clutch is engaging quickly

[cgambino 0]

i am a newbie,

thanks in advance for any advice

have a 89 12hp 8 speed, kohler engine.

once in a while and occuring more and more the clutch is engaging much lower than normal. after a few pushes it returns to normal.

any idea of where is should start looking is appreciated.

Thanks

Chris

[rickv1957 76]

:thumbs: Rick what is condition of drive belt,Rick

[Buzz 502]

does it have one of those pneumatic cylinders to help the clutch? That's one of the signs when they start to go bad.

[cgambino 0]

thanks for the quick reply.

the drive belt is original (20 years), some cracks, dont think its slipping.

i will keep an eye on it to see if this occurs only when its hot.

Chrsi

[cgambino 0]

Dont believe there is a pneumatic cylinders to help the clutch. Thanks Chris

[MaineDad 87]

Get down on the ground behind the tractor. On the left side of the axle, is there a spring the goes from the axle to the clutch pedal? Have some one push in the clutch and watch the process. You may have a worn spring or it's getting caught on something...

[YNOT 0]

Check clearance of idler pulley to side cover.

Mine was doing the same thing, maybe the footrest got pushed in a little.

When i took it apart i noticed that the pulley was slightly touching the cover.

Under load made it worse.

After adjustment everything was back to normal.

Hope this helps

Tony

[Duff 206]

Chris, is that a 312-8 machine?

Along with what others have suggested, that pneumatic cylinder Buzz mentions is actually a damper to keep the clutch from engaging too quickly and causing wheelies. It will be located under the right fender (as you are sitting on the tractor) just rearward of the clutch assembly. While they normally fail by simply failing to provide the damping action, I suppose one could be hanging up causing erratic clutch release.

Duff :thumbs: