Oil Leaks in a Cub Cadet 1170

Engine Tilt

• The Briggs and Stratton 17 horsepower engine holds a maximum of 48 oz. of oil. Because oil levels should be kept to near capacity, tilting the engine or your Cub Cadet 1170 can cause a leak. Positioning the mower at more than a 10 percent grade can cause the oil to spill into the combustion chamber. The oil can generate lots of smoke if it’s ignited in the combustion chamber or if it flows into the exhaust and muffler.

Blown Gaskets

• The engine also has gaskets that help seal compressed air made by the pistons. Each piston stroke compresses heat and air and pushes cooling oil throughout the combustion chamber. The oil is mostly kept separate from the fuel and actual combustion area. If a gasket blows, the oil can leak into the piston and combust or interfere with the fuel vapors, causing billowing white smoke.

Breather and Filter Clogs

• The compressed heat and air in your Cub Cadet 1170’s engine is ventilated through a breather tube. Engine oil, which is transferring engine heat, also travels through the breather tube and passes through filters to eliminate any sludge and contamination. If the breather tube becomes damaged and doesn’t pass the oil, it can back-flow into the crankcase, which will overflow into the combustion chamber. Clogged filters from contaminated oil can also cause a back-flow. Contaminated oil might also have reduced cooling properties, which can allow excess heat that contributes to blown gaskets.

Prevention

• Although not all oil leaks can be prevented, the owner’s manual spells out a maintenance schedule that can reduce chances of oil leaks occurring. To keep the lubrication system free of contaminants, change the oil every mowing season and every 50 hours of operation. Oil levels should be checked before every start to ensure oil is not above maximum capacity. If your 1170’s engine has an oil filter on it, change it every 100 hours. Keep all ventilation and breather systems clean of debris and dirt to prevent contamination.