YT3000 - Blade Clutch Cable Handle Won't Fully Engage

[TiIngot]

Craftsman Model 917.288522 - 46" Deck - YOM: 2012. Previous owner scrapped it stating deck was shot because son hit something and broke spindles and bent blades. Later, after new replacements were installed, I found the clutch handle will only move half-way to the point it stops, and the cable will strip out of the attachment slot in the clutch assembly bracket behind the gas tank if pushed further.

Focusing on deck clutch/brake linkage I found a lot of slop on pivots, brakes wore out, missing brake linkage and evidence previous owner installed replacement clutch cable, I started from scratch not knowing if parts were correct. Correct new replacements for clutch cable, deck belt, idler pully arm, brakes, spacers etc. have all been installed. All slop in gone. The clutch cable is routed correctly. Basically, the deck is rebuilt except replacing the idler pullies (bearings were ok) and the clutch handle still only moves half-way, then I fear stripping the cable again if pushed further.

Looking behind the gas tank there is slack in the clutch cable requiring the lever to move about 1/4 of its throw with no tension on the cable. The next 1/4 movement pulls the cable, but tension gets too much. If forced any further to the lock engage position, I believe the plastic cable end will again strip out of the slot behind the tank.

Last, if I remove the belt from the engine pully, the clutch handle will fully engage to the lock position but still is really hard to push to get it to move that far. FYI, my new replacement belt is part number 405143 - 1/2" x 105.75. I believe I have the correct belt for a 46" deck.

All that is left, that I can think of, is to replace is the clutch engagement assembly behind the tank. Any other suggestions before this purchase?

Thanks in advance,

Lee

 

[StarTech]

The plastic bushing in that assy do wear out and whole assy has to be replaced.

When they worn they will cause binding.

 

[TiIngot]

The plastic bushing in that assy do wear out and whole assy has to be replaced.

When they worn they will cause binding.

The plastic bushing is wore out! I had the clutch assembly out and tried shims to reduce play and it changed nothing.

Looks like Jack’s gets another call!

 

[TiIngot]

The plastic bushing is wore out! I had the clutch assembly out and tried shims to reduce play and it changed nothing.

Looks like Jack’s gets another call!

Second thought, if the plastic bushing causes binding, how will that explain the excessive tension on the cable causing it to strip or pull through its cable mounting bracket on the clutch lever assembly??

 

[StarTech]

Is it the inner cable ends pulling out or the cable housing? If the inner cable that would indicate a bind on the deck itself. And it would need to be doubled check. Remove the deck and re attach the deck engagement and watch as you to engage it. Something should stand out. Might require a help so you can put your hands on it checking things like the left hand spindle brake.