PTO Clutch Removal question LX288

[pypnwyr]

Does anyone out there know if there is more to removing the PTO clutch on a LX288 series lawn tractor than removing the center bolt? I have the bolt out but the thing won't budge. I sprayed a small can of penetrating oil in and around the old clutch but I'm curious if there is something other than the center bolt I should be removing? I don't want to start prying on the old one if I'm just missing a simple step. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[RandyT]

The center bolt should be it. It should come off at that point. I have seen some tight clutches on various mowers over the years. Even had one that I had to take the clutch off in pieces. That one was getting a new clutch anyway. May take some light tapping with a soft hammer, or maybe a puller.

 

[bruceatlam]

I believe that it's also keyed to the engine drive shaft below the ground drive pulley which is probably why it doesn't just fall off ----- might need to figure a leverage point to pry down on the clutch in order to get it off the key.

 

[pypnwyr]

The center bolt should be it. It should come off at that point. I have seen some tight clutches on various mowers over the years. Even had one that I had to take the clutch off in pieces. That one was getting a new clutch anyway. May take some light tapping with a soft hammer, or maybe a puller.

Thanks for the suggestion - the hammer worked great.

 

[Scottie1962]

Is there a way to test the clutch without first removing it?

 

[beenthere]

Scottie
Test it for ??

 

[JeffC1]

Thanks for the suggestion - the hammer worked great.

Hi There - I have the same problem. The clutch in my LX288 is stuck hard. Did you use a rubber mallet to loosen it? I am not having any success.

 

[Richard001]

Apply some penetrating oil several times a day, beat on it several times after putting the penetrating oil on it. It may take days, but it should come off in one piece if you take your time. Rust, mother natures lock tight.

 

[mark1]

I had one It wouldn't come off no matter what I did.the engine was bad anyhow ended up cutting the crankshaft (which was NO FUN) but yes it's just the center bolt. (and I had one that fell off when I removed the bolt.)

 

[Brian Guttormson]

I'm not into removing the clutch as yet (!!!) have an issue withe the PTO in general, I need a schematic for the LX288 showing the multiple safety's in involved in this system. Have the machine running after several years off damp storage with a partial tank of the crud they call gasoline here in Canada.
Carb low speed jet was plugged with this excrement, have it now running and idling OK but it dies when the PTO is called for. Have rung out the switch and find the single pair of contacts intermittent, the other SPDT terminals are clean with no resistance on the ohm meter. Prob need a switch for sure. Have bypassed brake switch, seat switch so far without a schematic I'm kinda at a stand still. Are there any more?? My 50 year old Simplicity has only one safety, when the tank is empty it is safe!!
I'm in the Halliburton Highlands and I can't just drop into the local shop for assistance!
Thnx for any help you can provide.
Brian in Ontario Canada.