Clutch issues on 982
 

So I finally get to use the 982 to blow snow not that the doors are on and the windows in - IT DOES NOT FIRE UP!!!! :angry::angry::angry:

The electric clutch worked fine when I used it about a week ago, no issues at all. I plugged the blower ONCE that night, but the belt was only slipping for maybe 20 seconds MAX until I shut the switch off to investigate. So there is no way I burnt up the clutch. Once it was unplugged with the slushy crap, it fired right up again, no issues at all and ran like a top the rest of the night.

I have not been working on the blower nor the clutch so I didn't cut any wires or anything crazy like that prior to removing the grill today to see what was up.

I wiggled the connector at the clutch where it hooks into the wiring harness and eventually it came appart - so I thought that was the problem, stood on my head to get it connected back up and put it back into the tin clip holder for the plastic socket. Fired up the tractor and turned the switch on - NO GO! :bash2:

SO How do I go about accessing if there is power going to the clutch and if the issue is the clutch or the switch or something else? The switch on the dash was new about 3 years ago and would be lucky if it has been used more than 20 hours since being replaced. Bought new from Cub Cadet when I had issues with the Onan clutch. I can't remember how I diagnosed the problem back then - getting old is GREAT!

I guess I will start by going to buy a test light this morning to start there. I have an Ohm meter somewhere, but you think I can lay my hands on it! Not sure what good it would do anyway, I have a heck of a time understanding how to use one of them anyway. By the golly, it looks good to have one though! When I can find it. :banned:

So anyone care to share their thoughts on this....other than I am out to lunch that is.

Getting frustrated to say the least. If it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have any at all.


:bash2:

Mike, check the fuse first. If that's good check the tan/black wire going to the clutch and see if your getting 12 volts.

There is a pretty good checkout procedure in the tech section.
http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/showthread.php?t=30

If it helps any, it will be 70 degrees here today, so I will be thinking about you.:biggrin2:

Mike: Here is your PTO Circuit, in the proper sequence and wire color correct.

Fuse is good, checked it first before even going to the front of the tractor. Dealer installed the engine and set up the clutch, so the gap shouldn't be out, technically.
Picked up a Innova Digital Multimeter model 3300 at Canadian Tire when I was to town this morning. Going to read some instructions and go from there. Will have to get the feeler gauges out too likely. :bash2:

I just want to stop having to FIX things! Still haven't got to enjoy my 982 yet this year fully. Snow will be gone soon and will be wanting to not use it because its too hot inside the cab! :biggrin2: Good grief! This keeps up I am going to be hearing about it from the wife!
:BlahBlah::BlahBlah::Rant::Rant::Rant::Rant::Rant:

Make sure your connections are clean and tight. I've had that issue. Then I'd check the pto gap too. Just because the dealer set it up doesn't mean it's right. Good luck!

Ps: don't tell the wife too much! Lol that's what I do! Lol

So working on this issue tonight and got thinking of the 782. When I turn the key on with motor not running and then flip on the pto switch you hear the clutch engage. Take the switch out of the 782 and put into the 982 it will not engage the clutch. Assuming it will sound the same between a Mag 20 and a KT-17?
So I ruled out the switch being faulty assuming I am on the right path??

Should I have power at all five pins on the pto switch when key switch is on?

I have power to both posts at the amp gauge, then two of the three socket plug on the pto switch. If I leave key switch on I can not get my test light to light up in the other 3 posts on pto switch ?? I have tried both the original switch and the one from the 782. Neither will light up test light on the other three terminals.

By the way, I gave up on the multi meter before I threw it out on the road. I went and borrowed my fathers light tester - growing it and stick the pointy probe onto the terminal! That my simple mind can grasp!

Okay so with both connectors attached to the pto switch and both the key switch and pto switch turned on I get the test light to light up at the connector for the clutch. So does that narrow it down to air gap on clutch?

Lets cut to the chase.

Get a long jumper wire. Attach one end to the Battery (+) positive terminal.
Using the diagram I previously posted, turn on the PTO & Ignition switches.
Take the other end of the Jumper wire and starting at the PTO Clutch connector, touch the wire at each device terminal as indicated, until you find an absence of power. BINGO.....you have your culprit.

REMEMBER, a DVM can indicate power but NOT amperage. There may be enough power to satisfy your meter but under load, it can disappear.

:ThumbsUp:

Okay Roland - sounds like a great idea. So by "clutch connector" you are talking right at the clutch itself where the clutch plugs into the wiring harness - right?

I did notice some of them fancy blue connectors that clamp onto the wires that you don't like in the wiring harness behind the dash - :angry: going to guess one of those are starting or has failed? Is it just me or is it kind of a clustered mess behind the dash of one of these 82 series tractors?

Will throw something else out there - how do I know or is it possible the clutch itself is shot? Just asking since I don't know what this engine has been through before I got it. I would doubt it since the thing worked fine prior to yesterday. Do one part or another of the clutch go bad over time?

Just curious if a new wiring harness for this tractor might be in order in the future? Any chance the old wires are starting to get brittle? Not saying that is necesarrily the problem here - just asking questions. Since I have lost all patients for tonight, I might as well be inside where its warm and not working in a garage with a wet floor and the wind whistling outside! Hmmm... I need a drink! :beer2: