Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Electric PTO Clutch, question pool, blade style


Question
I have a Scotts (made by John Deere)L2048 Lawn Tractor - made I believe in 2000.  It has a 20HP Briggs motor.  I have had sporatic problems with the PTO engaging to run the mower or snow blower.  It has happened most in the winter after blowing snow (5-6 times in past couple years) - I can usually just turn the pully back and forth and then start the engine and pull the PTO switch and then it will engage after that.

I just took off the blower attachment and put the mower deck back on and the tractor starts, runs and drives great however the electric pto with "click" and not engage like the problem in the winter.  The tractor has sat for about 6-8 weeks without using the PTO.

Is there a way to check the electric PTO or manually engage, free up the PTO?

Thanks,
Joe

Answer
Hello Joe:

>>Sorry for the Delay. This Question was Located in the Question Pool and I can Only Answer Questions from the Question Pool when I am Not Answering Questions here or at the Other Site I Answer Questions at and I am Also on Vacation and I had a Few Minutes to Answer Questions.
The Following is a Basic File I Made for Checking the PTO (Blade Engagement). The Most Common Cause for this Problem is the PTO Ground. A Quick Ground Check is to Use Another Wire and Ground the PTO at the Harness Connection Nearest the PTO. Be Careful and Do Not Ground the HOT Wire. Use a Multimeter and Locate the Ground Wire. Clean the PTO Ground and All the Connections for the PTO Wiring Harness. 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 (if the PTO Unit is Adjustable).
>>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.**
>>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. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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