CUB CADET 2140 (01) PDF Document

To ensure your safety while servicing your CUB CADET 2140, please follow these instructions:

1. To prevent accidental starting, always pull the high tension wire(s) off the spark plug(s) before servicing and/or adjusting the machine.

2. To prevent injury, do not allow children or bystanders in the vicinity of the machine while it is being adjusted and/or serviced.

3. Do not wear jewelry (rings, wrist watches, necklaces, etc.) or loose fitting clothing when working on machinery; they could catch on moving parts, causing serious injury. Wear sturdy, tough-soled work shoes. Never adjust and/or service a machine in bare feet, sandals or sneakers.

4. Always wear safety glasses when using a hammer, chisel or other tools that may cause chips to fly.

5. Be sure to reinstall all safety devices, guards or shields after adjusting and/or servicing the machine.

6. When operating a power washer to clean a machine before servicing, be careful at all times to avoid injury. Maintain proper footing and balance at all times. Never direct the spray at people or animals, as high pressure spray can cause serious injury.

7. Always use safety stands in conjunction with hydraulic jacks or hoists. Do not rely on the jack or hoist to carry the load; it could fail, causing serious injury and/or damage. Be sure jack stands are properly positioned to prevent tipping or rollover.

8. When removing or supporting components or disassembling machines, be sure to use safety stands and adequate supports to prevent tipping or rollover and to prevent components from falling.

Gasoline is highly flammable. Observe the following precautions when handling gasoline:

a. Use an approved gasoline container.

b. Never remove the fuel tank cap or fill the fuel tank when the engine is running, is hot, or is indoors. DO NOT SMOKE when working around flammable fuel.

c. Avoid fires — be sure container or funnel does not touch the battery. Do not overfill the fuel tank. Wipe up all spilled gasoline.

d. Replace fuel tank cap securely.

When working with the electrical system, follow these safety guidelines:

• Never use trouble lights or electric powered tools that have cut or damaged cords or plugs. Be sure all electric tools are properly grounded.

• Never run an engine in a confined area, such as a garage or storage building, any longer than is necessary for immediate moving of the machine out of or into the area. EXHAUST GASES ARE TOXIC. OPENING DOORS AND WINDOWS MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE VENTILATION.

• After servicing, be sure all tools, spare parts, and/or servicing equipment are removed from the machine.

• Electrical storage batteries give off highly flammable hydrogen gas when charging, and continue to do so for some time after receiving a steady charge. Do not, under any circumstances, allow an electrical spark or an open flame near the battery. Always disconnect the battery cables (negative cable first) before working on the electrical system.

Tractors are shipped with a dry battery. Electrolyte must be added and the battery activated. Follow these steps for proper battery activation:

1. Remove the battery from the tractor and place on a work bench or table.

2. Fill each cell to the top of the plates with electrolyte.

3. Allow the battery to sit 30 minutes. This will allow the chemical action to take place between the electrolyte and battery plates.

4. Re-check the electrolyte level and, if necessary, add electrolyte to completely cover the plates.

5. Connect the charger to the battery per instructions with the charger.

6. Charge the battery at 4 AMPS maximum until the specific gravity of each cell is 1.250 or higher.

7. Check the level of electrolyte in all cells and add, if necessary, to bring level up to split ring.

8. Wash off any spilled electrolyte.

9. Install the battery in the tractor and connect the POSITIVE battery cable to the positive terminal of the battery.

10. Connect the NEGATIVE battery cable to the negative terminal of the battery.

If your battery will not hold a charge, check the following:

• Low electrolyte level: Use pure water and fill to the level indicator or to 1/4 to 1/2 inch above the top of the plates.

• Electrolyte (specific gravity): Test each cell. If all readings are 1.250 or above, the battery is O.K. If all readings are even but less than 1.250, recharge and retest. If there’s a high-low variation between cells less than 50 gravity points, recharge and retest. If there’s a high-low variation between cells that exceeds 50 gravity points, replace the battery.

• Battery capacity: Test capacity and evaluate the condition. A minimum voltage of 10.5 volts should be measured across the battery terminals. You can also recharge the battery for 10 minutes at a 25 amp charge rate and measure for an increase in voltage. If voltage increases, recharge at the recommended 4 amp rate. If there is no increase, replace the battery.

If there is no charge to the battery, the charge system may not be operating. Follow these steps:

1. With the ignition switch in the ON position, check for battery voltage at the charge terminal of the regulator. If there is no voltage, check the wire harness for broken wires or connections.

2. If battery voltage is present at the regulator, start the engine and check charging voltage from the output terminal of the regulator (12.5 to 14.2 VDC). If voltage is low, check the engine stater output (24 VAC minimum).

If the engine cranks but does not start, the cause could be related to the ignition system or fuel system.

• Spark plugs: Remove the plug(s), check the gap and condition of electrodes. Re-gap to engine specifications. If the condition is questionable, replace the plug(s).

• Defective ignition module: Use a spark tester and check for spark at the plug.

• Troubleshooting the ignition module:

– If there is no spark, remove the yellow wire from the connector block where the tractor harness and engine harness connect. Crank the engine.

– If it still does not spark, refer to the engine service manual for ignition module testing and replacement.

– If the engine has spark, the ignition module is O.K. Test the tractor harness and switches for proper operation.

• Grounded yellow wires or defective safety switches: Check the tractor harness and switches for proper operation.

If the engine has spark but is not starting, the issue is likely that the engine is not getting fuel. Perform services in a well-ventilated area, as fuel vapors are very flammable. Allow all tractor components to cool and remove all sources of ignition before servicing.

1. Check fuel tank for fuel.

2. Check fuel flow to filter. If there’s no flow, check the tank and fuel lines for obstructions or kinks.

3. Check fuel flow through filter. If there’s no flow, replace the clogged filter.

4. Check operation of the fuel pump as follows:

a. Disconnect the carburetor fuel line at the fuel pump.

b. Attach a test length of fuel line to the fuel pump and position it over an appropriate container.

c. Start the engine and check for a steady stream of fuel from the test line.

d. If a steady flow is present, refer to the engine service manual.

e. If fuel flow is weak, check the engine vacuum. Refer to the engine service manual if below specifications.

f. If vacuum is to specifications, replace the fuel pump.

If the engine does not crank, check the following potential causes:

• PTO switch is in ON position or brake pedal not fully depressed: Turn the PTO switch OFF and fully depress the brake pedal.

• Low battery voltage: Refer to battery troubleshooting procedures.

• Starter not being activated: This could be due to loose connections or broken wires in the tractor or engine wire harness, inoperative switches, a defective solenoid, or a defective starting motor. Check the battery cable connection at the solenoid for battery voltage. With the ignition switch in the start position, check for battery voltage through the activator wire (small red wire) at the solenoid. If no voltage, inspect the wire harness for loose or broken connections. Check the operation of interlock switches (pedal switch), PTO, and ignition switches.

• Drive line or PTO clutch lockup: Disconnect the drive shaft and test the engine. If the engine cranks, inspect the drive shaft and transaxle. Remove the PTO and test the engine. If the engine cranks, inspect the PTO.

If the electric PTO fails to engage, investigate these possible causes:

• Low battery voltage: Check the battery voltage. It must be above 10.5 V. DC.

• No voltage to PTO: With the ignition switch in the RUN position, battery voltage should be present at the red wire of the PTO connection. If there is no voltage, check for blown fuses or loose/broken connections in the red wire to the PTO.

• Open circuit in PTO field coil: Disconnect the PTO connector. Using an ohmmeter, measure the resistance of the field coil. For models 2130, 2135, 2140 and 2145, it should be 6.5 to 7.5 ohms. If measurements are not within specification, the field coil is defective.

• No continuity through blue wire: Test for battery voltage in the blue wire connection at the PTO switch. If no voltage, check the wire. If voltage is present, proceed to the next test.

• Defective PTO switch: Disconnect the wire harness and test the continuity of the PTO switch per Appendix C (C-3.2). If the switch is OK, proceed to the next test.

• Defective reverse relay: Unplug the relay from the wire harness and test for proper operation per Appendix C (C-3.3). If the relay is OK, proceed to the next test.

• PTO safety circuit not operating correctly: Test the safety circuit by checking for continuity and voltage at various points in the reverse switch and relay circuit.

If your CUB CADET 2140 (a six-speed model) will not move, check for the following issues:

• Parking brake engaged: Disengage the parking brake.

• Transmission will not shift from neutral: No detent resistance felt when moving the speed control lever. The carriage bolt of the gear shift bracket may be loose, allowing the speed control lever to slip inside the gear shift bracket. Tighten the carriage bolt. The shift rod could also be disconnected from the gear shift bracket or transaxle shifter arm; connect the shift rod.

• Clutch assembly not being actuated: The clutch adjustment rod may be disconnected from the clutch cam on the clutch shaft, or the control arm on the clutch assembly. Connect the adjustment rod. The set screw securing the control arm to the clutch assembly may be loose; re-position the control arm and tighten the set screw.

• No input to clutch assembly: The clutch adapter may be loose on the clutch input shaft. Tighten the bell washer and hex lock nut.

• Excessive clutch plate wear: Rebuild or replace the clutch assembly. The forward or reverse pedal must be FULLY DEPRESSED when operating the tractor.

• Transmission locked up or unable to engage shift gears: This may be due to a loose neutral spacer (on early style units). Rebuild the transaxle, replacing the shift shaft and neutral spacer with new style components.

If your tractor won’t reach its normal speed in one or both directions, consider these possibilities:

• Low engine RPM: Move the throttle control lever to the full throttle position. Check and, if necessary, adjust the top no load engine speed to specifications (usually 3500-3600 RPM).

• Improper brake adjustment or operation causing drag on transmission: Check for a too-tightly adjusted brake rod and readjust. Check for a damaged, weak, or missing brake return spring and replace it. Check for a corroded or damaged brake actuator seizing in the brake plate or broken/damaged brake shoes/drum causing binding; repair or replace necessary components.

• Clutch assembly not being fully actuated: The clutch adjustment rod may not be correctly installed. The pivot sleeve on the adjustment rod should be in the upper hole of the control arm. The ferrule on the front end of the rod should be in the forward slotted hole of the clutch cam. Also, the rod may be incorrectly adjusted; readjust it.

If the tractor creeps when in neutral, it may be due to one of the following reasons:

• Centering spacer not properly positioned on neutral bracket: Referring to Section 6 — Adjustments, adjust the centering spacer so that the clutch control arm is in the neutral position.

• Clutch adjustment rod not properly adjusted: Readjust the clutch rod. The clutch rod should be readjusted whenever the centering spacer is repositioned.

• Set screw securing control arm to clutch assembly is loose: Re-position the control arm on the clutch assembly and tighten the set screw.

• Loss of tension or distortion in the neutral arm spring: Replace the damaged spring. The correct spring is black in color.

• Improper adjustment or binding of the interlock rod: Check the interlock rod for interference and/or misadjustment.

To remove the hood, grille, and side panels, follow these steps:

Side Panel Removal:

1. Open the hood and loosen the upper front wing nuts on each side of the grille.

2. Grasp the side panel just behind the grille and pull outward to release the side panel from the tapered bushings on the grille.

3. Slide the side panel forward and out of the slot in the dash panel.

Hood and Grille Removal:

1. Disconnect the wire harness from the back of the headlight bulbs.

2. Pinch the locking barbs to release, or cut the cable ties that secure the wire harness to the RH grille bracket.

3. Remove the hex wash. hd. tapp screws which secure the LH and RH grille brackets and the grille to the tractor frame.

4. Lift the hood and grille assembly off the tractor frame and place it in a work area that will prevent scratches or damage to the painted surfaces.

Removal:

1. Remove the side panels.

2. Remove the negative battery cable and main harness ground lead from the battery by removing the battery bolt AND nut.

3. Remove the positive battery cable and main harness lead from the battery.

4. Loosen the hose clamp and remove the drain tube from the battery vent nipple.

5. From underneath the battery, pull the bottom of the battery retainer strap down and forward to release from the pedestal tab.

6. Lift the battery out of the tractor.

7. Remove the battery retainer strap by pulling it down through the pedestal opening.

Installation:

1. Push the battery retainer strap up through the square hole in the pedestal.

2. Place the battery in the pedestal with the terminals facing forward.

3. Pull the retainer strap down across the front of the battery and hook to the tab of the pedestal.

4. Place the battery nut in the opening of the positive battery terminal. Position the positive cable and main harness lead, if applicable, on top of the terminal and secure with the battery bolt.

5. Place the battery nut in the opening of the negative terminal and connect the negative battery cable and ground lead using the battery bolt.

6. Install the drain tube and hose clamp on the battery vent nipple.

7. Install the side panels.

The following procedure applies to CUB CADET 2140 models with Engine Factory Code 11187 or 11317. Note that some steps vary based on the code.

Removal:

1. Set the parking brake and remove the battery ground cable for safety.

2. Remove the side panels and the hood and grille assembly.

3. Disconnect the electrical connection from the PTO clutch.

4. Remove the hex flange lock nuts securing the muffler to the tractor frame and remove the muffler.

5. For models with code 11187, remove the hex cap screw, lock washer, and flat washer from the engine crankshaft. Loosen and remove the hex nut from the hex cap screw on the engine. Slide the PTO clutch assembly and spacer off the engine crankshaft, noting the position of the beveled I.D. of the spacer. Remove the torque stud from the engine.

6. For models with code 11317, remove the hex cap screw, lock washer, and step spacer end cap from the engine crankshaft. Slide the PTO clutch assembly and spacer off the engine crankshaft, noting the position of the beveled I.D. of the spacer. Remove the torque stud from the engine.

Installation:

1. For models with code 11187:

a. Install the torque stud on the engine.

b. With the beveled I.D. toward the engine, slide the spacer on to the crankshaft.

c. Align the key of the PTO clutch with the keyway of the crankshaft, and the slot of the clutch brake plate with the torque stud; then slide the PTO clutch onto the crankshaft.

d. Secure the PTO clutch with the flat washer, lockwasher, and hex cap screw. Torque the hex cap screw to 50-60 ft. lbs.

e. With the hex nut threaded on the hex cap screw, position the screw in the right clutch slot and tighten into the threaded hole of the engine.

f. Secure the hex cap screw by turning the hex nut to jam tightly against the engine.

2. For models with code 11317:

a. Install the torque stud on the engine.

b. Align the key of the PTO clutch with the keyway of the crankshaft, and the slot of the clutch brake plate with the torque stud; then slide the PTO clutch onto the crankshaft.

c. Slide the step spacer end cap onto the crankshaft and secure with the lockwasher and hex cap screw. Torque the hex cap screw to 50-60 ft. lbs.

3. Install the muffler and secure to the tractor frame with the hex flange lock nuts.

4. Connect the main harness connector to the PTO clutch.

5. Install the hood and grille assembly and the side panels.

The front wheels should be adjusted to approximately 1/8 inch toe-in. Follow these steps to check and adjust:

1. Turn the steering wheel fully to the left and note the distance between the front pivot axle and the wheel stop on the left steering knuckle.

2. Turn the steering wheel fully to the right and compare the distance between the axle and the right steering knuckle stop with the distance observed in the previous step. The clearances should be approximately equal.

3. If clearances differ significantly, check the lower steering arm for proper position. Refer to the appropriate section for disassembly and repositioning if needed.

4. To measure toe-in:

a. Remove the hex lock nuts from the tie rod assemblies from the steering arms.

b. Manually place each front wheel in the straight ahead position.

c. Place a mark at the same spot on both front wheels; for example, the mold seam in the center of the rim tread or the inner bead flange of the wheel rim.

d. Rotate the wheels to position the marks at the front horizontal diameter of the wheels, then measure the distance between the marks.

e. Rotate the marks to the rear horizontal diameter and measure the distance between the marks. The distance at the front should be 1/8 inch less than the distance measured at the rear.

f. If the difference is more or less than 1/8 inch, or if the measurements are not equal, the toe-in dimension needs correction.

5. To adjust:

a. Loosen the hex jam nuts from the front ball joints.

b. Turn the ball joint in or out on each tie rod, as necessary, to align with the hole in each steering arm.

c. Reinstall the ball joints in the steering arms, but do not tighten the jam nuts now.

d. Remove the dowel pin from the segment gear, and repeat the wheel turning steps (1 and 2) to ensure the steering knuckle clearances are approximately equal.

e. Determine the difference between the two clearance measurements by subtracting the smaller from the larger.

f. Disconnect the tie rod assembly from the steering knuckle having the least clearance. Turn the ball joint an amount equal to half the difference, reinstall the tie rod, and re-check.

g. Disconnect the other tie rod assembly and lengthen by the number of full turns required in the previous step. Reinstall the tie rod.

h. Tighten the hex jam nuts against the ball joints.

6. Recheck and, if necessary, re-adjust per the previous instructions.

To ensure proper operation and adjust the braking system, follow these steps:

1. Place the tractor on a firm and level surface and stop the engine.

2. Move the speed control lever to the fully rearward (neutral) position.

3. Depress the brake pedal and engage the park brake lever. While observing the rear wheels, push the tractor forward or rearward. If the rear wheels can be pushed AND the wheels rotate, the brake tension must be increased. If the wheels do not rotate, the brake tension must be decreased.

4. Release the brake pedal and adjust the brake tension as follows:

a. Working from underneath the tractor, remove the internal cotter pin from the adjustment ferrule and disconnect the brake rod assembly from the brake cam.

b. Lightly pull the brake rod forward to ensure the rod is fully seated in the spring and that the spring hook is at the front of the hole in the brake arm. DO NOT actuate the brake cam when pulling the rod.

c. Turning one full turn at a time, turn the adjustment ferrule inward or outward on the brake rod to align the ferrule with the hole in the brake cam.

d. Turn the ferrule outward one full turn and install the ferrule in the brake cam.

e. Depress and release the brake pedal, then check to ensure the spring is not tensioned. There should be a small amount of slack in the brake rod and spring.

f. Manually depress the brake pedal and observe that the spring begins to extend during the initial movement (approximately 1 inch) of the pedal.

g. Repeat steps 4 and 5 above to again test the brakes.

If you are able to rotate the wheels with the park brake engaged, check for oil on the brake shoes or possibly internal transaxle damage. If unable to push the tractor with the brake disengaged, check for possible brake assembly and/or internal transaxle damage.

The correct installation and adjustment of the clutch adjustment rod is essential to proper operation of the transmission. On the CUB CADET 2140 (six-speed tractor), the adjustment ferrule must be installed in the FRONT slotted hole of the clutch cam, and the pivot sleeve must be installed in the UPPER hole of the control arm.

1. Depress the brake pedal and engage the park brake.

2. Working from underneath the left frame channel of the tractor, remove the internal cotter pin securing the pivot sleeve to the control arm. Disconnect the clutch adjustment rod from the control arm.

3. Ensure the adjustment ferrule is at the back of the proper slotted hole of the clutch cam. The extension spring should hold the ferrule against the back of the hole.

4. Without moving the clutch cam or control arm, check the pivot sleeve pin for direct alignment with the upper hole of the control arm. If not aligned, proceed as follows:

a. Loosen the hex jam nut from the front of the adjustment ferrule.

b. Turn the rod into, or out of, the adjustment ferrule as necessary to align the pivot sleeve with the hole in the control arm.

5. Install the pivot sleeve in the proper hole of the control arm and secure with the internal cotter pin.

6. Tighten the hex jam nut against the adjustment ferrule.

Correct neutral adjustment is essential to the proper operation of the clutch. While on a level surface, if the tractor attempts to drive forward or rearward when neither forward nor reverse pedal is depressed, neutral adjustment should be checked and readjusted.

1. Drive the tractor for approximately 5-10 minutes to warm up the clutch assembly, then stop the engine and engage the parking brake.

2. Place the tractor on a firm and level surface and chock the front wheels before raising the rear wheels from the ground. Use jack stands to support the rear of the tractor so that the rear tires are at least one inch above the surface and are positioned to balance the tractor.

3. Move the speed control lever to one of the mid (third or fourth gear) speed settings, and observe both rear wheels for rotation in either direction.

4. If wheel rotation is observed, adjust the neutral setting as follows:

a. Disconnect the clutch adjustment rod from the control arm by removing the internal cotter pin from the pivot sleeve.

b. If wheel rotation stops when the rod is disconnected, check and readjust the rod per the clutch adjustment procedure. Also check the pedal linkage for binding.

c. If wheel rotation continues, loosen the hex top lock nut and hex cap screw on the centering spacer.

d. If the rotation is in the forward direction, slide the spacer slightly rearward until the rotation stops. If rotating in the reverse direction, slide the spacer forward until rotation stops.

e. Carefully tighten the hex cap screw and top lock nut, making certain the spacer does not move.

f. Stop the engine and engage the parking brake.

g. Check and, if necessary, readjust the clutch adjustment rod.

h. Check and, if necessary, readjust the interlock rod.

5. To obtain a neutral setting by adjusting the centering spacer could indicate internal problems with the clutch assembly. Refer to paragraph 5-24 for clutch inspection procedures.

If the engine does not achieve its high (no load) speed when the throttle control is moved to the full throttle position, check the cable adjustment before performing other inspections.

1. Raise the hood and locate the throttle cable connection at the engine.

2. While observing the direction of movement of the engine throttle arm, move the tractor’s throttle control lever to the full throttle position.

3. Loosen the screw securing the cable clamp.

4. Push and hold the engine throttle arm fully in the direction of movement noted in step 2.

5. While continuing to hold the throttle arm, pull the throttle cable conduit back through the clamp (away from the arm) to remove any slack in the cable and tighten the screw securing the clamp.

6. Start the engine. Use a tachometer to check the high and low speed engine rpm to specifications. Refer to the appropriate Engine Service Manual if adjustment is necessary.

If the engine is difficult to start or runs roughly when warmed up, check the choke cable setting before performing any other engine or carburetor inspections.

1. Raise the hood and locate the choke cable connection at the engine.

2. While observing the direction of movement of the engine choke arm, pull the tractor’s choke handle out.

3. Loosen the screw securing the cable clamp.

4. Push and hold the engine choke arm fully in the direction of movement noted in step 2 above. If desired, the air cleaner cover and element may be removed to ensure that the carburetor choke plate is closed completely.

5. While continuing to hold the choke arm, pull the choke cable conduit back through the clamp (away from the arm) to remove any slack in the cable and tighten the screw securing the clamp.