How to test my front PTO?
 

I'm working on an engine right now and it does not have anything attached to the front PTO. Do I have to have a load on it to see if it works? How can I test the PTO to see if it is not locked up and working correctly?

Might help if we knew what model of tractor you are working on. :Huh:

This is a 12hp engine I bought to put into my 108 and has a mechanical PTO on it.

The only way to really test it is to disengage it (pull the PTO clutch lever BACK toward the operator) compressing the clutch springs. You should be able to turn the PTO pulley by hand (with some resistance) without turning the engine. Engage the PTO (lever forward) and the pulley won't turn without turning the engine.

OK so with the PTO disengaged that pulley behind the button should turn some what freely and not turn over the engine correct? If it feels locked and does turns the engine over then the PTO is going to need to be removed and rebuilt correct? Any tips to unlock a stuck PTO without having to pull this off the engine and getting it rebuilt? And with the level engaged when turning that pulley it should turn the engine over.

I'll test this today and see how bad or good shape I'm in. Thank you :)

Last time i had one stuck i simply mowed the grass with the lever pulled back to disengage the clutch, after about 15 minutes it finally broke free so i then re engaged it and continued mowing. It worked just fine after that. NOTE THAT IF YOU TRY THIS THE DECK WILL BE SPINNING AS SOON AS YOU START THE ENGINE.

Good idea and better idea to post your warning! Thank you for both :) So you're saying I just need more seat time to possible fix this? Darn :biggrin2:

Is the motor in the 108?

Not really. It's just sitting in there right now so I could test it and make sure it worked. I actually just removed the mounting bolts last night so I could move it forward and remove the clutch. So technically it is sitting in the 108 but not mounted or connected in any way.

If the clutch wont disengage its either just stuck from a little rust or you dont have it adjusted properly or the bearing the clutch rides on is seized. The technique i suggested works if it stuck due to some rust between the clutch disk and pulley. Id make sure its adjusted properly and if its still stuck give my advice a try, once i breaks free it should go back to working normal with some use.

So you can test the pto in the tractor, with the pto engaged, you should be able to check the bearing out by pushing in and out on either side.sorta a rocking motion.

BTW will I see you at Jacktown this weekend?

Will do. Is the adjustment information about this in the engine maintenance guide or the tractor maintenance guide?

I'll give this a shot then. Thank you.

Bugger that is this weekend! I'll have to try to stop by on Sunday :)

If you do run a stuck pto with the lever pulled back, the pto button will be spinning on the wear button and either cause excessive wear or it will break the button. I realize that a pto wear button is a small price to pay in exchange for not having to remove and disassemble a pto, but this will be the case.

IF the pto is a Narrow Frame style pto you will run the risk of getting the 3 finger spring hot and causing it to lose its tension and become useless, the NF style springs simply can't take much heat.

Good luck with your situation.

When theres no attachment on the tractor to create load to stop the pto from spinning it usually spins with the engine because the button itself doesnt create enough friction to stop it. All winter long while i have the plow on the pto will spin with the engine even when disengaged so i doubt my suggestion will cause much extra wear on the part.

When there is no PTO driven attachment on the tractor you are supposed to leave the PTO engaged on a mechanical style PTO. Prevents excessive wear on all the associated parts. Electric clutches are different.