Hey Guys
Great forums, I've been lurking for some time without posting. Was hoping to get more burn out of my reel mower before an overhaul but looks like it's sooner than expected. Need a little help with diagnosis and parts, going to open it up but wanted to buy and get all the parts I should service or might require before doing so.
First post please be gentle.
So about six months ago I picked up a late model Rover 45 (for $550) with the plastic housing with the clutch lever turned from the rear.
The issue is the clutch appears to be slipping under engine load - but there might be more to it than just that as explained by troubleshooting steps below.
1. Engine off. Engage clutch and turn clutch housing by hand - whole shaft spins fine, reel spins fine
2. Engine on. Clutch disengaged - clutch housing and engine shaft spin as expected with slight visible wobble, maybe 1-2mm left to right play when viewing from above(this is normal?)
3. Engine on. Engage clutch - whole shaft spins for fraction of a second before clutch seems to let go. Now what I noticed is that the clutch housing also stops spinning at this point. Thinking about it now, I neglected to check if the engine shaft stops too but will look at that tonight.I would have thought if it were just the clutch letting go the clutch housing would go back to spinning.
4. Mate at work suggested today that I should engage the clutch with the engine off and try walk it
5. Tried adjusting the bolt/nut that the clutch lever notch releases against but that didn't seem to make much difference
The engine starts fine, doesn't seem to be making any odd noises. I noticed that my plastic thrust pad is a little worn, but is still generally whole, as in it hasn't split yet. Nothing seems loose, but I might just double check everything again thinking about point 3 above. I've been meaning to adjust the chains and reel as they seemed a bit tight from day one, but never got round to it - has this contributed?
The big side gasket/seal on the shaft side of the engine might be leaking a tad, there was a bit of residue at the bottom on that side when I picked her up.
Given the above info:
1. Any experience/advice for troubleshooting further
2. What parts will I likely need for repair
3. What parts should I be servicing at the same time to ensure another few years of good life
4. What do you think I'm up for $$$$?
Thanks for any advice
Roverdude45
