Maintaining your tractor, Warning – Cub Cadet i1050 User Manual
Page 22

6
WARNING
• Check the gap using a wire feeler gauge. Adjust the
gap to .030 in. (0.76mm) by carefully bending the 
ground electrode. See Figure 19.
• Reinstall the spark plug into the cylinder head.
Torque the spark plug to 18-22 ft. lbs. (24.4-
29.8N·m).
Engine Cooling
To ensure proper cooling, make sure the grass screen, 
cooling fins, and other external surfaces of the engine 
are kept clean at all times.
Every 100 hours of operation (more often under 
extremely dusty, dirty conditions), remove the blower 
housing and other cooling shrouds. Clean the cooling 
fins and external surfaces as necessary. Make sure the 
cooling shrouds are properly reinstalled.
Carburetor
In compliance with government emission standards, the 
carburetor is calibrated to deliver the correct fuel-to-air 
mixture to the engine under all operating conditions. 
The high speed mixture is set at the factory and cannot 
be adjusted. 
If engine troubles are experienced that appear to be fuel 
system related, check the following areas:
• Make sure the fuel tank is filled with clean, fresh 
gasoline. Make sure the fuel tank vent is not blocked.
• Make sure the in-line fuel filter is clean and unob-
structed. Replace the filter if necessary.
• Make sure the air cleaner element is clean and all air
cleaner element components are fastened securely.
If after checking the above items the engine is hard to 
start, runs roughly, stalls, or lacks power, contact your 
Cub Cadet dealer to have the carburetor and fuel pump 
inspected.
Fuel Line
Change the fuel line filter after every 100 hours of 
operation. The fuel filter is located on the left side of the 
engine in the fuel line. Note the orientation of the filter to 
install the new filter correctly. 
• Place a container below the filter to catch any spilled 
gasoline and carefully clamp the fuel lines.
• Loosen the hose clamps to remove and replace the
filter.
Steering Maintenance
Steering Lubrication
The steering arms, pivot shafts, and axles must be 
lubricated if ever the steering effort increases, or after 
every 25 hour of operation. Lubricate using a pressure 
grease gun and Cub Cadet 251H EP grease, or an 
equivalent No. 2 multipurpose lithium grease.
• Apply grease through the lube fitting on the RH and 
LH steering arms which are located at rearward end of 
the two steering drag links. See Figure 20.
• Locate the lube fittings for the pivot shaft and axle on
the front of one end of the axle pivot bar. Apply grease 
through the two lube fittings, then repeat to lubricate 
the other end of the pivot bar. See Figure 20.
Cleaning Steering Gears
Once a year, or if a tight spot is experienced when turning 
the steering wheel, remove the steering gear cover on 
each end of the pivot bar and clean the two steering 
gears. 
• From beneath the cover base plate on each end of the 
pivot bar, remove the three hex screws securing the 
steering gear cover. Remove the covers and clean the 
gears. It is not necessary to lubricate the gears. Refer 
to Figure 20.
• Insert the tab of the LH steering gear cover into the
square hole in the LH base plate, position the cover, 
and secure with the three hex screws. Do not over 
tighten. Repeat to install the cover on the RH side.
Pivot Bar adjustment
If excessive play is experienced in the steering wheel, 
check the pivot bar for forward/rearward movement. 
1. Raise the front of the tractor and set it on jack stands, 
so the front wheels are suspended above the ground.
2. Grasping the ends of the pivot bar, attempt to move
each end of the axle forward and rearward to check 
for side play. There should be minimal or no side play.
Maintaining
Your Tractor
Electrode
.030 in. (0.70-0.80mm)
Figure 19
Figure 0
This symbol points 
out important safety 
instructions which, if 
not followed, could 
endanger the personal 
safety and/or property 
of yourself and others. 
Read and follow all 
instructions in this man-
ual before attempting to 
operate this machine. 
Failure to comply with 
these instructions may 
result in personal injury. 
When you see this 
symbol.
HEED ITS WARNING
Your
Responsibility
Restrict the use
of this power machine
to persons who read,
understand
and follow the warnings
and instructions
in this manual
Axle Pivot Bar
Lube Fittings
Shoulder
Bolt
Hex
Screw
Steering
Gear Cover
Cover
Tab
Steering Arm
Lube Fitting
