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.