TG1860 Mower with PTO Problems

[TG1860]

When I apply 12v to the two leads from the PTO it clicks and locks into position. It's good. I picked up a spray can of CRC QD Electronic Cleaner to clean out the PTO. I wish I knew how to disassemble it so I could really clean the surfaces.

I still need to test the switch but I'm believing the problem is all the oil that was dumped on the PTO clutch surfaces.

I filled up the gearbox with some 0-20 oil and will let it sit overnight so see if any seals are leaking. Thus far nothing has leaked. I'll slosh this oil around before dumping it to rinse out the interior before I put in fresh oil of whatever weight is recommended. It held less than a quart to the top of the dipstick.

 

[pigdoc]

Kind of makes me wonder:

Why don't these RC deck gearboxes have vents?

Seems like, when the oil heats up during use, the air pressure inside the gearbox would increase, tending to force oil past the seals.

I mean, the axle differentials and the transfer case in my truck are vented....

-Paul

 

[GreensvilleJay]

E-PTOs can be disassembled BUT be sure to get the proper, correct manual first !!
They have a specific gap that needs to set, adjusting the 4 nuts on the studs. Kinda critical that they ALL are the same.
Usually a good spray and 'blow dry' are all that's needed to get the gorf out. OK, maybe 2-3 depending on how bung up it is.......

 

[TG1860]

Today I went to the local Kubota dealer to get the vent fitting and hose and little filter thingy. Yikes!! The plastic threaded vent fitting is $36, the 3" of plastic hose is $8, and the little plastic filter on top of the hose is $17. Parts # 370 & 380 & 360. Yikes!

I'm going to reuse the threaded fitting that I already have, some 1/2" hose I already have and will purchase the little filter thingy that they had to order, and should be here Friday.

In the meantime, I figured out how to disassemble the PTO. It's now been wire brushed at the contact points and then degreased all over and reassembled.

So, I'm now in the reassembly process, will add the ordered part when it delivers. I did pick up a quart of Fram Premium 80/90 gear oil.

Below is a picture of PTO after cleaned up and before assembly. Maybe I'll get the grass mowed again by Saturday.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

two kinda important items...

1) be sure to set proper gap and SAME at all 3 studs..
if not the spec and even, it either wears out or won't operate correctly...

2 be really sure to 'lock' the E-PTO with the clip in the oval hole !!!!!
if not locked, PTO spins real fast, wires break(worse get pulled out....)...
and it'll be a $600 trip to dealer (unless you can see the MFRs part number on it )

 

[TG1860]

two kinda important items...

1) be sure to set proper gap and SAME at all 3 studs..
if not the spec and even, it either wears out or won't operate correctly...

2 be really sure to 'lock' the E-PTO with the clip in the oval hole !!!!!
if not locked, PTO spins real fast, wires break(worse get pulled out....)...
and it'll be a $600 trip to dealer (unless you can see the MFRs part number on it )

1) I discussed this with the Messicks tech rep. He said to pull the ring up until it just about touches the disc. With the stepped sleeves on which this thing assembles there isn't any option to adjust the gap. With the ring mounted on the three studs I could pull up the lower disc to close the gap, but then I'll have metal-on-metal contact of the ring to the disc when the PTO is disengaged. That seems like a bad design.
Please expand on this, I'm listening, and I want to get this right.

2) Thanks for the reminder. Without the clip that thing will spin like a top.

 

[TG1860]

This morning I got it put back together and then mowed 2 acres of grass. Everything is fixed, and it is running smooth. Thanks to all who provided assistance and for allowing me to think through this project.

Now I know to keep an eye on this vent tube because at some point it will break again. If I can find a 14mm fine thread bolt made of brass I may fabricate my own vent tube fitting, but that's a later project.

 

[TG1860]

I used a 14mm fine-thread bolt, some 1/2" steel tubing I already had, and some PEX tubing and made a new heavy-duty vent tube assembly. I did use the Kubota top-piece filter to complete the assembly.

The bolt was drilled 5/16" through then bored 1/2" diameter about 3/16 deep in the head. The 1/2" steel tubing is pressed into place with some 2-part epoxy to keep it in place.

I added hose clamps to both ends after taking the picture of the assembled vent tube. I can keep an eye on all this going forward, but I doubt this vent tube will ever fail me.

Adding a photo of the vent tube mounted onto the spare gearbox.