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Cub Cadet LT1042 Lawn Tractor Problems

Cub Cadet LT1042 Engine Troubleshooting

Kohler engine not starting

Empty fuel tank - Add fuel.
Wrong fuel grade - Use correct gasoline grade.
Stale gasoline - Drain gasoline and add fresh.
Water or air in fuel system - Remove air or water from system.
Spark plug defective - Inspect and change if necessary.
Faulty spark plug - Check ignition spark.
Fuel filter is plugged - Install new filter.
Brake pedal not pushed down - Push the brake pedal down.
Carburetor problems - Carburetor diagnostics required.
Check starter cranking RPM. Test compression.

Gas engine is difficult to start

Spark plug fail - Check the spark and replace defective spark.
Carburetor components worn out - Repair or replace parts.
Fuel lines are clogged - Servicing fuel system.
Worn throttle cable - Replace as required.
Stale or improper fuel - Drain and add proper fuel.
Electrical wires are damaged - Check and replace.
Failing starter - Check starter, repair or replace.

Engine stalling, surging or running rough

Cooling fins plugged - Remove dirt from cooling fins.
Loose electrical contacts - Check and repair defective connections.
Ignition system problems - Test ignition and spark plug.
Throttle cable sticks - Check and change if required.
Air filter blocked - Change air cleaner.

Kohler engine stops or misses

Spark plug malfunction - Replace spark plug.
Carburetor problems - Test and repair.
Ignition coil not working - Replace defective component.

Engine overheating

Engine runs under excessive load - Reduce the load.
Air intake screen blocked - Clean dirty components.
Engine oil high or too low - Add or drain oil.
Incorrect engine oil viscosity - Change oil.
Check internal bearing clearance.
Idle speed problems - Adjust carburetor idle mixture screw.

Engine doesn't idle speed

Poor spark plug contact - Tighten the spark plug correctly.
Spark plug wear - Check the spark and replace defective spark.

Engine knocks

Low octane gasoline - Change fuel.
Excessive engine load - Reduce the load.
Low oil level - Check oil level and add if necessary.
Engine runs at low revs - Adjust carburetor as needed.
Cylinder bore and rings are wear - Inspect cylinder bore or rings for worn.
Inspect for engine overheats from clogged cooling fins.
Inspect and adjusting crankshaft end play.
Checking for wear crankshaft or camshaft bearings.

Engine back-fire

Check spark plug for fouled.
Adjust or replace throttle.
Check and adjust carburetor.
Check and adjust ignition coil air gap.
Check inlet and outlet valves.
Check and adjust valve clearance.
Inspect flywheel key.

Kohler engine lacks power

Engine overheats - Check air cleaner for plugged condition.
Engine oil overfilled - Remove excess oil.
Fuel pump broken - Check fuel pump and replace if required.
Defective governor - Repair or replace governor.
Inspect carburetor for plugged passages.
Test engine compression.

Engine getting too much fuel

Choke didn't open fully - Replace choke cable.
Carburetor malfunction - Check carburetor float adjustment.

Exhaust with black smoke

Air filter element plugged - Clean or change filter.
Throttle is partially engaged - Check and repair throttle.
Checking and adjusting carburetor float level.

Cub Cadet LT1042 Electrical System Troubleshooting

Starter motor will not turn engine

Blown fuse - Check and replace.
Poor terminal connection - Clean terminals.
Low-voltage battery - Battery charging required.
Ignition switch is damaged - Replace the lock.
Starter fault - Change the starter.
Wiring disconnected - Replace wiring.

Battery doesn't charge

One or more battery cells dead - Install new battery.
Poor contact between cable and battery pole - Check and Clean.

Lights do not work

Light plug disconnected.
Lamp is not working - Replace the lamp.
Check wiring for short circuit.

Cub Cadet LT1042 Machine Troubleshooting

Excessive tractor vibration

Implements driven belt damaged or worn - Check and replace worn belt.
Traction drive belt worn - Install new belt.
Drive sheaves malfunction - Change if necessary.
Mower blades malfunction - Replace damaged blades.

Engine runs but tractor won't move

parking brake blocks the tractor - Disengage the park brake.
Bypass lever is on - Disengage the bypass valve lever.
Mower blade could be loose - Tighten mower blades.
Incorrect blade balance - Check blades for damage and balance as required.
Too little transmission oil - Add oil to the transmission.

Cub Cadet LT1042 Mower Deck Problems

Discharge Chute Plugged

Ground speed too fast - Choose recommended speed.
High grass - Use a shorter cutting height.
The grass is wet - Don't mow while wet grass.
Engine rpm reduced - Increase engine speed.
Airflow restriction - Set higher revs.
Low cutting height - Adjust to higher cutting.
Belt installed improperly - install belt as required.

Uncut grass during operation

Cutting deck clogging - Check cutting deck and clean if necessary.
Blade wornout - Check for blade damage and replace if necessary.
Mower deck low - Level mower deck.
Grass bag overfilled - Clean bagger.
Traveling too fast - Operate the mower at low speed.

Belt slips

Dirt in the sheaves - Pulley cleaning required.
Belt is damaged - Check and change damaged belt.
Poor belt tension - Check belt tension.

Too much mower vibration

Debris in sheaves or on mower deck - Clean pulley and deck from debris.
Worn belt or sheave - Replace defective parts.
Belt or pulleys out of alignment - Check and adjust.
Blades out of balance - Blade balance required.

Blades scalp grass

Wrong cutting height - Set the correct cutting height.
Mower rollers not adjusted improperly - Adjust mower deck wheels.
Tire pressure is uneven - Increase tire pressure.
Higher blade speed - Balance mower speed.
Blades are bent - Remove bent blade and fit new one.

Uneven Cut

Mower deck low - Deck leveling required.
Tire pressure unequal - Increase tire pressure.
Incorrect wheel height - Adjust mower deck wheels.
Speed too high - Need to reduce speed.
Blades worn - Check for blade damage and replace if necessary.

CUB CADET TRACTORS TROUBLESHOOTING
1050	1863	2166	2182	2186
3184	3205	GT1554	GT2550	GTX2100
LT1040	LT1042	LT1045	LT1046	LT1050
LT2180	LTX1040	LTX1042	LTX1045	LTX1046
LTX1050	SLTX1054	XT1 LT42	XT1 LT46	XT3 GSX