Craftsman lawn tractor 917.256522 clutch issue

[rb2camaro]

Hello all!

I am having a very hard time finding any info on fixing my clutch issues on my craftsman lawn tractor?

It is a 6 speed tranny, 42 inch deck, and B&S 15.5hp.

The problem that I have is that the clutch only engages when I let the clutch/brake pedal all but 1/2 inch out and then almost brings the front tires off the ground??

I replaced the drive belt, but that changed nothing at all??
I feel as if I have spent countless hours laying under it and trying to figure something that maybe could be adjusted or broke with no luck at all??

The spring that pulls on the clutch pulley seems to be in good condition.

Any info or ideas in what I could try would be very helpful!! Thanks!!

 

[Carscw]

I have had the same thing going on and just learned to not let the clutch out so fast. I know thus don't help you but maybe some one here can help us both

Sent from my iPhone using LMF

 

[ILENGINE]

Is the brake set too tight or maybe sticking causing the clutch to engage at the last minute.

 

[rb2camaro]

The brake seems to be adjusted right and doesn't seem to be sticking.

I jacked up the rear of the mower, put it in gear, layed under it and barely touched the clutch/brake, and could watch it disengage the belt. I don't know if it is even a 1/2 of pedal movement before it engages and disengages.

It is almost impossible to trim near anything because of how touchy the pedal is. Hope there is a way to fix this? It is a great running tractor, but cannot now with it unless I am no where near anything that I could possibly run into.

I'm gonna spend a couple more hours on it today and see if I can possibly find something that I am missing? I will double check the brakes too. Thanks, hope to hear some more thoughts.

 

[rb2camaro]

Actually, I did try adjusting the brake, and it did seem to help some. It is definitely a lot smoother when I let out the clutch.

Seems like it needs a little something more, or more adjusting, cleaning of the brake??
Any suggestions?

Thanks so much, I think I can mow with how it is now, but it is still a little jumpy when I am trying to trim around things.