Need help on how to lube PTO cable on L3800 HST

[wendol]

Occasionally the PTO will not disengage, and I see several posts about lubing the cable...however when looking at the cable it appears to be sealed on both ends with a rubber type boot.

I would really appreciate a simplified explanation of how to lube this cable, or to cure this problem.

Thanks in advance for any and all help!!

 

[Jim L.]

Howdy, Wendol

At the PTO lever, the boot is crimped at the top end. You can slide the boot up and get access to the inner cable. Spray WD-40 with a plastic extender (straw) into the end of the cable. Then slide the boot back into place. Depress the foot clutch and work the PTO lever back and forth a few times. That should do it.

 

[wendol]

Howdy, Wendol

At the PTO lever, the boot is crimped at the top end. You can slide the boot up and get access to the inner cable. Spray WD-40 with a plastic extender (straw) into the end of the cable. Then slide the boot back into place. Depress the foot clutch and work the PTO lever back and forth a few times. That should do it.

Thanks Jim........I'll give it try.

 

[bxray]

After the wd-40 I would use some 3 in 1 oil to follow it down.
Wd is a good penetrating oil but not a good long term lube.
Ray

 

[Tooljunkie]

The end with a threaded piece, that you can slip a piece of air hose or fuel line over, clamp a hose on the outer shield. Open end of hose gets a old wheel valve stem ground down to fit into hose and clamped. Pull core out and add some good penetrating oil. Put core in and add a little air. If done right, hose will direct oil through entire cable.next time i do this i will take photos so i can post it up. It involves some work but it will free up a real sticky cable if right lube is used. Wd-40 is good for cleaning up oil spills on the floor.

 

[wendol]

The end with a threaded piece, that you can slip a piece of air hose or fuel line over, clamp a hose on the outer shield. Open end of hose gets a old wheel valve stem ground down to fit into hose and clamped. Pull core out and add some good penetrating oil. Put core in and add a little air. If done right, hose will direct oil through entire cable.next time i do this i will take photos so i can post it up. It involves some work but it will free up a real sticky cable if right lube is used. Wd-40 is good for cleaning up oil spills on the floor.

Would welcome photos of this the next time your into this. It would be a big help to all!! Thanks for posting this.

 

[whitetiger]

Occasionally the PTO will not disengage, and I see several posts about lubing the cable...however when looking at the cable it appears to be sealed on both ends with a rubber type boot.

I would really appreciate a simplified explanation of how to lube this cable, or to cure this problem.

Thanks in advance for any and all help!!

Your problem is most likely the control shaft sticking to the center housing where it passes thru. Look where the forward end of the PTO engagement cable is connected. This shaft has a torsion spring wrapped around it at the housing. Dirt builds up under the spring holding moisture where the shaft pivots. Spray some penetrating oil into spring and on the shaft while working the PTO lever ON and OFF. I run into this on several units a year.

Save the WD-40 for your fishing reels

 

[skohler]

Your problem is most likely the control shaft sticking to the center housing where it passes thru. Look where the forward end of the PTO engagement cable is connected. This shaft has a torsion spring wrapped around it at the housing. Dirt builds up under the spring holding moisture where the shaft pivots. Spray some penetrating oil into spring and on the shaft while working the PTO lever ON and OFF. I run into this on several units a year.

Save the WD-40 for your fishing reels

This is what exactly what I did when my 3800 had the same issue. Never needed to try and get oil into the cable itself. At least worth trying first before dealing with the cable.

 

[lugbolt]

Of all of the "stuck pto" standard L series tractors I see, almost all of them have a sticking lever on the side of the transmission.

Some EARLY L2800/L3400 HST's had a factory authorized repair in that Kubota would replace the cable and lever assembly free of charge as long as it was in the warranty period. No L2800's or L3400's will fall into this as they've been out of production for a good while now. But, Kubota still offers the PTO cable "kit" and it's not that expensive. Or you can just replace the cable itself if that need arises.

Reach in there with the straw on a can of PB blaster or the like. I go in from the front side between the floor hump cover and the rear bulkhead, right side, and spray around the spring area. I douse it good with whatever lube I have handy at the time. I really like the PJ-1 cable lube as it's a great penetrant-best I've used yet. Comes in the green/black can.