Electric Clutch Question

15 years ago

I guess they're called "Electric PTO's" in these forums. I've got an old Roper LTH 120AR, with a 12HP Briggs. It recently started to not want to start which is very unusual for this machine. I determined that the mower was turning with the engine when cranking. Dropped the belt to the deck and starting problem was resolved. Before I did that I disconnected the clutch which eliminated the switch and wiring, it was still dragging.

Are these clutches repairable? I've read that there's an adjustment wherein you use a business card to get the proper gap on these? Part # 108148X, which if googled with AYP brings up a ton of places who will sell one for $205-265. Almost never mow with this, just would like to get it right if I don't have to spend $$ and it's just maintenance or an adjustment. The problems I've had with these in the past were electrical, e.g. bad switch, damaged wiring, etc. and have never looked into the mechanical side.

I've attached a link which shows a good pic of the beast.

Thanks,

Here is a link that might be useful: Picture of the clutch assembly

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Comments (7)

User
15 years ago
There are no serviceable parts in an electric clutch (PTO) although one might try to replace the bearings.

There is a spinning core (rotor) keyed to the crankshaft and the outer case (stator) which is locked stationary. If there is drag between those parts then it will surely cause starting problems.

Perhaps this will help you... Garden Tractor Clutch Troubleshooting Guide
baymee
15 years ago
The more expensive clutches have an adjustable gap. You'll see 3 adjusting nuts. I like to get about an .011 air gap evenly around. If the gap is too large, the clutch won't pull in. But it shouldn't pull in without electric, even with a tight gap.
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briggsgalaxieman
15 years ago
exmar,

You wrote: "Almost never mow with this...". Well then....the best solution is to just remove the deck!

However, if you want to repair the clutch, they are relatively simple mechanisms. I assume from your picture that your's is very similar to the Warner clutch shown in justalurker's pdf file.

The bearings are sealed and probably OK. But if needed, they are relatively easy to replace, if you have a 'three leg puller'. Bearings cost only about $10 each.

Most likely, your clutch is frozen due to rust. Since you don't use it very often, I would bet that the clutch surfaces have 'frozen' together with rust. These clutches do no not have any 'clutch material' like a car clutch. The clutch is a simple steel to steel clamp. All the better for rusting together...

I would remove the clutch to see clearly if the two parts are fused together. Then you might be able to free them up simply by backing off the adjustments. I recently repaired a rusted clutch that way. If that does not work you might have to pull the pulley to free them.

Galaxieman
mownie
15 years ago
If the clutch is actually frozen/seized with rust (and the bearings are OK) you should "burnish" the clutch per the instructions in the manual. Do this about 10 or more times allowing the deck to spool up to full speed, and then completely stop......between engagements to scour away the rust completely.
After that, check and adjust the air gap again.
Rust formation great enough to "stick" the clutch needs to be gone before you close the book on an adjustment procedure.
javert
15 years ago
If you've got an electric PTO, do yourself a favor and download (and save) the troubleshooting guide via the link in justalurker's post (above). Someday you might need it. Thanks, justalurker!
exmar zone 7, SE Ohio
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for all the good input!! Major, Upper Case, Italicized Thanks to justalurker's link!!! I've already downloaded, printed, punched and filed in a special three ring binder I have for treasures.

As soon as I can I'll take the beast off and see what's what.

My neighbor does me a favor by delivering a 10 wheel dump truck load of composted horseshit every spring in exchange for which he cuts and bales the hay in a field behind my house. For reasons only he knows, he decided to be extra nice and delivered TWO. The Roper, garden cart, and I are going to be very busy for a while.... :-)

Thanks again,

Ev
mownie
15 years ago
Well, at least he was nice enough not to dump it on the Roper.
I actually get an abundance of that same type of organic fertilizer from my bosses at work.