Clutch problem on a 1200

[CSXengr]

I had the clutch release rod fail the other day on my 1200 while mowing. I found the end with the nut still in tack. Could not find any other remains. It seems that over the years the release rod has been chattering in the throw out lever wearing the rod right at the end of the rod, causing it to break.

I had a release rod from a parts tractor and reinstalled on the 1200. But now this rod is chattering as well. The chattering stops if you lightly apply pressure on the pedal. Do I need to replace the throw out lever and/or the drive shaft? Or do I not have the rod adjusted tight enough? The tractor moves great and brakes well. While I have everything out I will redo the clutch as well if I have to replace anything.

Thanks for any info.

Gary

[R Bedell]

I would trace down where the "chattering or vibration" is, and address that issue.

[IHinIN]

I’m not familiar with the clutch linkage on a 1200 but on the narrow frame gear drives, there is a spring on the rod that holds pressure against the clutch release arm and keeps the nut pulled tight against the arm. It sounds like yours may not have a spring.

[Bob95065]

Originally Posted by IHinIN

I’m not familiar with the clutch linkage on a 1200 but on the narrow frame gear drives, there is a spring on the rod that holds pressure against the clutch release arm and keeps the nut pulled tight against the arm. It sounds like yours may not have a spring.

+1. There should be a spring on the linkage. You can see it in a IPL at partstree here: https://www.partstree.com/models/120...ctor/clutch-5/

I would post a picture but I don't know how to do that on a iPad.

[finsruskw]

Part #4, teaser spring.
either missing or broken
I would dis-assemble the entire clutch assembly including the throw out lever and hanger.
Check everywhere for worn parts and hogged out holes in hangers and levers and the driveshaft itself..
Check the main spring as well, they do break.
Repair and replace as needed.
The hanger and lever can be welded up and re-drilled and resurfaced as needed.
Check the throw out bearing for condition and proper operation as well as condition of the the 3 point flex driver plate and the clutch disc and plates.
Check for missing or loose engine mount bolts into the pan. There are 4 3/8" x 1"
There is something loose or missing somewhere to cause the chatter/vibration.
If you have mushed out ISO mounts, all bets are off.
Good luck!

[CSXengr]

Originally Posted by Bob95065

+1. There should be a spring on the linkage. You can see it in a IPL at partstree here: https://www.partstree.com/models/120...ctor/clutch-5/

I would post a picture but I don't know how to do that on a iPad.

Thanks. Yes the spring is there. I made sure of that. I think it may be time to redo the clutch. Clutch is worn pretty thin so may as well replace rag join while I am at it. And inspect for worn parts. The anti chatter Springs are missing on the clutch as well. So I will update as I go.

Thanks again for everyone's help.

[dale c.]

bad motor mounts will let the engine lower and the clutch disc will rub the release rod

[dodge trucker]

on the last 1200 I did, I had to do twice within a short time (running time-wise)

When I did it the 2nd time I noticed a lot of things wrong that I somehow missed the 1st time. much of it was slop within the linkage, I had to do some welding and redrilling to take up the slack in system, I welded in some bushings on the hanger bracket to distribute the load more, making it less likely to wear out so soon...…
there is a great (though it was getting long) thread about a clutch rebuild,
I think it might be the one called "what a rag" on here. If not someone here will know the one I mean and point you there.

[ironman]

Here ya go, I had it bookmarked in my "Cub Cadet Good Info" folder

https://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/...ad.php?t=37253

[CSXengr]

Originally Posted by dale c.

bad motor mounts will let the engine lower and the clutch disc will rub the release rod

Update on the 1200 clutch problems!

Inspected the clutch, plates, bearing and teaser spring. Replaced the clutch and teaser spring along with rag joint. Will have plates surfaced.

Inspected motor mounts as suggested and sure enough they are shot! So now I have pulled the motor and inspected the bushing where the drive shaft goes into, worn out! Will be doing the cradle mod and replacing solid motor mounts from Jeff. I had a set on hand. Along with the bushing.

Hopefully this will solve my problems. But if you see anything I have missed please tell me while I have this tractor torn down.

But thanks for everyone's suggestions. You all were a big help.