Refurbishing PTO clutch plates

[davem1111 2,030]

I think I saw a thread a while back where there was a discussion about putting new brake/clutch material on the PTO clutch plates, and I'm about to attempt that myself, unless it seems like a losing proposition. I have 4 tractors, 2 are working mowers and the other 2 are in the process of getting some TLC. My neighbor who has a 414-8 was telling me he wasn't getting solid power to his deck, and when I looked at it there was nothing left on his clutch plate so it was metal-on-metal. I ended up pulling a good plate from one of the 2 in the shop, and while digging around I found one spare that was shot, and the other one was down to rivets. So I'm looking at buying some of these:

https://www.zoro.com/a-i-products-friction-discclutch-lining-628-od-4-id-6-x6-x1-a-36f45/i/G701702262/

 

This may not be the best friction material for this application or not exactly the same as OEM, but it seems that it has to be much better than metal-on-metal.

 

The OD is not quite as wide but even if it's a bit short of the diameter of the plate, as I see it the worst that could happen is the PTO bell side that rubs against it might eventually wear a bit unevenly and have to be milled flat, but maybe I'm missing something.

 

The main question I have is about adhesive.  There's been mention of Urethane (for gluing down rubber on the foot boards). Any opinions here on whether that or something else would be sufficient to keep these plates on? 

[JoeM 7,871]

I have seen Loctite brake lining adhesive kits that can be used on clutch plates. Never tried one.

I have used JB Weld on the brake bands and it worked.

[davem1111 2,030]

15 minutes ago, JoeM said:

I have seen Loctite brake lining adhesive kits that can be used on clutch plates. Never tried one.

I have used JB Weld on the brake bands and it worked.

 

What about this stuff - I googled for the loctite adhesive and this came up also:

 

 

[JoeM 7,871]

If it can take the heat? Seems pretty pricey, but what isn't

[davem1111 2,030]

5 hours ago, JoeM said:

If it can take the heat? Seems pretty pricey, but what isn't

 

I looked at the Loctite stuff and it's a lot more expensive for the amount you get, so I ordered the Pliobond and 4 disks. Well, this will be an experiment. I'll put one of the refurbed plates on my main mower, and let you know how it works out.

[8ntruck 6,993]

I would not expect a PTO clutch to get too hot, assuming that it won't slip under load and that the PTO clutch is not allowed to slip much during engagement and clutch is not cycled frequently.

 

Toro still stocks clutch plates.  Kind of pricey, though going for about $100.

[Racinbob 11,047]

JB Weld works great like mentioned. I don't like the stated 'permanent flexible bond' statement on the Pliobond. heat may not be a problem but it is next to a hot engine. 

Edited May 12, 2023 by Racinbob

[JoeM 7,871]

I just had a clutch that was about at the end of the adjustment. When I ran the deck it would slip a good bit on startup. Tightened it a bit more and it was better but not  just like it should be. Decided to take it apart and check it closer. Noticed the PTO bell had dime size blue heat marks. The clutch plate, as compared to some others, was close in thickness and not to worn. It was pretty gritty and I cleaned it with brake clean wiping off the dirt between sprays. As for the PTO bell, It was slightly thinner and had some light groves. I figure the groves was from someone running it on a riveted clutch prior to going to the bonded clutch. I did a backyard resurface with a belt sander. The blue marks came out and most of the grooves.

The cleaning and resurface job made a difference. Did not need to tighten the clutch nearly as much to start the deck. 

[davem1111 2,030]

On 5/8/2023 at 11:32 PM, 8ntruck said:

Toro still stocks clutch plates.  Kind of pricey, though going for about $100.

 

That's the main reason I'm trying this.  I bought one already, at $75-$100.  Too rich for my blood.

 

The glue showed up yesterday and the disks today - ready to give this a try. 

[squonk 41,041]

K&B a vendor here has the clutch plates to 67 bucks

 

 

[Marv 919]

I use JB weld. Works great. Never had a problem with it.

Marv

[davem1111 2,030]

13 hours ago, squonk said:

K&B a vendor here has the clutch plates to 67 bucks

 

 

I know they're available - I've already bought one in the past. I have 2 or 3 that are shot, so I'm looking for a more affordable solution.  I glued the first one yesterday and will probably try it out this weekend. Cost me about $10, including the can of adhesive, which should be enough to do at least 20 of these or use for other things like gluing on rubber foot mats, etc.  We'll see how well the glue holds up.

[davem1111 2,030]

I put my first disk to the test today - it worked great!  I did find that the PTO bell on my GT-1848 was scored pretty badly, so I swapped it for a better one when I put the new clutch plate on, and put a healthy dose of tacky red grease in there ( @peter lena ) 

 

Does anyone know if most machine shops that do brake rotors & such would re-surface a PTO bell? 

[davem1111 2,030]

If anyone out there has any worn out clutch plates and wants to get rid of them, I may be interested so I have some stock to refurbish and re-sell (at a much much better price than NOS or whatever is available out there for $75-100).  I should have taken a picture of the plate before I installed it, but I will on the next one. The disk doesn't reach to the edge of the metal plate, maybe 3/16" short, but that doesn't bother me nearly as much as the damage these rivets have done to the bells. It shouldn't wear much of a ridge unless it's not holding tight.