[AT] OT(?) Cub Cadet 1812 Hydro question

[Stephen Offiler]

OK, it's not an antique farm tractor, guilty as charged.  It is a 1988
Cub Cadet (MTD built, a.k.a. "Cub Cadet Corp.") and it is a Model
1812, which is built off the same tooling as a real IH Cub Cadet Model
782 or so I am told.  I know all about the "IHCubCadet" online forum,
but nonetheless figured I'd start here on ATIS.  My goal is simply to
repair this machine so I can make the call whether I want to keep it
and mow with it, or sell it and buy a modern Zero-Turn-Radius mower.

The basic problem is a leak from the hydraulic system.  It was serious
enough (say a quart every 15-30 minutes into the cake pan that I was
forced to rig underneath the machine) that I parked it a couple years
ago, and here I am today, living proof that occasionally you DO get
that Round Tuit.

I've got the factory service manual, and it tells me I've got the
Sundstrand hydrostatic transmission.  With the sheetmetal stripped
from the steering wheel back, a good power-washing and running off a
remote battery connected with jumper cables, I found the source of the
leak, and mercifully it looks like something REALLY simple.  The pump
has two check valves threaded right into the top, very easy to access
with no further disassembly.  They are identical, and they each have a
tiny vent hole centered in the top.  The leak comes from this vent
hole.  The book says these valves cannot be serviced beyond
replacement of the o-rings, and removal and inspection of the faulty
valve shows that it is crimped together and cannot come apart, so I
agree with the book.

My specific question is this:  if the check valve is leaking out the
tiny vent-hole in the top, does that mean O-ring replacement, or do I
need to chase down a whole new valve?


Thanks and best regards,
Steve O.