Well, I replaced the PTO clutch on my LX172. I checked the PTO switch with my multi-meter and it seems fine. The deck is currently not on and it starts up right away and purrs like a new mower after 23 years.
I checked the two 15 amp fuses and they are OK. When I start the the mower and pull up on the PTO clutch it kind of clicks and hisses but does not engage. I also put on a new drive belt. It moves around the yard just fine but cant get the damn thing engaged. What do you think I'm missing? I bet its something so simple.
I'm not saying that this is it but when you've replaced drive belt did you take the PTO off? If you did, first and foremost, make darn sure that the PTO engaged the anti-rotation rod.
No I did not take off the PTO when replacing the drive belt. The drive belt was replaced prior to the PTO clutch swap. Does the mower deck have to be installed for the PTO Clutch to engage?
I'm a novice with this stuff. Ill check out what the anti-rotation rod is.
Not knowing too much about PTO clutches and how they work could my problem be that the PTO clutch pulley needs tension on it from when the deck is installed? If the tensioner doesn't apply enough tension will the clutch not work?
The clutch is inependant of the deck.
Pull the plug on the PTO wire and try to hot wire the clutch.
If the clutch is working it should engage with a pronounced clack.
The Clutch pulls 3 to 5 amps so if the battery is not up to scratch then it will dissengage.
If you are a total newbie, buy the JD manual for your mower.
It is written so people who do not know what a spannar looks like can understand it.
It will pay for itself the first time you fix anything.
I have seen text books that are not as easy to read & use as the JD manuals.
Thanks Bert. I did put in a new battery. When I pull on the PTO switch I hear it click then hisses a bit but no engagement. One thing though my parking brake on the LX172 has never worked. The red brake handle just hangs there and is not connected.
With the ignition turned off it should go clack and that is is on- off nothing else.
They are a simple electromagnet like a relay .
If it is not getting enough amps it will flutter, just the same as starting a car with a 3/4 flat battery.
When the ignition is turned on then it is subject to the safety circuits however we test the clutches with the ignition turned off.
The book gives you very detailed instructions how to test them with little more than a multimeter which you already have.
So I get NO click or clack when the PTO switch is pulled up and down. If I use my multimeter at the connection down by the pto clutch should I get 12volts? or maybe the pto switch is bad even though my multimeter says its good.
So I get NO click or clack when the PTO switch is pulled up and down. If I use my multimeter at the connection down by the pto clutch should I get 12volts? or maybe the pto switch is bad even though my multimeter says its good.
Correct 2 wires on the clutch, 12 V on one ground on the other.
PTO switch is a simple sliding brass strip and they do burn.
Some models use a relay but that adds costs .
I have never heard one hiss
Most have an air gap adjustment and the instructions for that are in the owners manual which you can download for free from JD and in more detail in the repair manual which you have to buy.
#10
JoeM(GA)
I have a PDF of the Deere Tech manual you're welcome to, shoot me your email if wanted.
Thanks Joe. I got the service manual online with all the wiring schematics. I'm starting with the PTO switch making sure that the proper colors are attached to the proper parts of the switch. I'm not good at reading wiring diagrams but will take my time...
So far I have tested the new PTO clutch with a 12V source and it does the click&clack. I went to John Deere and picked up a new PTO switch and installed it. When I start up the LX172 and pull up on the PTO switch the engine quickly slows for a split second and continues running. So now I'm thinking that this has to be something to do with the parking brake? I know that the seat cutoff switch works because when I get off of the mower it shuts off. So that's why I'm thinking the parking brake is not working or maybe the foot brake pedal is interfering with the circuit. I'm not good at reading schematics but here it is..... Thanks for your help!
Well its been a while and I thought I would uncover my old lx172 to see if I can finally get the PTO clutch engaged.
Its nice weather here in Franklin Tennessee today. This is what Id did.....
- I took off the PTO clutch which is brand new from JD and did a OHM check with my multimeter and that read 2.8. So I think I'm good there.
- I have a brand new battery that reads 12.5 V on my multimeter. I also checked the charging of the battery with the engine running and that read 14v. So its charging.
- I checked to make sure that the electrical connector from the pto switch to the clutch was getting power when the PTO switch was pulled up. It did get the 12volts - so I know the clutch is getting juice.
- I checked to make sure the seat switch off was working- the engine shut off when I got off the seat with the PTO switch in the ON position.
- So I sat down on the Deere and started up the engine (which runs great!) and pulled up on the PTO clutch and it just sort of clicks but when I turn off the PTO switch it does a whoosh almost like a release of air.
So that's where I'm at now. Engine runs great but cant get the PTO engaged. What else should I do? Do I need to check the clutch gap with a feeler gauge? The clutch is brand new though.
Update: Well I'm the idiot today. I put my iPhone under the mower to see what was happening to the clutch when I pulled up on the pto switch. Wouldn't you know that the clutch engaged! -started spinning. I was thinking that I would hear the roar of the blades turning but I had no deck installed duh. So I'm assuming when I get the deck on all will be ok.
