Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman Model #917.256610, craftsman model, electric clutch


Question
QUESTION: The blades stopped on there own just as I was done mowing last time.  They started after I let it sit for a while, but a week later they will not start at all.  I am getting 13.5 volts dc at the electric clutch plug, i just wanted to get a second opinion before I spent the money for a electric clutch.  Everything else on the mower runs fine.  Thanks.

ANSWER: Hello Steve:

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. To View a Breakdown of this Unit Go to this Site Addy, http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Search. From this Page you can View Diagrams and Parts Lists for you Equipment Using the "View Sub Components" Section. 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

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the answer.  I cleaned the battery terminals and verified the ground is good (0.1 ohms).  I also metered the clutch at the plug and it is open, dose that answer my own question?  The electric chutch must have opened up internally?

Answer
Hello Again Steve:

If the PTO Measured Less than 4 OHMS then the PTO is Bad and Requires Replacing. If it Measured 4 to 5 OHMS, then the Clutch May Require Re-Gapping. 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.** 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