Clutch Button making "glitter". Problem or no?
 

I am pretty sure that my PTO front clutch is misaligned, but it does function well. I have only owned my 1972 #129 for a few months now, and use it weekly for pulling a trailer and mowing a very hilly and rough yard. Lately I have noticed that the clutch button is not centered (see photo) and after an hour of mowing, I see tiny bits of gold colored metal around the button. Also, I notice that one of the three "throw out levers" was dented badly, and one only slightly dented and one fine. I have checked the three phillips head bolts which secure them. Two seem functional, and one bolt seems to spin and will not tighten or loosen.

In summary, it seems like this clutch has had a hard life. Yet it's working fine. If this were your machine, would you replace some parts and align it correctly? Or would you just run it until it fails?

Yup.. slightly off center. It will get some wear regardless but less if adjusted and centered properly.

I would put some new parts into it and align things. But I like things to look factory.

Make sure that you understand the "glitter" issue, as to where it comes from, and when it is created,,

#1 - The glitter level should not increase during mowing, as the button should not be in contact with the clutch,
there should be a literal air gap between the button, and clutch,, air gap, = no glitter.
#2 - The glitter level should not increase when the mower deck is not spinning, the clutch assembly is not turning,,
no turning = no glitter

When does glitter get created? only during the few seconds that the mower deck is changing from rotating to stopped.

THEN,, there is the BIG NO - NO that causes LOTS of glitter,,
#3 - You create LOTS of glitter when the mower belt is removed from the clutch,, and you pull the cart.
The clutch will be spinning, and the button is touching the clutch,,
SOLUTION!? :bigthink: Operate the tractor with the PTO engaged when pulling the cart,,
The button will not be touching the clutch, glitter will not be created.

I always thought that this Glitter info should have been a dash decal on the Cub Cadet,,,
LOTS of PTO clutch buttons have been destroyed over the years by running the tractor with the PTO disengaged, and no attachment on the tractor,,:bigeyes:

You folks are a great wealth of information. And funny too! So today I will have a good look at the travel of my PTO on-off lever. Because I think that glitter is being made all the time- I will adjust this. And this is great advice- to keep the PTO engaged (belt off) to increase the life of the parts.

I, too, like the original look of the clutch and I'm amazed that it works.

To improve alignment... should I add and subtract some thin washers in order to shift that large lever that holds the PTO button? Or should I loosen the engine mounts and see if I can shift the engine to one side? (I need about 3/16") I have read through the service manuals and I don't see this procedure written about :)

Why is this stuff in the welcome post section?
Just sayin....
There are umpteen sections to post stuff in.

Fin, yes, I'm sorry about that. I can only see the "Post New Thread" button in the "Welcome" section. I cannot find it in other places. Maybe my "permissions" are limited. If you wish to move the thread, I would not be offended.

Regarding a gap between the button and the clutch: I have tried lengthening the PTO linkage by using the turnbuckle. But even when that linkage becomes fully slack, there is no visible gap. I can easily slide a business card in there... but there is no visible gap. And I can't have that linkage so loose because it will rattle like crazy and it just seems, well, wrong.

Maybe I need to slide the engine rearward a bit. Or maybe I should remove the entire clutch and try remounting it closer to the block. Considering I need a Left/Right button alignment, I guess I could try to fix the Front/Rear problem at the same time by loosening the motor mounts.

You Might get a little wiggle room from engine mount bolts. However, I would be looking at the cross bar that holds the arm for the button. Is there any front to rear play in that?

Chris,
It's clear at the bottom of the page in each section.
The button that says "New Thread"
You will get many more responses to your question in the correct section.\
In this case , it's the "IH Cub Cadet Tractor (GT)" section.

Welcome aboard
I'm sure you can get your PTO straightened out.
Sounds like there is a lot of wear/slop in the shaft that the clutch rod pivots on.
If you can figure out a way to shim it from moving horizontally back and forth...…..?