roma3112 Posted July 16, 2008 Posted July 16, 2008 Folks Just two days ago my sunstar that i use to mow developed an intermittent problem where the pto clutch does not want to engage. I noticed it after i was mowing for about an hour, i went to shut the pto off anf then back on but nothing happend. I get the red pto light on the dash coming on but no engagement. I got the machine to the garage and checked the wireing (appears ok)spray cleaned the clutch with air/brake clean with no results. I did notice that when i turn the pto switch on I get no click(engagement) like my other sunstar does. On the broken sunstar with the pto switch on, if i slightly tap the outside of the clutch it Will engage, it will also engage if i use finger pressure. I can feel that when i touch the outer clutch case that with the pto switch on there is a magnetic force being generated. I re-checked the clutch with the unit completely cold with the same results. I was wondering if mabe i need to take the clutch off the engine and clean any rust or adjust the clutch somehow. ALMOST FORGOT: I noticed that when the engine is running at high rpms the clutch seems to work? I can turn it on and off no problem, i thought it could be a charging or low batt condition so i shut the machine down and put the charger on the batt and set it to 50amp start and the thing didnt work! Mabee the clutch works better intermittently as a function of rotational speed? Either way compared to my other sunstar somthing is wrong. I could swap out the clutches from my other sunstar (as i only use it for my johnnybuket) but i would like to kep both machines whole. any of you sunstar guys have similar problems or any suggestions for me? thanks john
quantico Posted July 16, 2008 Posted July 16, 2008 sounds like it may have a wire that forms the electrical field open up. Not sure why it might be intermittant. I would maybe make sure the ground is all clean / essentially clean the thing up and maybe run a new wire to the hit lead with a switch that you can operate from the seat to try that. The thing is not easy to find, and used ones are at a premium. Not sure if anyone can repair them , but almost anything is possible with money...
wilm169 Posted July 16, 2008 Posted July 16, 2008 I have one that will not lock, it clicks when you engage it and you can see it engage, but it will not lock and turn.
comet66 Posted July 16, 2008 Posted July 16, 2008 Check the clutch adjustment. It should be 0.015"-0.020". It wants to be checked at three places. Loosen or tighten the nuts as needed. Also a week battery/charging system can give you engagement problems.
WITom Posted July 16, 2008 Posted July 16, 2008 I second Comet's statement. One of my Sunstars was doing the same thing two summers ago and found the air gap to be too large. Adjusted it to spec and it hasn't failed to engage since.
wilm169 Posted July 16, 2008 Posted July 16, 2008 Mine is on the rear of a power max 720, no ajustments.
dirtsaver Posted July 16, 2008 Posted July 16, 2008 John I concur with John(comet) and Tom. Sounds like the clutch "air gap" is too wide,just a normal wear thing. Be glad those are adjustable. Most all the electric pto clutches on the equipment we sell now are "wear out and toss" nith no adjustment.
roma3112 Posted July 19, 2008 Author Posted July 19, 2008 thanks felas my sunstar is an older one with the m20 and i believe the pto clutch is adjustable as it has some nuts around the perimiter that seem to be an adjustment. I have the manual i will have to look up the procedure for the adjustment. Is it very hard for those of you that have done it? thanks john
comet66 Posted July 20, 2008 Posted July 20, 2008 Naw piece of cake. Pull the hood pins and it will be easier to get at. Check it for gap at the three openings around the perimeter and tighten the three nuts the same as you work your way around, checking it with each adjustment. I use a full turn on each nut, each time around, checking after each round. The hardest part is putting the hood back on.:D
roma3112 Posted July 20, 2008 Author Posted July 20, 2008 john you would be the man to know! I will take a wack at it tomorow. thanks for the reply.
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