Electric Clutch Lockup

[npalen]

Wondering if anyone knows an easy/effective method to lock the front cluth on a 720? I run it all the time for the loader pump and it draws a lot of amps. Would like to mechanically lock it in the engaged position and run it that way all the time with the switch off. The charging system must be getting a little weak as it shows negative amps on the gauge when either front or rear clutch is engaged even with the engine running at fast idle. This combined with the electric fuel pump eventually runs down the battery. I've received a lot of good info here on the forum and very much appreciate it. Thanks Nelson

[PhanDad]

It would seem easiest to remove the electric clutch and install a fixed pulley. A good source of pulleys is: http://www.phoenix-mfg.com/

[npalen]

Bill_That sounds like a good long term solution. Looking for a short term solution also. May have to engage the clutch and then super glue.}:)

[npalen]

Another long term might be to mount the pump directly to the crankshaft. Someone familiar with the clutches might be along here to recommend a lockup method for short term. Nelson

[npalen]

I see in the service instructions that turning the four adjustment bolts clockwise must reduce the gap between the plates. Can this adjustment be used to hold the clutch in it's engaged position with the power off?

[JimS]

Sounds like you have a charging system problem. I would check that first before modifing the clutch or pump drive.

[npalen]

I think you're right. Any idea of what to check first on the charging system?

[wilm169]

http://www.simpletractors.com/club2/portal_External.asp?LinkID=150&LinkName=Troubleshooting%20Onan%20Charging%20Systems&CatID=30&CatTitle=Electrical&URL=http://www.simpletractors.com/club2/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&topic_id=514

[npalen]

Thanks for posting that, Levi. (and thanks to Al Eden) Looks like I have my work cut out for me. I notice that each of the electric clutches draws about 6 amps. Does that sound right? Thanks Nelson

[comet66]

Without the PTO clutch, pushing all that extra fluid around can make for very hard starting on cold days.

[npalen]

But John, it never gets cold in Kansas! Seriously, you make a good point.

[andrewk]

quote:

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Originally posted by npalen
I see in the service instructions that turning the four adjustment bolts clockwise must reduce the gap between the plates. Can this adjustment be used to hold the clutch in it's engaged position with the power off?

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Short of welding it together, I don't think you will be able to find a way to pin that clutch together with the power off. Electric clutches rely on electro-magnetism to engage, and without it, there isn't a good way to get the plates to stick together other than welding them together. Like was previously said, I'd fix the charging system before modifying the clutch, but it looks like you are well on your way to doing that. Andrew

[npalen]

I see that the electric fuel pump on the 720 draws about 5 amps. This, combined with the 6 amps each for the electric clutches looks to total about 17 amps. This is a pretty good load on a 20 amp charging system? Is there an electric fuel pump out there that only pumps on demand?

[richp]

I'm still running the mechanical pump on my 9020 and have no troubles at all. I have an electric pump that came with it but I won't hook it up unless I have too.

[npalen]

Rich--I would say thats a good idea. The electric pump running all the time is somewhat annoying.