Electric PTO removal on 2086 super garden tractor

LeeB · Jan 2, 2009

I have a 1996 Super Garden Tractor model 2086 that I use summers for mowing a small field & winters for snowblowing a long driveway & parking . I think the pto clutch is shot (I've had it operate intermittenly in the past) & want to replace it. I've removed the center bolt & washer that threads into the front of the crankshaft & removed the belt part of the pulley & front half of the clutch. I can't get the rear part of the clutch and the stamped steel cover to come off the crankshaft. I used a good gear puller but it seems that I am having to put way too much pressure on it. What have I missed? ?Thanks

OldMachinist · Jan 2, 2009

You havn't missed anything it's just the fact that it's been on there for 12 years and they don't put any antisieze compound on the shaft before they install them. A little heat from a torch with the puller should get it off and make sure you put some antisieze on the new one so you or the next guy doesn't have the same problem.

CCWKen · Jan 3, 2009

Have you checked to make sure it's the clutch and not the switch or a wire? Run a hot lead from the battery to the clutch terminal. You should get a strong click. Check your battery ground too. It may be corroded where it attaches to the chassis.

LeeB · Jan 3, 2009

Thanks for your reply. As it turns out I have already checked for power (B+) & ground and have checked the PTO switch. These all checked OK. I've used the machine a bunch summer and winter for the last 12 years & am confident enough that the clutch is shot that I've ordered a new one for yikes, 265.00. There apparently isn't one in the whole state of Washington. It should be here just in time for all the storms to be over. I had some reservations about using heat for fear of damaging the front crank seal, but since I wasn't having any success any other way I tried it. Still haven't got the durn thing off! It did move some though; maybe 3/64". It's mighty cold in my unheated garage here in NE Washington so can't stay out too long. Will give'er another go after church tomorrow. Thanks guys for your input.

OldMachinist · Jan 4, 2009

Try some penetrating oil on it in between the heating sessions. Things that are stuck like this I heat up a little and apply the oil and let them sit overnight. Then the next day I heat them again, apply more oil, put some pressure on the puller and apply a little more heat. With some pressure on the puller before heating you'll know when you have just enough heat because the stuck item tends pop off the shaft some. Rapping it with lead or brass hammer will also vibrate some of the oil in.

LeeB · Jan 6, 2009

OK Oldmachinst, good advise. I finally have the clutch off. At first the puller pulled the entire assembly off but left the inner bearing race still stuck to the shaft. Sort of like pulling a too-tight turtle neck off over you head I guess. With the help of my son tapping on the race with a long punch while I applied heat the race loosened & could be removed. It's still nearly a week before the new parts come in. We've been getting snow every other day or so but have borrowed a small walk-behind snow blower from a guy who doesn't use it. We'll try to keep up with this.
Thanks for the help.