2135 loose connection at the PTO clutch

[packardv8]

Recently, my 2135 PTO clutch has been randomly disengaging. I have done away with the OEM switch and rewired with a HD Off-On, so it's not the switch. The workaround for the past couple of weeks has been to open the hood and wiggle the wiring connector at the clutch. Somehow, there is a less-than perfect electrical connection in the wires, connector or PTO. I pulled the connector and cleaned the contacts with spray cleaner, but problem is still there.

Anyone else had a loose connection in the PTO wiring? There's nothing to see externally. If I pull the PTO clutch and disassemble it, can I get to the wiring?

jack vines

 

[Fish]

Is the clutch adjustable?

 

[Fish]

Post the numbers off of the tag under the seat...

 

[mechanic mark]

You need to adjust air gap at clutch. Owners manual has instructions or if you prefer go to tractor manufacturer and enter model number.

 

[packardv8]

This is a 1990s 2135 Cub Cadet with a 13.0hp single cylinder Kohler engine and hydrostatic transmission.

Post the numbers off of the tag under the seat...

The cheesy stick-on adhesive tag under the seat is long gone. Are there numbers anywhere else which would mean anything to you?

Is the clutch adjustable?

Not by any external means I can see. I know some of the older clutches have three external bolts. This clutch is a solid canister held on by a center bolt and a side torque stud.

Heat may be affecting the wires. I'm considering a heat shielding for them.

jack vines

 

[mechanic mark]

You need to adjust air gap at clutch. Owners manual has instructions or if you prefer go to tractor manufacturer and enter model number.

PTO clutch is not adjustable, see if this helps: Starting at page 4-7.

http://service.mtdproducts.com/Training_Education/772-4232/SECTIONS/4_troubleshooting_&_testing.pdf


Your tractor shop manual: Cub Cadet Professional Shop Manuals

 

[packardv8]

PTO clutch is not adjustable,

Thanks for knowing your stuff, for the links and for confirming what I pretty much already knew - that the PTO clutch is worn, not adjustable and probably due for a $250 replacement.

jack vines

 

[mechanic mark]

Thanks for knowing your stuff, for the links and for confirming what I pretty much already knew - that the PTO clutch is worn, not adjustable and probably due for a $250 replacement.

jack vines

My pleasure MR. Jack Vines

https://www.google.com/webhp?source...UTF-8#q=pto clutch for cub cadet 2135 tractor


http://www.cubcadet.com/webapp/wcs/...=10051&catalogId=14101&langId=-1#/s/CUT/2135/

 

[Fish]

Well you get a "MR." Jack Vines........

 

[packardv8]

Re: 2135 loose connection at the PTO clutch - SOLVED

Yes, the PTO clutch is eventually going to need replacement.

No, it's not dead yet.

Over the years, all the original wiring and switches have failed, one after another. Replacing the ignition switch and PTO switch with quality aftermarket, removing the reverse shut off, brake-start and seat switches, the only remaining piece of OEM wiring on the machine failed.

The PTO would randomly disengage. Sometimes cycling the PTO switch would restart it. Tracing it down, I would have to open the hood and wiggle the connector at the PTO. At first, I thought the short must be inside the PTO, because the external wires and connector tested fine for continuity. After cursing at it for a month, I just cut off the plastic connector and crimped on two new female spade connectors. Problem solved in five minutes at no cost.

jack vines