[SteveG66]

I was trying to set my PTO air gap last night, John Deere GT275, and noticed as I spun the clutch noticed the gap was not consistent. It appears the clutch is warped, the gap would open up and close as I rotated the pulley.

I adjusted the springs so that I didnt hear the metalic rub,but, does this mean my PTO is toast? Is there anyway to get it fixed or replace the warped pieced. New ones are 150 from JD, which is actually better than I thought it would be.

If anyone cares to chime in, i'd appreciate it.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[Walt 2002]

If it runs, don't sweat it.

Walt Conner

 

[KHodges]

It might have a small amount of warp, they get pretty hot while sitting under that running engine; the one on my GT235 sits right behind the exhaust and muffler, which contributes heat, and they develop a good bit of heat themselves when engaged. As long as it locks up when you pull the switch, and the mower deck runs, you're good to go.

 

[dirtsaver]

Steve check the air gap with a business card. It should just barely slide between the clutch halves with the clutch turned off.

 

[Walt 2002]

The proper air gap is .012". It always amazes me that when people need to set .008" air gap they say "use a business card, when the air gap is .010" they say, "use a business card", when the air gap is .012" they say, "use a business card". What I what to know is where do you get these all purpose expandable business cards? (grin)

True when we mic'd a few dozen of these a couple of years back, they ran all the way from .008" to .018" thick so I guess if you have an assortment, one may be right.

By the way, if the clutch is engaging OK, air gap is not a problem.

Walt Conner

 

[dirtsaver]

The proper air gap is .012". It always amazes me that when people need to set .008" air gap they say "use a business card, when the air gap is .010" they say, "use a business card", when the air gap is .012" they say, "use a business card". What I what to know is where do you get these all purpose expandable business cards? (grin)

True when we mic'd a few dozen of these a couple of years back, they ran all the way from .008" to .018" thick so I guess if you have an assortment, one may be right.

By the way, if the clutch is engaging OK, air gap is not a problem.

Walt Conner

Sorry Walt,I should have stated "use my business card' it measures .010 which is a lot closer than the factory ever gets! At least that's what we've found at the shop I work at.

 

[SteveG66]

Everyone, thanks for the responses.

Im really wondering if something is screwed up with my driveline/deckline.

I don't know where to go, so, I plead my case:

Should I adjust PTO so that the widest gap is .018 or the narrowest gap is .018?

I finally got to mow the other day and boy was the deck noisy!!! I've checked the sheaves, pulleys, and spindles. All seem to spin freely and w/out noise. The spindles are tight and smooth, do not rock or grind.

When the deck is running, the idler bounces around. Would a belt cause that? It doesnt have any cracks or bad spots, that I can see. The pulleys and sheaves dont show any debris in them.

All I can say is that I HAVE to wear hearing protection when I cut the grass as it is too noisy otherwise.

How do I go about diagnosing the PTO and the Deck issue? Should I just have a dealer look at it? My problem with that is that they said it could take two-three weeks? I cant wait that long, which is why I've been trying to repair myself.

Does it have to go to a JD dealer if that is the direction I go? Is there a benefit to JD having knowledge of "their" product versus a local repair shop?

I understand alot of these questions can only be answered by me, but, I do appreciate input since I am very frustrated. I don't mind working on it, I just need it to be reliable. I don't want to cause further damage by not repairing whats broken.


Thanks again for your help and letting me rant. Suggestions will be greatly appreciated.....


Have a safe and great day!!! Stay Cool,

Steve