Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Dixon Ram 44 electric clutch, electric clutch, switch is down

Question
When the switch is pulled to engage the mowing deck, the Briggs engine pulls down and kills the lawn mower.  When the switch is down lawn mower runs fine.  Doesn't cut off quickly like a kill switch.  I removed the mowing deck and it still does this.  I am fairly positive it is the electric clutch.  I have done mechanical work before, but not much.  How much trouble is it to replace the clutch?  Do you have to use a puller?

Answer
Hello Kay:

Usually, when the PTO Unit is Unbolted it will Slide Off the Crankshaft with Very Little Effort. Occasionally you will Require a Puller. Here are Some Instruction Files Pertaining to the PTO Systems. 1- 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.** 2- 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.** From your Description it Sounds like the Cause of this Problem is the Carburetor or the Possibly the Valve Clearances Require Setting. You Stated, "even when the Deck is Disconnected from the Mower the Engine Pulls Down and Dies" when the PTO is Engaged. It Sounds like the Carburetor is Not Supplying the Proper Fuel for the Added Engine Load. Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine or the Mower Model Numbers, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. The Engine Model Numbers May be Stamped Into the Blower Housing (metal engine cover) Above the Spark Plug. The Mower Model Numbers are Usually Located Under the Seat on a Sticker on the Body of the Mower. 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. 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