QuestionQUESTION: My last mowing, I was able to get 1/2 way through my lawn when the deck blades stopped turning. When I engage the deck, it will run for about 5-10 seconds, then it will turn off. I checked the belts and nothing appears to be out of place. The cut off switch in the seat actuates properly. Any ideas?
ANSWER: Hello Bret:
>>From your Description it Sounds like the PTO Requires Adjusting/Replaced or the Stator/Voltage Regulator is Not Charging Correctly and Requires REplacing.
>>The Following is a PTO Test File I made. Any Input is Appreciated. **If you have an Ohmmeter, Disconnect the Wiring Harness from the Front of the Clutch and Check the Resistance of the Clutch. You should have around 4 or 5 OHMs. If at or near Zero, the Coil has Shorted.**
>>The Following is a Basic File I made for Setting the PTO Clearance. Any Input is Appreciated. **Some of the Newer PTOs cannot be Adjusted.
>>If you can Get a Blade Style Feeler Gauge between the PTO Magnet and Clutch, then Set the Clearance at .015in. The Newer PTOs have the Same Set Up as the Older PTOs, except there is No Adjustments.
>>I Suggest also that you Rig a 12 Volt Light for Testing the Current Flow to the PTO while Operating the Mower. If the Light Blinks During Operation, then you have a Bad Connection somewhere to the PTO Clutch.
>>If the Light Stays Steady and the PTO Still Kicks in and Out, then it is the Adjustment.
>>You can Also Try Turning the Spring Loaded Adjuster Nuts 1/4 Turn and Operate the Mower. Do Not Adjust Over 1/2 Turn.
>>If you have Adjusted to 1/2 Turn and the Problem is Still Present and you Know the Voltage to the PTO is Steady, then Replace the PTO.**
>>For Testing the Electrical (Charging) System on Mowers you can Use this Site Addy; http://engines.myfaqcenter.com/Answer.aspx?p_faqid=3438 and Use the Link for AC Volts/DC Amps Meter Setting Chart. This is for Briggs Engines and Works Well for Kohler, Kawasaki, Tecumseh, JD and Other Engine OEMs.
>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine and Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H and Enter the Model Numbers LX172 and Click Find. Then Select your Model from the Search Results Area. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. *You can Drag the View Windows for Better Viewing.*
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I Hope to be Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 3 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. All Follow up Questions are Accepted at Any Time. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
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QUESTION: John,
I wanted to give you an update on what I've found so we can narrow this down.
I disconnected the harness and did an OHMs check and came up with 3 OHMs. Then I reset the clearance between the magnet and clutch to .015in (it was out of adjustment) but still had the same issue.
I hooked up a meter to the harness while connected and started the mower and engaged the deck. The voltage reading started at 12.75v then it dropped to 11.5v, 9.3v and the deck stopped turning.
Now the last thing I did was to disconnect the harness, check the OHMs on the clutch again (still at 3 OHMs). I also tried leaving one lead on the harness (clutch side) and the other lead was placed on one of the adjustment bolts. The OHMs reading kept increasing.
At this point, from what you've mentioned would it be correct to say that it would be the PTO Clutch? If so would that be difficult to change?
Thanks!
ANSWER: Hello Again Bret:
>>The Volyage should Never Change.
>>What is the Output of the Stator/Charging Coils.
>>If the Stator or Voltage Regulator (if Applicable) are Good, then
>>The Voltage to the PTO Coil will Stay at 12.5vdc to 12.75vdc.
>>When the Voltage becomes Lower than 10.5vdc the PTO cannot Stay Engaged Due to Low Voltage.
>>It is Possible for an Internal Short to cause this Lower Voltage, but it is a Rare Problem.
>>For Testing the Electrical (Charging) System on Mowers you can Use this Site Addy; http://engines.myfaqcenter.com/Answer.aspx?p_faqid=3438 and Use the Link for AC Volts/DC Amps Meter Setting Chart. This is for Briggs Engines and Works Well for Kohler, Kawasaki, Tecumseh and Other Engine OEMs.
>>If the Charging System Checks Good, then
>>A New PTO is Required.
>>The 3ohms Means the PTO is on the Border Line for Replacing it with a New PTO.
>>As Always, If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 3 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Follow Up Questions are Now Accepted Anytime. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hello again John,
I replaced the PTO clutch and ended up with the same problem as before. At this point, I think I remember you mentioning that the next step would be a voltage regulator/stator. Do you still think that would be our best approach? Thanks!
AnswerHi Again Bret:
>>Yes, Checking the Stator and Voltage Regulator (if Applicable) is your Next Step.
>>As I Stated in the Earlier Reply, the Voltage to the PTO should Stay Fairly Steady and will cause the PTO to Stop if the Voltage goes Below 10.5VDC.
>>For Testing the Electrical (Charging) System on Mowers you can Use this Site Addy; http://engines.myfaqcenter.com/Answer.aspx?p_faqid=3438 and Use the Link for AC Volts/DC Amps Meter Setting Chart. This is for Briggs Engines and Works Well for Kohler, JD, Kawasaki, Tecumseh and Other Engine OEMs.
>>After Viewing the Breakdown of this Unit, I see there is NO Voltage Regulator, so the Stator/Charging Coils (JD PN M96788) Under the Flywheel will have to be Replaced.
>>As Always, If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I Hope to be Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 3 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
