Narrow frame PTO clutches don't seem to last as long as they used to---
I have been using and servicing my 6 70-127 Cubs since about 1980 and I have replaced a few PTO clutches. But in the last couple of years, they have not been lasting as long. They start to slip in a only a season or so. Finding real useful info and hints about them is very hard. I have spent hours goggling and looking around on youtube for really good info. There are a few threads here and there, but the authors seem less experienced than I am.
Things I'd like to know:
1. How to test the rebuilt clutch. How much static torque should it take to break in loose on the bench?
2. How bad can the pressure plate be and still be reusable? One guy said to dress it back to a "smooth" surface with 80 sandpaper. Is this correct? Should the same thing be done with the clutch pulley's driven surface?
3. It is okay to dress the clutch disk back to its stock surface? (80 grit sandpaper seems to work here also, is that okay?)
4. How thin can the clutch disk be and still work acceptably? A brand new one that I have in my hand is 0.177" thick.
5. Any hints to add?
6. Belt width: I can buy 1/2" wide and 5/8" wide belts to go from the PTO to the deck from many places where they SAY they are the correct part number -----489-R2, I think, but they never last. Have the rest of you found this to be true? Do you always go back to the "original" 3/8" wide belt in a cub Cadet sleeve?
In trade for any info, I do have a narrow frame cub cadet page the might have a hint or two:
http://www.spaco.org/cub.htm
Pete Stanaitis
--------------