I would start by checking to see if the governor is set properly. Post engine numbers.
How does it drive without blades engaged? Can you tell if its slower or about the same? Take it up-hill if you can.
Here is a manual which will tell you how to adjust the governor.
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B6NaqjIxWV1ybEN0LWo3azl6OUU
If you are inclined check the general health of the engine (compression) timing. If you normally pull a trailer or climb hills see if there is a fall off of power there. Perhaps an indication of an engine power problem. Someone else recently mentioned bent spindles/ corroded, dragging spindle bearings.
What would I need to check the compression?
You need a cylinder compression gauge. You can get it in any auto parts store.
Check the deck belt tension. Your unit has manual belt tension adjuster. It isn't a spring-loaded one like you'd normally find on many other mowers...make sure that is not too tight.
https://www.briggsandstratton.com/us/en/support/manuals/results?NTT=31q777-0110* manual & parts list
http://www.dixon-ztr.com/ddoc/DIXO/DIXO2005_USen/DIXO2005_USen_RAM-50_.pdf see engine stalls when engaging blades, I know your engine is not stalling yet.
User Manuals | Dixon
https://www.google.com/search?sourc...eshoot pto clutch&aqs=chrome..69i57.18443j0j8
With the belts disengaged turning the blades slowly by hand will allow you to determine severe corrosion and drag. The hand is a sensitive instrument. There should be no drag and no sensation of "grit" or "sand" thru the blades into your hands. Also no noise. Make sure the spark plugs are out when trying this so you do not accidentally start the tractor by hand.
Okay guys, I checked the compression several times, cold start, and it ranges from 105 to 115. Is this good?
Pulled the deck and removed the two outside tower bearings as they seemed just a bit noisy and they had a little drag. I really don't want to replace the bearings if the motor is bad.
That small still voice is telling me that the compression is good and its the bearings..... like I was thinking. Please let me know what range the compression should be. Thanks!
My opinion is that it is a bearing problem...is it clean all around the pulleys?
Are any of them leaning to where they would bind up that way? Meaning the lean would cause problems under load.
I had one really load the motor down and I blew all the packed dirt and such out from under the pulleys. Oh, and I did replace one idler pulley.
I replaced two of the tower bearings after I removed them and inspected closer--found one had a bit of wobble to it too. Checked the whole deck and pulleys, etc... Nothing binding. Installed deck and tried again. Same thing. Motors bogs down. So I tried driving it around and it now acts as if the governor isn't working! Uggg. So I guess I'll read up on how to check that all out. That's all I can think that's left to deal with. If that isn't the issue, I'm out of ideas. Thanks for the help.
Well, my thoughts are on just replacing the motor. I bought this mower used and I think the motor had been replaced with an undersized 18hp by the previous owner. I was told the B/S has a 27hp that will bolt right in with a little wiring differences. I'm not sold on B/S motors--I just have to work on them way too much. Do you have any suggestions as to a motor that would fit my 2005 RAM44? I saw some new Dixons that have Kawasaki engines... any input? Thanks guys and have a great 4th of July holiday!
Well, my thoughts are on just replacing the motor. I bought this mower used and I think the motor had been replaced with an undersized 18hp by the previous owner. I was told the B/S has a 27hp that will bolt right in with a little wiring differences. I'm not sold on B/S motors--I just have to work on them way too much. Do you have any suggestions as to a motor that would fit my 2005 RAM44? I saw some new Dixons that have Kawasaki engines... any input? Thanks guys and have a great 4th of July holiday!
maaaaate... no way is an 18/27 shift make any difference to your problem.
Even a rooted 18 will drive up to near on full deck speed in grass, then choke
down when the going gets tough.
What you describe in your OP is pretty much my experience with a lower bearing
in the clutch pack 'grabbing'. As mysterious as it was I dissembled the clutch (not easy)
and confirmed that bearing was U/S. From water intrusion by bad design, I would add.
Very disappointing from Borg Warner. Cheap and nasty.
New bearings - and modified the design while I was at it - and away we went.
A clutch pack is a lot cheaper 'experiment' than a motor and a darnsight quicker.
IF you just have to have an engine as a 'play' then make sure you read my recent posts
on my FR541V... Kawasaki is not all it is cracked up to be. TRUST THAT!
.... jes sayin' like.
KK
Did you try and choke it when you engaged the PTO, as I suggested? I was wondering if it worked.
Chock the front wheels with an immovable object and see if the back wheels will spin at full throttle. On grass first and then on concrete.
It is looking that way, yes. But before you start jumping all over the shop do a compressionAre you thinking it could be a transmission issue?
It is looking that way, yes. But before you start jumping all over the shop do a compression
test on the engine and check it revs up with no load, take the drive belt off.
KK
Are you thinking it could be a transmission issue?
Okay, I got it started and tried to push a tree. Tires spun a bit then the motor almost died. I'm not convinced I have a tranny issue. I think its something with the motor as it doesn't rev up when a load is put on it. Full throttle isn't as revved as it used to be either. I also tried the choke during this and it killed the motor.
Someone mentioned the governor before and that sounds like it could be an issue. I am bout spent on this thing.
If the deck has new bearings and nothing binding, the clutch acts okay and checks out electrically, and there is no apparent transmission issue, then it has to be something with the motor, right? The compression is good on the motor and it does start (with some coaxing). The governor spring was broken but I reattached it though it is just a bit shorter--that shouldn't be an issue, could it?
My thought is to see about a new motor as the old leaks and burns oil anyway.
Any more ideas guys? I am very thankful for this forum and really appreciate all your help. This one is a bugger for sure!
it sure could be an incorrect spring tension on the governor!!!!
you should have chased that rabbit a long time ago...maybe mentioned it sooner.
After reading the thread again it does seem to be a power starvation problem. Your compression reading is twice my Intek assuming you got a good reading. So , without insulting everyone ...The (mechanical governor(yours?) aims to keep RPMs up---?3500? If the weights sense no load the carb butterfly is relatively closed. When closed there is less venturi affect (suction) pulling gas slower into the intake charge-leaner mix will still produce high RPM. But lean mix will not produce enough power to e.g., turn blades and will tend to kill the engine. So , if governor is not working properly it will not sense load (like PTO coming on), and will not open carb buttefly. An opened carb butterfly (throttle plate) causes more venturi affect (suction) and pulls more gas into the mixture stream. A richer mix produces power and drives the engine into full RPM.
Now what this thread has hinted at is application of choke-did it make a difference? You said it killed the engine. But we do not know if you pulled it full on with black smoke or...? If slight enrichment from a manual choke helped it may point to a governor problem or...
Perhaps time to consider the carb. A sticking carb inlet valve (crud will only let it partially open) will starve the engine if governor is working but carb cannot give enough gas. Then there is the main jet ( I am not familiar with my Intek, much less yours), but it is a hole expected to be clean and open, not clogged. Fuel delivery: tiny pulsed gas pump or gravity? Is fuel filter clogged. Is gas line unclogged?
Just some ideas before you plunk down $600 large.... Take a look at your plugs and compare the insulator color to any auto repair book for adequate fuel mix (brown/tan) not white.
Most who respond know all this and more, but perhaps it can help newbies and show how the tips are generated. As Americans we have trouble with long explanations, but sound bites don't always work.:laughing:
https://www.google.com/search?sourc...hoot pto clutch&aqs=chrome..69i57j0.29108j0j8 Read through some of these concerning PTO. I believe bearing in your PTO clutch is culprit, either worn out or seized. A new clutch assembly will probably run $200-$350.
After reading the thread again it does seem to be a power starvation problem. Your compression reading is twice my Intek assuming you got a good reading. So , without insulting everyone ...The (mechanical governor(yours?) aims to keep RPMs up---?3500? If the weights sense no load the carb butterfly is relatively closed. When closed there is less venturi affect (suction) pulling gas slower into the intake charge-leaner mix will still produce high RPM. But lean mix will not produce enough power to e.g., turn blades and will tend to kill the engine. So , if governor is not working properly it will not sense load (like PTO coming on), and will not open carb buttefly. An opened carb butterfly (throttle plate) causes more venturi affect (suction) and pulls more gas into the mixture stream. A richer mix produces power and drives the engine into full RPM.
Now what this thread has hinted at is application of choke-did it make a difference? You said it killed the engine. But we do not know if you pulled it full on with black smoke or...? If slight enrichment from a manual choke helped it may point to a governor problem or...
Perhaps time to consider the carb. A sticking carb inlet valve (crud will only let it partially open) will starve the engine if governor is working but carb cannot give enough gas. Then there is the main jet ( I am not familiar with my Intek, much less yours), but it is a hole expected to be clean and open, not clogged. Fuel delivery: tiny pulsed gas pump or gravity? Is fuel filter clogged. Is gas line unclogged?
Just some ideas before you plunk down $600 large.... Take a look at your plugs and compare the insulator color to any auto repair book for adequate fuel mix (brown/tan) not white.
Most who respond know all this and more, but perhaps it can help newbies and show how the tips are generated. As Americans we have trouble with long explanations, but sound bites don't always work.:laughing:
https://www.google.com/search?sourc...hoot pto clutch&aqs=chrome..69i57j0.29108j0j8 Read through some of these concerning PTO. I believe bearing in your PTO clutch is culprit, either worn out or seized. A new clutch assembly will probably run $200-$350.
The options have certainly been covered in depth and now I read the governer spring
is a dodgy fit.
I would expect the clutch to be giving out some audible signals to the operator when
malfunctioning. And maybe it will when the full power output is reached
KK
If it is a Borg Warner, definitely yes.Appreciated the info. I pulled the clutch and the bearing is warn but the clutch really grinds. I think it is shot. I found a new one here: Amazon.com : Dixon 539120786 Electric PTO Blade Clutch - Free Upgraded Bearings : Patio, Lawn & Garden This is the same part number and lowest price I could find at $132.95 and free shipping. Not sure if reliable or not. A site called dixonztrparts.com has clutch for $175.96 plus tax and shipping.
Can you tear the old clutch apart and replace parts? Everything looks riveted together to me.
If it is a Borg Warner, definitely yes.
I have posted "how to" before today, not sure which site though.
Happy to repost if it helps.
KK
Well guys, I bought a new motor for this Dixon and I need help with the wiring. There is no diagram in any of the literature and it is a bit different than the old motor.
New motor is a B&S Model 33R877, type: 0003G1, Code: 150121ZD.
This new motor has two wires coming from the regulator and the old has three. I can't find a schematic anywhere. The carb solenoid has two wires--one is ground and I think the other is to go to the ignition switch but not sure. This motor came with a harness and that's what is confusing me.
As always, any help is appreciated. Thanks!