[Edward Preusser]

Hi Folks, I have a problem with the pto on my older circa 1984 318. Two years ago I replaced the original front pto, it was just worn out. No problems but yesterday the pto switch failed it to was original. I jumped it to get it to the barn. I connected a jumper wire to the blue wire (12 volts) batt. to pto direct. The clutch did not pull in. Now I think I may have smoked the coil that pulls the clutch in. I will look into this tomorrow as today is mothers day. Any thoughts on testing the pto. By the way the switch failed inside, parts were floating around inside. Regards, Ed

 

[coalminer16]

I would first check the clutch gap which should be .018 inches. Takes a bit to get it right. Otherwise-pull it apart and see if the coil will hold a wrench when you put power to it (there is a specific wrench size it is suppose to hold up). If new and the gap was set right it shouldn't have failed that fast.

 

[Hammerdown-7]

Hello Edward
I set my air gap a little tight on my 318 PTO coil I go with 0.010" gap and it never fails to kick in no matter how hot the engine get's or even when the engine is cold. If I set it at the suggested 0.018" range it sometimes does not like to kick in or will kick off while I am mowing with it I hope this helps, Kurt

 

[dhager4692]

also check the continuity of the clutch. If there is none the clutch is shorted out. They should measure close to 3.8. Also TDCM can fail but others on this site understand them better.