Model 125 loose front starter pulley / PTO clutch issue???

[capt jim]

Would such a pulley be less expensive? And where would I go to buy it?
I found the correct pulley online...used, but clean and in fresh primer, for $50 plus shipping.
jim

[CADplans]

Grainger's and bearings places sell them, far superior, no key needed, but they can use them.

Tighten a couple bolts and they come right off.

They also suit banged up shafts.

Well balanced, new!, and the mass will make the engine run smoother!!!

[Methos]

Originally Posted by CADplans

If you are not going to use the clutch, why not put a taper lock cast iron pulley on instead??

That's what Danco shipped the loader with and not use the cub pto at all. I don't know the size right off the t op of my head but I'll check the manuals I have and see if I can get a size for you.

[capt jim]

The starter/generator pulley measures 7 1/4" Diameter, with a 1" bore...and of course it has the 1/4" key way.
I bought the replacement online already, so I guess it will be shipping to me one day soon.
I'm going over to Tractor supply this morning to see what they have in their line of pulleys. I may just come home with a useable pulley....but I don't know what the pitch should be called??? I'll take the old pulley with me to match things up.....it's probably a pretty standard V belt groove.
It's amazing how much time can be spent fixing seemingly small issues...LOL.
Fortunately the weather here in south west Florida is ideal for doing work outdoors. If I were up north...this project would probably be on hold till summer.....or at least until a major snow fall happened....forcing me to get the tractor working again to clear the snow.
jim

[capt jim]

At this point I am just waiting for the correct replacement part to arrive from the used parts supplier in Indiana. Until then, everything is pretty much on hold. I wish I could find a way to convert this 12 HP Kohler from a belt drive starter system, to a more reliable flywheel gear drive...like a regular automobile set-up.
Any clues on that issue?
Happy Holiday to all.
Jim

[_DX3_]

Well, you could install a Quiet Line engine, into the wide frame, but you will have to completely re wire it because those use internal stators instead of the generator and don't require the Voltage regulator. But personally I prefer the generator/starter system do to much easier maintenance. If the stator goes out of the QL engine, you have to pull the engine, pull the flywheel and install a new stator, then re install the engine.

[Sugarmaker]

Jim,
Good post on a small problem that turns big. My friend at the tool shop told me the other day. Stop and bring the part to him before I mess it up more. Your write up was good and these screws in the clutch and starter pulley can be some of the toughest items on these machines. You did real good I give you a A+!
Hope the new pulley works out!
Regards,
Chris

[capt jim]

I am glad to think that others may benefit from my experiences.
I have confirmation that the replacement pulley has shipped...so perhaps early next week I'll get this episode behind me. I did mess around with the old pulley to try to remove the broken tap.....No luck.
I suspect that my #7 drill for the 1/4-20 tap may have been a tiny bit undersize. Another writer suggests to drill one size larger for tapping...still achieving about 80% of the thread contact and strength. It sounds like a good idea...if only I could go back...LOL.
Today I managed to wiggle the broken tap bit, just slightly, by lightly hammering on it with a small center punch. In so doing, I ultimately managed to snap off the lead end of the tap that was protruding into the shaft bore. However, a chunk of the tap is still firmly stuck in the pulley, and since I do not have a tap removing tool....it will probably remain in place for a good long time. Since the tap is recessed inside the clutch cup, it becomes an extraordinarily difficult thing to work on without special tooling. In a pinch, now that I have snapped off the lead end of the tap, it no longer interferes with the pulley going back onto the shaft...so I could re-install the pulley and use it with just the one set screw to hold it in place.....that being the set screw that hits the 1/4" key. Perhaps A better idea is for me to take a break from all this, and relax a while, waiting for the new pulley to arrive.
My thanks to all who have been supportive with constructive comments and suggestions. I am so happy to have discovered this web site.
Bye for now.
Jim

[_DX3_]

You are doing the right thing. When you get tensed over something, it's always best to back off and just let it go for a couple days and then come back and attack it with a fresh mindset and attitude.

[CADplans]

If you got the keyway set screw, go 90 degrees and drill a NEW hole for the 2nd set screw!! Then you have a new hole to break a tap in!! LOL