My Cub Cadet RZT 50 Is Overheating

Cooling System

• The Kohler engine for your RZT 50 has an air cooling system to help regulate engine temperatures. The service manual has diagrams that illustrate where the cooling system parts are located. The breather hose relieves air pressure to prevent heat build up. Cooling shrouds also force hot air through towards the blower housing, which directs hot air out of the engine. The cooling fan has a grass screen to prevent grass and dirt from entering the engine. The cooling fan also has fins that can accumulate dust and debris if not regularly cleaned. Any obstructions or damage in this cooling system can subject the engine to overheating.

Oil Levels

• Your RZT 50 engine needs oil to remove dirt, lubricate moving engine parts and transfer heat towards the oil cooler. Oil that’s outside of the engine’s recommendations can cause overheating. Dirty oil that hasn’t been changed can obstruct its ability to absorb heat for transfer. Low oil levels also provide no lubrication or heat transfer, resulting in high temperatures inside the engine. An over-filled crankcase will deposit oil into the combustion chamber or exhaust, which can ignite the oil and also raise engine temperatures. Maintain oil levels according to the maintenance schedule as listed in the service manual.

Fuel Mix

• The choke control system on the RZT 50 allows the rider to introduce a higher fuel to air ratio for combustion. This is helps start a cold engine or an engine operating in colder temperatures. If the choke control is not shut off after the start, however, this additional fuel can cause overheating if it continues to combust in the engine. Ensure the choke control system is turned off after engine start and that the choke linkage is working properly.

Engine Load

• It’s possible that the engine is overloaded with work, thus overheating. An overload can occur if the engine has been working on difficult terrain in high heat for an extended period of time, such as a high grade slope. Engine overload can also occur if the engine governor is removed or tampered with, because the governor regulates the RPM during changing load conditions.