Cub Cadet 582 PTO Clutch - Troubleshooting

joelwcassell · #1 03-31-2019, 08:43 PM

Guys, needing help on my Cub Cadet 582 again. I am in the process of reworking it, I got a rebuilt Briggs opposed twin and have it installed and it runs fine. However the PTO clutch does not function (nothing happens when flipping the switch). I need some help.

1. The book states that the "air gap" on the clutch needs to be adjusted to within .010 - .015 of an inch with a feeler gauge. There appears to be way too much drag when tightening the brake flange down anywhere near that. It would be so tight that I couldn't turn it by hand. I am not sure if that is how it is supposed to be or not, but I didn't want to damage anything by over tightening it.

2. How is the seat switch supposed to operate in relation to the PTO? I am not sure if the seat switch is supposed to kill the motor or just the PTO when it is disengaged. Mine seat switch doesn't seem to be doing anything. The motor stays running with it disengaged, and the PTO doesn't operate in either position.

3. I am assuming that there should be voltage on the PTO wire when the switch is engaged ? That is what I will test next. If there is not any voltage on the wire, can I just bypass the switch to wire to the battery as a test to see if the switch is faulty? Any other ways to troubleshoot? I have heard that some alternators don't put out enough voltage for the switch so hopefully that is not an issue.

Any other thoughts welcome.

R Bedell · #2 04-01-2019, 08:01 AM

Quote:

How is the seat switch supposed to operate in relation to the PTO?

The 582 had two different Wiring Diagrams. It depends on the Chassis Serial Number range. So, what is your Serial Number..??

cooperino · #3 04-01-2019, 08:08 AM

I would start by testing the pto. I have a power probe that I am able to provide voltage to test things like this. To test i would disconnect power wire from main harness, apply power to just the pto wire with it out of the circuit. I would first try it with engine off. While applying power see if the clutch spins freely or if you are turning the engine. If the engine turns, the pto is engaged. if not then you have a pto issue. With the engine off you should here the pto click when power is applied. Divide and conquer! If the pto tests good the next thing i would do is start testing for continuity between switch and pto. You will need a correct wiring diagram to test beyond that.

Good luck

ol'George · #4 04-01-2019, 08:32 AM

When adjusting the air gap on the clutch face, you are adjusting the 3 bolt brake flange.(no power applied,and clutch installed on the engine)
The brake should be tight, otherwise it would not cause a "brake" action,when no power is applied.

When properly adjusted, you should find it very very difficult to turn the pulley with no power applied, as the brake is applied.

With power applied, you should be able to turn the motor/crankshaft with the pulley, allowing for the normal motor resistance, but no scraping sound of the brake surfaces.

Edit: it is important to adjust the bolts evenly so the feeler gauge has an even feel to it, in 3 places.
That insures the mating surfaces touch evenly on the brake side as well as the clutch side of the disk.

joelwcassell · #5 04-01-2019, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R Bedell

The 582 had two different Wiring Diagrams. It depends on the Chassis Serial Number range. So, what is your Serial Number..??

Thank you. From previous research, I know its an older model (SN 719999 & Below). I dont have the exact number with me though.

joelwcassell · #6 04-01-2019, 08:53 AM

Thank you all for the feedback. I will tighten the brake flange to adjust the air gap based on the input here. Will also try to power the clutch with the engine off for further troubleshooting. Thanks for the insight here, I am new to working through this, but am learning!