LA140 Mower Engagement problem

[Etch]

No, it was I that was confused. It is an LA140. I'll have to correct my signature.

The good news is, I fixed the problem. It was the connector on the PTO Clutch. One of the black wires had broken off. I had looked at it before, but had never touched it. This time I touched it felt that the wire wasn't connected.

Thanks again for the diagrams!!

 

[jinman]

Bill, glad you found it, that's terrific. While you are checking the the PTO clutch, walk around to the left front side of the mower and look at the flat metal "strap" that holds the clutch secure. Just a few months ago, my strap broke and my clutch spun, ripping the wires apart. The strap is cheap and it has a plastic grommet inside the clutch for some padding, but everytime you bottom out the blades or hit a rock or other obstruction, the clutch delivers a blow to this strap. It's not very beefy, so it can easily break. Just keep an eye on it. The strap from JD is less than $4, so it's cheap insurance to replace it about every 4 years or so.:thumbsup:

EDIT: BTW, I'm adding this broken wire and the way it reacted to my "bag-o-tricks" for future reference.

 

[FHH]

My problem sounds similar but somewhat different now. I have a John Deere LA140 that is about four years old. I have recently had issues with the mower engaging then disengaging. After reading other forums, I determined it could be the battery (which was old) so I replaced that and the voltage regulator. After testing everything, that is not a problem. I'm getting proper voltage and the stator is putting out more than ample charge to keep everything going. I also had the issue with the wire breaking off the connector at the PTO clutch under the mower. At first I just crimped it back on but after the mower quit engaging at all I just purchased an all new wiring harness (included the new connector for the PTO clutch) and installed it. Still no dice. When I try to engage the electric PTO it makes no noise at all, no attempt to start the blades. It doesn't matter if I get off the seat or not, the blades do not attempt to engage. I tried to test the continuity of the PTO switch (new to me since I'm an accountant by trade) and I got tones when I touched opposite poles. Don't know if that makes it all okay with the swtich but it sounds okay. Does anyone else have a clue as to what this could be? In parts I've spent about $180 at this point. The service call to the local JD dealer will be $139 plus parts so I'm motivated to do this myself but can't keep guessing and spending. Thoughts? Thanks for your help!

 

[coveylane]

I wish I would have found this earlier. I searched and searched for a cause for my PTO not to engage and today I found one of the black wires was broken off inside the insulation like yours. I found those wires are too short for the change in direction under there by the clutch and puts quite a strain on them.