great dane

[jp6]

Have 48inch super surfer with 17hpkawa. Blades started to engage intermittently a few days ago. Thought it was the switch that engages blades but new switch did not solve problem. Not sure but almost seems like the longer the machine is running the worse it gets. Once they engage they run fine but having problems when I disengage and try to engage. I can hear a slight hiss under the engine noise like they are trying to engage. Wondering if this is a clutch going bad or do they just die without any symptoms. Thank You

[genesis215]

It sounds like you need a new clutch. I just had a clutch on my 52" Super Surfer do this same sort of thing, causing shorting out, making loud racket and hissing noise, and other problems. Took it out, and it was shot. I just ordered a new one from J. Thomas today for $200. The clutch you will need is model OR-8 from J. Thomas, and they are priced at $200.47. Hope this helps.

[jp6]

It does help. Thank You for the response.

[dutch1]

All Great Danes that I have worked on have a clutch with 3 adjustment nuts to adjust the air gap. Before you purchase a new clutch, you may want to try adjusting the air gap to .012-.014". Check the air gap first to see how badly it may be worn. I have a decent amount of luck with adjustment although it largely depends on the amount of wear present.

Dutch

[jp6]

After doing some search here I cleaned and checked wiring and adjusted the the air gap to .012(which was way out) but after the mower has run for a while the clutch starts acting up again with the blades hesitating to engage or not engaging. I will assume at this point that I need a new clutch. Thanks