1. Remove clutch shield.
2. Drive out 2 spirol pins holding clutch plates to driveshaft.
3. Remove engine muffler shield bracket.
4. Disconnect front PTO clutch linkage and let throwout arm rest against inside of front grille. (On spring-held grille models, remove front grille for maximum clearance.)
5. Unclip clutch friction disc anti-rattle springs.
6. Remove 4 engine mounting bolts.
7. Slide engine forward as far as possible until it comes off the driveshaft/friction disc.
8. Use a 1 to 2 foot long 2X4 to brace the engine over to the right side.
9. Remove the clutch discs.
10. Unscrew the clutch adjuster nut until the throwout lever pops free.  Caution, there is some pressure on the lever when the nut comes free, so it will pop out a bit.
11. Remove upper throwout lever pivot pin. Remove lever.
12. Slide off teaser spring, bearing, main spring, and washer.

1. Inspect driveshaft for wear and stepping, and the rear spirol pin that holds the main spring. Inspect coupler at transmission. 
2. If all three are OK, install washer, main spring, and bearing in order they came off.
3. Install throwout arm with top pivot pin.
4. Using a 4-5 foot 2X4 or long crowbar, push the throwout lever from the front of the machine back toward the adjusting bolt, compressing the main spring, and slip the bolt through the hole. Attach the nut a few turns by hand, then tighten some more with a wrench so it won't work loose.
5. Push clutch pedal down and lock it in place to hold back throwout bearing. You may need to adjust up slack to get the bearing back far enough.
6. Install teaser spring.
7. Lay a large crowbar across the frame rails and rest the driveshaft on it. Use a large punch, piece of axle or kingpin to drive in and center the new back spirol pin (the one the slotted clutch disc rides on). Drive parallel to the crowbar the shaft is resting on. This is easier to do with the machine in gear.
8. Install the friction disc.
9. Install the front metal disc and drive the new spirol pin through the driveshaft.
10. Adjust the friction disc until it is centered between the 2 metalplates and release the clutch pedal to hold it there.
11. If you are going to use them, install 3 anti-rattle springs on the carrier disc fingers.
12. Slide the engine forward, over the driveshaft, align the 3 carrier plate fingers with the friction disc holes, and push the pins through them. (HINT: MTD is making the carrier holes on the small side on new clutch friction discs. You may want to check to be sure they slide easily over the carrier fingers prior to clutch assembly, and file them out if they don't.  If they bind, the clutch will not release properly.)
13. Attach engine to frame with 4 mounting bolts.
14. Clip anti-rattle springs over friction disc.
15. Attach muffler bracket/shield.
16. Attach and adjust front PTO linkage.
17. Adjust clutch.
18. Install clutch shield.
19. Install grille if removed.

Back to the FAQ...