Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Sanpper Yard Crusier Blade Clutch, drive belts, anchor point

Question
John,

I have a problem similar to one you answered for a reader back last summer.  I have a snapper Yard Cruiser, Model HZ14380BVE.  The blade clutch began disengaging randomly late last summer.  I took it back to the dealer I bought it from in 1998 and he replaced the drive belt to the blade clutch.  This helped for a while but not long. The tensioning spring on that belt got tangled in something and disfigured badly, requiring replacement. (It looked line the dealer's mechanic might have stretched it across the chassis to the back-side of the belt as that is where the pulley was when I got to the underside.)  The spring was so badly disfigured and torn loose from the chassis that I could not tell for sue where it's anchor point was but it appeared to be a hole behind the right rear tire.  If that is not right it may explain the problem I have now.  Since then I have replaced the spring and all of the drive belts.  Yesterday, I mowed for about an hour with the blade only disengaging once, then it disengaged and I could not get it to engage for more than 2 or 3 seconds at a time (not even enough to bring the blades up to speed).  After sitting overnight,  I as able to get about 5 minutes of service out of it before it disengaged again and would not reengage.  I changed the same belt the dealer had changed and managed to get my yard finished by reengaging the blades about every 5-10 minutes.  (When I hade the blade clutch out to change the drive belt, I cleaned the electrical contacts with some electronic parts cleaner I got at Radio Shack.)  It looks to me like the next step is to replace the blade clutch itself but I am now retired and living on limited income so I hate to spend ~$200 on a hunch.  Do you know of any way to test the blade clutch?  The only thing I can think of is to wire a test light in parallel to the clutch to verify it is not a problem up-stream in the electrical circuit.  Any other ideas?

Thanks for any help you can give.  

Dick

ps:  I would like to get a repair manual for this unit if on is available at a reasonable price. Any sources?

Answer
Hello Dick:

For a Manual I Suggest you Try Outdoor Distributors @ 1-877-707-2787. As for the PTO Assembly; 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.** You can View a Breakdown of the Mower at this Site Addy; http://www.snapper.com/manuals/ Select your Model from the List in the Model/Part Numbers Section. Select Parts Manual from the Manual Type Section and Click Find Manuals. Now Download the Manual for your Unit from the  List Provided. 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. Thanks.

Respectfully

John