QuestionPaul- I've just replaced the clutch on a 10-yr old John Deere STX 38 Hydro (black deck). PTO switch worked fine and the clutch engaged, cutting for all of 5 minutes. Engine continues to run, clutch doesn't engage. Same thing a day later- its cuts, then stops. The ground wire looks solid on the engine mount. With the clutch failing last season, jumpstarting was SOP, so the battery is probably still limp and will replace if you say so. Any chance its the PTO switch?
I hate intermittent electrical issues. Its not physics, its magic.
Thanks in advance,
Bill
AnswerDon't be silly. Of course replace the battery. What on "God's Green Earth" would you make you think that "The Truthmeister" would tell you to keep using a dead battery. Do the battery first and see what happens. Don't be cheap spend at least 35.00 on it or it will only last 2 years.
It's a bad ground!!!!
If I had a dollar for every clutch replaced because of a bad ground I'd be a millionaire.
Under the frame, on the right (drivers) side there is a small ground attached to the motor mount bolt. Remove the bolt, sand the frame and eye connector shiny, I mean shiny. Replace the bolt and see what happens. I don't care if the ground looks as beautiful as the Garden of Eden. DO IT ANYWAY.
Of course there's a chance it could be the PTO switch. I could also win the lottery this week.
PTO switches are virtually always a go or no go, They don't come back once they are gone.
FYI... They haven't built an STX for 15 years.
