3225 Brought Back to Life

[Yardman]

So my 3225 sat in the shed for about 15 years after the engine threw a rod. Was getting by using a cc 2145 (14hp Onan) but it was literally running on banding wire (deck was shot). Made decision to have someone install a new engine (PA-Ch740-3328) and get the old beast running again; time will tell if this was a good decision! Getting replacement parts will be an issue I'm sure.

New engine works well, transmission appears to be running well, but having issues with the "rare" vacuum EVAC PTO. They guy that replaced then engine (35 years experience rebuilding) had no experience how the EVAC pto operated. Original engine had a vacuum line running from the intake to the PTO solenoid/actuator) but he consulted with CC experts and decided to run a vacuum line from the valve cover to the PTO (he didn't feel comfortable drilling into the new engine intake). Said it should work although everyone on this forum said it may not. It didn't. The PTO "rubber bellow" would slowly engage but the PTO was just not strong enough to spin the blades at high rpm's . I thought about using a mechanical clamp to apply greater pressure and that worked but that's just not a safe thing to do.

So I had a new engine but could not cut grass!

I concluded that the vacuum pressure was just not strong enough to engage. I purchased a 12v little vacuum pump for about $20, installed a switch, and the PTO engages quite well now. I engage the PTO switch then "turn on" the little vacuum pump, and it works great! I am in the process of tearing down the old engine and hopefully can use the intake manifold with fitting and install on the new engine just like original design. But for now it's working.

I'd be interested in getting comments from you experts on the EVAC PTO operation. I undoubtedly will be looking for the PTO parts in the future so any leads to get replacement parts or maybe a conversion kit would be helpful. It appears that this PTO design was only installed on the 98-99 3000 series tractors.

Thanks everyone!

[Oak]

All 3000 series machines from 1998 to the end of the run use the vacuum pto system. I believe this system is far better than the electric or mechanical type used on earlier and later machines. I also think the design of the pto system is better. Parts are not an issue. I currently have (5) 3000 series machines and have replaced 1 actuator, disassembled 1 vacuum solenoid to clean it and replaced the plastic bushings for the pto idler arm. Other than these simple repairs they have been pretty trouble free.

[Farmall450]

Originally Posted by Oak

All 3000 series machines from 1998 to the end of the run use the vacuum pto system. I believe this system is far better than the electric or mechanical type used on earlier and later machines. I also think the design of the pto system is better. Parts are not an issue. I currently have (5) 3000 series machines and have replaced 1 actuator, disassembled 1 vacuum solenoid to clean it and replaced the plastic bushings for the pto idler arm. Other than these simple repairs they have been pretty trouble free.

It seems like a more durable system, but not as well supported (probably due to the short life/low volume application).

[Yardman]

Well you made me feel better! Thanks! So how actually does this pto operate? What vacuum pressure is required? I have never found that spec. Does it matter if the rubber "boot" gets a hole or tear in it? Mine had a little tear and I thought that was causing the pto to not fully engage but I think I found out that the vacuum from the valve cover was the culprit. I am in the process of tearing down the old engine. The intake has the fitting installed in it that is used to run the vacuum line to the actuator. I have to find out if this intake will fit on my new engine. But I'm not comfortable tearing apart a new engine to install the intake. The 12v vacuum pump is working great. Just switch it on and the actuator "plates" pull in and appears to be robust. What do you think? I may have some engine parts for the original CH engine! Looks like it died of a catastrophic broken rod situation! Thanks!

[Oak]

If the actuator has any tears or leaks it will not function properly. I would just keep it the way you have since it is working now.

[CubDieselFan]

I would run it like it is. That engine had to be expensive.

[Yardman]

Yes that engine set me back $2800! I need to see what parts from the old engine I should save for the new engine. Or sell online to help pay for that new engine!

[Yardman]

Hey Oak, thanks. Do you have some leads where I could get parts for the evac pto? I'd like to get them now in case I need them in the future. Also, could you explain the mechanics/electrical operation of the pto system? From my understanding: Pull PTO switch will activate a selenoid that open the actuator to receive the vacuum from the engine. The vacuum then "pulls" the PTO linkage downward which will engage the PTO arm/pulley that creates friction with the rubber belts that creates rotation that is transfered to the deck drive shaft/belt. Am I close? It was stated that if the rubber "bellows" gets cracked or gets a hole in it that will not be good so that's why I'd like to get replacement parts now. Thanks

[Oak]

Yardman, that's correct on how it operates.

The older vacuum actuators use a metal bracket that it mounts to but the newer ones are a molded 1 piece design. When you go to the parts lookup it will show the one for the 3225 "not available" because of the redesign. Pull the parts up for a newer model such as a GT 3100 and it will show the new style available.

[Yardman]

Thanks Oak! Looks like that part number is 951-3173. I see where it has a remotely mounted solenoid. It also has a "hook" instead of a straight shaft like mine. Does this hook attach to the current PTO engagement assembly or would it require some modifications? Thanks!