"clutch?" not completely engaging on my craftsman Model- 917270630

[JoeNoble]

When let of the pedal I don't go anywhere however when I pull the pedal back it engages and the mower moves then when I let go of the pedal it stops again. I did lose the cotter pin from the linkage where it connects to the rear end while mowing but replacing it with a new one didn't resolve the issue. Please help!

Thanks
Joe

 

[reddragon]

your clutch just releases tension on the clutch pulley ...your drivebelt could be slipping..whats the condition of it?...also.. theres a return spring that could be broken.........also.. rust can gum up the pulley arm movement....http://www.craftsmanpart.com/partsd...sessionid=PbyEUA7xg6x2mRUbBsoxfQ**.pdapp403p1

 

[JoeNoble]

Yeah as far as I can tell both the pulley and the pedal them selves are moving freely the problem seems to be the actual clutch on the side of the dif/rear end.

 

[reddragon]

also ....the linkage at the rear end is your brake..not your clutch

 

[reddragon]

i think the confusion comes from the traditional idea of a clutch...as you can see from the diagram..its simply a belt tensioner..tell us what you find:smile:

 

[JoeNoble]

Yeah that makes sense I just didn't realize the part on the rear end was a brake as opposed to a clutch. I don't have much experience workin on mowers..... Yet lol :newhere:

 

[JoeNoble]

Ok so I'm pretty sure the problem is the brake that's on the dif cuz when I let off the pedal the brake won't let off unless I pull the pedal backwards with my foot. Though I'm not sure why because when I let off the pedal the metal bracket that engages the brake moves all the way to the forward position and doesn't seem to move any further forward when I physically pull back on the brake. So is there some way to adjust the brake?

 

[reddragon]

the lever presses on 2 pins that push on the brake shim and pad......those pins rust easily...unbolt your whole brake assm. [2 bolts and rod] disassm. and clean ....lube th the pins and contact at the lever....dont get any on disc or pads:thumbsup:

 

[JoeNoble]

Thanks! I'll give it a go. So can I use brake parts cleaner? Also what should I lube them up with? Bearing grease fine?

 

[reddragon]

brake cleaner is good....and i use white lithium grease...but what you got is fine....heres some pictures..you can see the rust on the pins..thats 4 months sitting!...use emory cloth or 600 grit sandpaer to clean them up...the center nut is for adustment....when you get it back together dont get it too tight or too loose..leave a 16th" gap between the pins and lever in the rest position...:thumbsup: