[arswans]

I just replaced the upper spring (6486H) for the clutch/brake/Idler system on my SS12, but found that the lower spring (4301H) broke as well. Does anyone know a substitute for this spring, since SearsDirect no longer carries it?

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Plowthesidewalk]

I just replaced the upper spring (6486H) for the clutch/brake/Idler system on my SS12, but found that the lower spring (4301H) broke as well. Does anyone know a substitute for this spring, since SearsDirect no longer carries it?

Thanks for any advice!

I am not sure if I have the correct spring but here is what I have found. Keep in mind no precision measuring tools were used.

Part Number 4301H
Spring Type = Extension
Ends = Across Center (possibly extended)
Hooks = Almost at 90 degrees
Length Inside Hooks = About 6 inches
Length of Coil = Not sure
Outside Diameter = About 5/8 inches
Wire Diameter = Less than 1/8 inch but more than 1/16 inch

Have you tried Century Spring? Usually hardware stores have them in stock and you simply try to match a stock spring up. If you cannot find a matching spring I would suggest trying to contact a spring company and have them make a spring to match.

Another MTF member went to Home Depot and used a larger spring and some eye hooks. They just installed their own version their way.

 

[Plowthesidewalk]

Oh yeah, I just realized you are a new member here at MTF. Welcome aboard!!!!!!


:MTF_wel2::MTF_wel2::MTF_wel2::MTF_wel2::MTF_wel2::MTF_wel2:


:MTF_wel::MTF_wel::MTF_wel::MTF_wel::MTF_wel::MTF_wel::MTF_wel:



:thThumbsU:thThumbsU:thThumbsU:thThumbsU:thThumbsU:thThumbsU

 

[stripmine]

I just replaced the upper spring (6486H) for the clutch/brake/Idler system on my SS12, but found that the lower spring (4301H) broke as well. Does anyone know a substitute for this spring, since SearsDirect no longer carries it?

Thanks for any advice!

Hi Arswans, Welcome to MTF. :MTF_wel2:

According to RCPW's website listing for that spring ( HERE ), that part number has been superseded by part number 9503H.

The replacement part number IS AVAILABLE HERE AT MOWPART.COM for just $6.74.

Hope this helps.

Dave

 

[arswans]

Thank you VERY MUCH for your replies Plowthesidewalk and stripmine.
Those measurements match.
I had not heard of RCPW - looks like a great resource.

I appreciate your time!

 

[Plowthesidewalk]

I used a precision tool to take a couple of measurements just in case the part is no longer available.

Length Inside Hooks = 6 Inches
Length of Coil = 4-5/8 Inches
Width of Coil = .637 Inches
Thickness of Wire = .110 Inches
Number of Coils = 42
Hook Opening = 1/4 Inch
Hook Extension = 3/4 Inches (to outside of hook from end of coil)

 

[arswans]

Thank you for the photos Plowthesidewalk...

However, it appears what you have in the photos is the spring I did just successfully replace (part #6486H). Maybe I had them in the wrong places, but I put that spring as the upper placement of the idler assembly. The spring I had in place on the lower portion of the assembly was a bit smaller (shorter), and had quite a bit more "give", or extendibility.

Andrew

 

[Plowthesidewalk]

Hmmmmm.......I had a brand new spring in a parts bag to go on a ST16 and the spring in the photo was sitting on a battery shelf with a clutch. The other new spring had a different part number and was shorter so I assumed I had the correct part. Oh well, who knows?

Can you snap some pics of the spring you have?

 

[AngieK]

arswans,

I have the same issue with the same deck. If you find a source please let me know? I promise to do the same if I find one first.

 

[arswans]

Thank you AngieK.

Here is a photo of the spring in question.

I tried to order the replacement from Mowpart.com recommended by stripmine (Mowpart indicated that they had the superseding replacement part 9503H in stock)...BUT, I just got another email from them saying that they no longer have it available.:dunno:

 

[AngieK]

arswans,

I'm going up to Fleet Farm and Grainger on Friday or Saturday to match mine up. If I find the right springs I'll get you one

I see your image, it's the same one I need. Mine broke off 11 coils in from the end, so I have the whole thing to match if I find any.

 

[Plowthesidewalk]

Okay, I just realized the 9503H spring is the same spring they used inside the Sears 42 and 48 inch mower decks to tension the flat idler pulley. You might even find the same spring where the mule drive is.

 

[AngieK]

Yes, I will need to buy 2 for myself because there is none on the mule drive either. Dad wasn't very organized it seems, after all. I had to hunt for most of the parts in his old shed until I located all but a few. But you're correct the parts breakdown shows the same spring on the mule.

 

[Plowthesidewalk]

I went to an Ace Hardware store and purchased a spring off the shelf with a matching hook on one end and it had a long straight piece of wire on the other end. I simply cut the straight end and looped it like the original and it has worked okay ever since.

 

[Kbeitz]

looks like all you need is to bend a new hook on the end...

 

[AngieK]

Kbeitz, yeah you're right, arswans can maybe rebend his. Mine broke about 11 coils up from the end, and the rest is so rusty it wants to crumble to dust. I'm going to try to find some, and if I do I'll mail one to him

 

[Plowthesidewalk]

Yep, I found a similar spring to the one I found at Ace Hardware at McMaster Carr but it is too small. They have it listed as type "G" on their website.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#extension-springs/=nhr10e

When I measured one I got the following rough measurements.

Wire Thickness = .092"
Coil Diameter = 3/4"
Coil Length = 3-1/2"

 

[AngieK]

I think I found a spring that will work. The ends are a bit different but the wire size and OD and length are the same. I ordered 3 part# 138687 springs from Sears. When they arrive I'll let you know if they can work or not. If it works, I'll mail you one, arswans I'll send a PM for an address if it functions OK

PS they expected delivery to be on or about the 12th of this month

 

[Plowthesidewalk]

I think I found a spring that will work. The ends are a bit different but the wire size and OD and length are the same. I ordered 3 part# 138687 springs from Sears. When they arrive I'll let you know if they can work or not. If it works, I'll mail you one, arswans I'll send a PM for an address if it functions OK

PS they expected delivery to be on or about the 12th of this month

It looks like you'll have to rebend the hook the opposite way but it might work as long as you don't break the wire while bending it.

 

[Plowthesidewalk]

Here's a video of a man bending end loop hooks manually.