variator disassembly

[Guest]

I need to work on the vari-shift pulley of my AC 816. Can anyone tell me how to remove this thing from the lever arm it is attached to and how to disassemble the pulley itself? It vibrates badly at higher speed settings. I don't see how it could be off-weighted, none of the fins are broken off or anything. Any suggestions?

[JeffNemes]

Have you checked the belts for a worn spot?

[arnoldir]

Hey KEP, The variator hub is pressed into the swing arm. you might be able to get it out with a 2 jaw puller, but I'd recommend a press. The outer sheves are threaded onto the hub, I think it is a left hand thread. Most likely, the bushings that the arm pivot on are shot, that's my problem, thing rattles like hell when it's set to fast. The rattle quiets down when I shift to slow. Gotta find time after mowing season to work on it. Good luck.

[Al]

KEP, check the belts first, any narrow spot will cuse a bad vibration. I made a wrench to disassemble them using a piece of steel bar stock and 2 Allen head bolts to fit in the flange holes. Has it always vibrated? Wen had one that the center [moving] flange was actually thicker on one side than the other. Replaced it under warranty many years ago. Never saw another one like it. I believe the flanges etc for this are the same as Jonn Deere as used in the 110s etc. I don't know who actually make the variator. Good luck, Al E

[Guest]

I am replying to my own message because I wanted anyone else with a similar probalem to be able to search these archives and not only see that I had the same problem they are having, but how I resolved it. Many thanks to Jeff Nemes of J.J. Nemes and Sons and others who suggested that the vibration from my variator pulley might be from a drive belt with a narrow or worn spot in it. I found my AC T-816 where it had been sitting for 2 years. I replaced the mower belt because it was obviously worn, but the drive belts looked fine so I kept them. Obviously, "looked fine" can be decieving. I replaced the belts and it runs as smooth as I could ever hope for. Thanks to Jeff and everyone else who helps out on this website!