JD 318 Intermittent Electro-Clutch

Scotty370 · May 18, 2009

My little-guy has a problem w/electro clutch. I'm quite sure it's not the clutch, but the wiring. It will fire up the mower when cold, generally ok. After it's warm, it won't engage! Sometimes, moving the HST lever Forward and Reverse, it will kick in, otherwise, no-go! With all the 'inter-lock', (seat, neutral, pto, etc., might be one of them. Any thoughts? ~"Scotty"

ren1pa · May 19, 2009

I had the exact same problem 2 years ago. Mice had eaten the insulation off the wires causing shorting shortly after running, probable vibration causing "bares" touching. The back&forth causes the wires to bounce apart temporarily. I found all sorts of nesting evidence inside when I took it apart;Wood chips, old insulation, paper, etc. Good luck, and let me know your results.
Ren

Birdmayon · May 19, 2009

Check the air gap on the clutch. There are slots in I think 3 locations on the edge of the clutch assembly. I don't remember the proper clearance, but take a feeler gauge and stick it in there and adjust properly, that's the most common problem with the 300 series electro-magnetic clutches (I too had intermittent issues with my rear PTO clutch on my 332, just needed a gap adjustment).

Check out the Weekend Freedom Machines website, there you can find instructions and photos to help you out.

Scotty370 · Jun 4, 2009

Just wanted to give you folks an update! Once again I returned to the 'cold' tractor and it fired right up and clutch engaged. But after perusing the WFM site, the 'air gap' seems like a common problem. With feeler gauge and wrench in hand, I tightened it down to a snug .018, as spected! It was quite a bit wider when I started. Only a long 'hot' mowing will tell the tail, but I think that was it! Easy fix if it works when hot! Thanks guys! ~Scotty

Toolguy · Jun 4, 2009

I had the same problem with mine. I went to the dealer to get a new clutch and the very helpful parts man told me to check the air gap. He was right, that was the problem. It needs adjusting from time to time. Good luck.

mdmjrm · Jun 4, 2009

Had the same exact issue on my dad's 330 this spring. After we priced the clutch at the local dealer $$$$, we tightened the air gap and it works like new.