeter because I hadn't needed one and never had one before. I just replaced the battery so I should pass all the tests. It did. They also wanted a test of battery cranking voltage and cranking voltage across the starter. I replaced the starter and it works like always should have. I wonder how long this starter will last?

 

[oldpilgrim]

I have the LTX1046 with the 22hp Kohler. I got it early in 2012 and it has given me no problems.

There are times, when it is warm, that it wants to resist turning over when starting because of the engine compression. It fights the compression but it always goes. This is only when it's hot, having just been shut down. I notice that as it gets older it does start easier and easier.

 

[TheMadOne]

So the dealer from whom I purchased the last starter sent another on warranty. It appears that they've had trouble with these starters so much that replacements starters all come with instructions on a series of three tests to run before you swap out starters and return the faulty one. They want to make sure it is not a battery problem, so they have you run a battery voltage check. I had to get a multimeter because I hadn't needed one and never had one before. I just replaced the battery so I should pass all the tests. It did. They also wanted a test of battery cranking voltage and cranking voltage across the starter. I replaced the starter and it works like always should have. I wonder how long this starter will last?

Make sure that multi-meter is at least CAT III. That refers to the protection afforded by the failsafes. I've heard horror stories of what happens when a CAT II goes. I know you probably don't plan to use it for high current, but now that you have it and something comes up...