Only Cub Cadets - Rebuilt PTO clutch, and it's like a new machine! (Photos)

Per the advice I received here, I decided to rebuild my PTO clutch on my 100. I was having some issues with the blades stopping in nominally-sized grass, so I figured a rebuild was in order. While I was rebuilding the clutch, I decided to degrease, clean and paint it while I was at it. If you're going to do it, may as well do it right. Right?

As you can see, she came off of the machine a CRISPY CRITTER! I was actually shocked at how rough it looked. It almost looked like a 100 year old part.

http://i.imgur.com/B1TOZYi.jpg

I tore the thing down and attacked it with some carburetor cleaner. It did the job, but took forever. The grime seemed never-ending! I ended up having to used a toothbrush to get into the small spaces on the back of the clutch pulley. There was some mild pitting on the smooth plate surface of the clutch pulley, but I don't think it's going to hurt anything.

http://i.imgur.com/SJj0Isl.jpg

I pulled the bearing off while I was at it, and I'm glad I did! The previous owner painted the dang thing and it was so gummed up and uncared for, it barely even rotated. I installed a new locking collar and bearing. Installation was painless with a rubber mallet / and a hammer/punch for the locking collar. Isn't the collar a cool design? I thought it was!

http://i.imgur.com/iNUl01j.jpg

The replacement bearing is made in China, which didn't impress me. Oh well, I suppose it will do.

http://i.imgur.com/PMrUIcW.jpg

The clutch rebuild kit provided the new clutch plate, new triangular center spring and anti-rattle springs (which I forgot to install). I tossed the old nuts and bought new ones at Lowes for 1/30th the price of factory replacements. The bolts were good. I tightened everything down and specced it out with the factory clutch gauge. A fresh coat of paint should keep rust at bay...for a while anyway!

http://i.imgur.com/IOmYKUT.jpg

I installed her on my machine tonight, along with a fresh set of new set screws for good measure. After getting her buttoned up, I couldn't resist putting on a headlamp and trying her out in some tall brush at night.

http://i.imgur.com/COvTOi8.jpg

I could tell a difference immediately. When I engaged the blades, it was instantaneous, rather than a gradual wind up. I took her through probably 4 foot tall brush and she ate it up like Christmas pudding with a spoon in each hand! I mean effortless. No blade stopping, no bogging, just blazing trails like a mini brush hog. Half way through the yard, I realized that I was just running at about 1/2 throttle too! I'm looking forward to many years with my ol' 100. I do know one thing though, I don't want to have to take that cast iron front end off again for a long time! Finagling those 4 bottom bolts is a nightmare. ANyway, thanks for the advice on a clutch rebuild, it was just what I needed!