Case 44* PTO Clutch

[john4153]

Does anyone have experience with the correct PTO clutch clearance? A frequent contributor on the Yahoo site recommends 0.015"; whereas, the Case manual recommends 0.002 to 0.007". That seems like quite a difference.

It is easy to see why you don't want it too tight, but there is still quite a difference between the upper Case recommendation and 0.015".

Second question: Where can clutch plates be bought? I searched and came up empty. Is the solution simply going to an electric conversion?

John

 

[Travelover]

If you don't get an answer here, try the Yahoo groups Case/ Ingersoll/ Colt site.

 

[jnelson]

John,

A good source of parts and manuals is Brian Hildret who owns Salem Power. He is an authorized Ingersoll dealer and very knowledgeable. Most important he is very fair and willing to help you over the phone. His e-mail address is bhildret@aol.com.

JN

 

[john4153]

JN, Thanks for the tip.

BTW, the manuals on the Yahoo-group site are a great help. I have removed the clutch, cleaned it, and am just waiting for a couple of spacers to come into the local dealer.

John

 

[john4153]

Follow-up

Sorry to take so long. My clutch is the intermediate style with a washer between the two cams and a free-floating clutch disk. I got everything re-asembled, and after cutting some grass and letting it cool, I re-measured the clearance. It measured 0.022, but seemed to work fine. There was no slipping, unless I was cutting some really heavy stuff. I am not sure whether the slipping was in the belts or clutch...it is hard to see from the driver's seat. There was no burning clutch smell. Based on that experience, I suspect the 0.002 to 0.007 is too little clearance for that style clutch. In the Spring, I will probably add another 0.010 spacer to take out some of the gap.

The mower works great, once you get used to the left discharge.

John

 

[jnelson]

John,

One tip that you may already be aware of....... Always throttle the engine down to just slightly above idle speed before engaging the drive. This will minimize the amount of slippage and wear on the clutch. If you are parked over thick grass when you start the deck raise it first, then engage the drive to keep from stalling the engine.

JN