QuestionQUESTION: Hello John,
I have a Craftsman 18.5 HP, 42", Electric Start, 6 speed Transaxle. I was cutting when the blades stopped rotating. When I engage the blades all I get is a click. Is my electric clutch bad. A new one is $213. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
Boyd
ANSWER: Hello Boyd:
Check the PTO (Electric Clutch) Ground. Usually the Ground Connection or the Grounding Wire is Bad. If the Ground Connection and Wire are Good, then To Check for a Bad PTO; 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. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: John,
I replaced the clutch this spring and mowed 4 or 5 times. Then the drive belt broke. I replaced the drive belt and now the clutch just clicks like before. The clutch clicks pretty hard but won't engage. Electrical connections are fine Do the broken drive belt and the clutch have a cause and effect. Can I modify the mower with a manual clutch. Thanks
Boyd
ANSWER: Hello Again Boyd:
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 Carefull 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. It Not Recommended Modifing the Deck Engagement System on this 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. Have a Happy Holiday Season and 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. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: John,
OK, I got it. It turns out that the problem was the extension spring for the electric clutch was unhooked. I didn't find this out until my neighbor checked the old clutch and found it was OK. When I installed the new clutch I didn't put the slot on the clutch in the brace that holds it. It wasn't in the diagrams.
It was an expensive lesson but hopefully it will pay off for some one else. So if someone else has this problem make sure they check the extension spring for the clutch on the deck. Then if it is the clutch make sure they put the slot in the clutch with brace (I am not sure what it is called). All electrical connections checked out.
Thanks for your help.
Boyd Church
AnswerHi Boyd:
Great!! I am Glad you Located the Cause of your Problem. Thanks for the Feed Back. I am Sure the Other Questioners will Appreciate the Information. Till Next Time. May All Your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks Again.
Best Wishes and Good Luck
Respectfully
John
