BX2230 mid PTO problem

[foam4me]

In order to try and solve the engine miss problem both fuel filters needed to be replaced. The filter near the fuel pump was only accessible if I removed the mower deck, which I did. While it was off I cleaned/greased all the deck components. Trying to re-install I could not get the splined shaft to reconnect to the mid PTO. I disassembled, cleaned, and greased the rear connector (the one with the three ball bearings that seat in the slot in the HST shaft) but cannot get the connector to fully seat and "click" into place. I also cleaned and greased the splined shaft from the HST to which the connector attaches.

Has anybody had this problem and found a solution? I really don't want to damage the HST shaft or operate the mower unless the connector is fully seated.
Did I mention access is terrible to this location under the tractor.

 

[rbarker]

In order to try and solve the engine miss problem both fuel filters needed to be replaced. The filter near the fuel pump was only accessible if I removed the mower deck, which I did. While it was off I cleaned/greased all the deck components. Trying to re-install I could not get the splined shaft to reconnect to the mid PTO. I disassembled, cleaned, and greased the rear connector (the one with the three ball bearings that seat in the slot in the HST shaft) but cannot get the connector to fully seat and "click" into place. I also cleaned and greased the splined shaft from the HST to which the connector attaches.

Has anybody had this problem and found a solution? I really don't want to damage the HST shaft or operate the mower unless the connector is fully seated.
Did I mention access is terrible to this location under the tractor.

Ya, you're right! It's awkward to get to. If there are any secrets to it I haven't found them yet. I'm going to assume you have the collar pulled back when trying to install it. Other than that just keep pushing once you get the splines properly aligned. And if you're like me book the chiropractor for the next day and keep the Aleve handy! LOL

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[foam4me]

The worst part is that I can get the shaft partially connected but it does not fully seat and click into place. A hammer and a piece of wood has been no help.
Maybe I will try to clean the HST shaft again.

 

[Rfisher7381]

Can you pull the deck from under the unit then slide the PTO shaft off of the deck. Then you should have much better working conditions beneath your tractor to try to install it and figure out why it isn't locking in place. Hope that makes sense.

 

[rbarker]

Can you pull the deck from under the unit then slide the PTO shaft off of the deck. Then you should have much better working conditions beneath your tractor to try to install it and figure out why it isn't locking in place. Hope that makes sense.

That's not a bad suggestion, something doesn't sound right. A hammer and a block of wood should never be required to connect it. I would check the mid pto spline for damage or corrosion of some kind.

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[pdowling1]

Be absolutely certain you are pulling the locking ring forward (away from the tractor case) while installing it - it sounds by your description like that is the problem. Once lined up it should go on easily and lock.

 

[foam4me]

Yes, I agree that hammer/wood should not be necessary. When I dismounted the deck the sliding splined connector is what separated as even then the rear HST connector was difficult to remove. Apparently my cleaning/lube of the splined HST shaft was not enough so I'll have to repeat that with more diligence. I am pretty sure that the sliding collar is back enough to allow full engagement but, as mentioned before, there is not too much room for working, even when I put the rear of the tractor on jack stands.

 

[rbarker]

Yes, I agree that hammer/wood should not be necessary. When I dismounted the deck the sliding splined connector is what separated as even then the rear HST connector was difficult to remove. Apparently my cleaning/lube of the splined HST shaft was not enough so I'll have to repeat that with more diligence. I am pretty sure that the sliding collar is back enough to allow full engagement but, as mentioned before, there is not too much room for working, even when I put the rear of the tractor on jack stands.

Sounds like something is really gummed up in there. If you can't get it to free up maybe you could post some pictures of the two ends that won't go together. Sometimes another set of eyes is helpful.

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[Grandad4]

That locking collar needs to slide back about 1/2 inch before the thing will slide onto the pto spline, and getting the grooves lined up can be a bit tricky. It's supposed to have a detent to keep the collar from springing back, but mine has always been so hair-trigger that you must physically hold it back to get it mounted. It sometimes needs a bit of gentle persuasion to come off, but if it's lubed well, it should slide on easily once you get the locking collar figured out. It is indeed a messy job. Just my opinion, but if there's something bent, cracked or such that's making it hard to attach, the hammer treatment is likely to make it worse, not better.

 

[foam4me]

Of course the object of the spline is to make lining things up easy; the problem has been not the first half inch but getting the ball bearings to retract so the collar can slide on to the HST shaft completely. I had previously dismantled, cleaned, and lubed the spring collar end, removing all the crud and lubed with oil/grease. Still, one of the ball bearings is more difficult to retract if I pull the collar back when I have operated the collar when off the tractor. There is no sign of any detent.
Today I tried again and was able to mount everything but it is definitely not easy or user friendly. I know I will have to do this again when I mount the front mounted snowblower later this year, oh well.
Thanks to all for your helpful comments.