Bolens pto clutch

[bobmisi]

Last mowing season my mower stopped working on my Bolens Gt1800 with the 18 horse twin cylinder Kohler. I replaced the pto switch but found that the electromagnetic coil for the pto clutch was cooked. It had been losing speed at the blades before it quit. It would quit, then after sitting for a while it would restart until it finally quit all together. Anyway I replaced the coil and now have the same problem, the blade speed is down and the blades will almost stop. My question is should I replace the rest of the clutch or look elsewhere for a problem? All the belts seem fine and the spindles are turning freely and the shaft drive is free. My guess is I should have bought the complete clutch, not just the coil. Could there be not enough current going to the clutch ?

 

[shot_gun]

Is the clutch adjustable. Some are and usually require and air gap of .020 If your air gap is to great it will not make suficient contact. Is there any oil leaking on the clutch? If it's a non adjustable you have to pitch it and get another.

 

[bobmisi]

Gap is set at .015 and recomended setting is .010 to .020.

 

[bontai_Joe]

I'd take another look at the belt from the clutch to the mower. Is it tensioned correctly? Is it truly on all the pulleys? Are the drive and driven pulleys tight on their shafts (no missing keys that lock them to the shaft)? These PTOs don't notmally allow the blades to slow down, more often they are either working or not.

 

[bobmisi]

Looks like the belts may be the culprit after all. They look fine but if you hold the pulleys the belt can be pulled past them. Seems like they appear to be in good shape but probably are worn on the width not length. No cracks etc., but I'm going to replace all the belts on the weekend and I think I will be okay. Thanks for the help.

 

[bontai_Joe]

While yoiu are under there, check out the tensioning set up. If it's a spring, is it stretched too much? Does the tensioner move freely? or is it blocked with grass clippings and debris?