Troy-Bilt 12180 owner manual Forward Clutch Bail Adjustment, Replacement Belt Information

Section 5: Maintenance

WARNING Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the unit, shut off engine, wait for all parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.

e. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 to re-measure the length of the spring coils. When the second measurement (with bail closed against handlebar) is between 1/16" -to- 3/16" longer than the first measurement, retighten the hex nut (C) against the top of the adjuster (B).

Replacement Belt Information

If the drive belt needs to be replaced, see your local authorized dealer or refer to your Parts Catalog for ordering informa- tion. Use only a factory-authorized belt as an “over the counter” belt may not perform satisfactorily. The procedure requires average mechanical ability and commonly available tools.

FORWARD CLUTCH

BAIL ADJUSTMENT

If the Forward Clutch Bail does not function properly, first check that the forward drive belt is adjusted properly (see “Checking and Adjusting Forward Drive Belt Tension”). If this fails to correct the problem, contact the factory technical service department or your authorized dealer for service advice.

CHECKING AND ADJUSTING REVERSE DRIVE BELT TENSION

Maintaining correct tension on the reverse drive belt is important to good performance and long belt life. A loose belt will slip on the engine and transmis- sion pulleys and cause the tines and wheels to slow down – or stop com- pletely – even though the engine is running at full speed. A loose belt can also result in premature belt wear.

If there is no reverse action when the Reverse Clutch Control knob is pulled out, then the belt tension is too loose.

When checking belt tension, also check the belt for cracks, cuts or frayed edges and replace it as soon as possible.

•Check belt tension after the first two hours of break-in operation (new belt).

•Check belt tension after every 10 operating hours.

To Check Reverse Belt Tension:

1.Be sure that the engine is stopped and the spark plug wire is disconnected and moved away from the spark plug.

2.Remove the screw in the plastic belt cover and slide the cover (which is attached to the forward clutch cable) out of the way.

3.Have an assistant pull the Reverse Clutch Control knob all the way out and hold it in that position. Measure the length of the cable wire between the end of the threaded cable adjuster (A, Figure 5-5) and the end of the Z-fitting (B) to which the cable wire is attached.

4.The belt tension is ideal if the cable wire length measures between 1/8" to 1/4". If the length is less than 1/8" (and if there is no reverse action when the tiller is running), then make the following adjust- ments. NOTE: If the length is more than 1/4", no adjustment is needed, as long as the reverse action functions properly.

5.Release the Reverse Clutch Control knob. Unthread the inner jam nut (C, Figure 5-6) one to two turns and pull the threaded cable adjuster (A, Figure 5-6) to the left until the inner jam nut rests against the bracket.

6.Prevent the inner jam nut (C) from turning and tighten the outer jam nut (D) against the bracket. Prevent the outer jam nut (D) from turning and tighten the inner jam nut (C) against the bracket.

7.Measure the gap by repeating Step 3. Readjust as needed by repeating Steps 5 and 6.

8.Reinstall the belt cover.

A B

Figure 5-5: Measure cable wire length to check for correct reverse belt tension.

D C A

Figure 5-6: Move threaded adjuster (A) to left to increase belt tension.

Replacement Belt Information

If the drive belt needs to be replaced, see your local authorized dealer or refer to your Parts Catalog for ordering informa- tion. Use only a factory-authorized belt as an “over the counter” belt may not perform satisfactorily. The procedure requires average mechanical ability and commonly available tools.

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