Drive clutch

[tattooman]

I have started to tear down my new to me 1980 maxll. I noticed that there are five washers behind the drive clutch. The new 16hp Briggs has an internal muffler so whomever installed the motor has to move the clutch away from the motor to line up with the driven clutch. My question is, is that the right way to line the clutches up or should I removed the washers and then try to line things up from there?

[hydromike]

Since the 16hp Briggs is a transplant in that machine, the engine mount is likely custom-made and the mounting holes for the engine block were just a little off. If they're just round holes (not slotted) and there's no room for side-to-side adjustment, the easiest way to get the clutch lined up is to add a bushing on the crankshaft between the engine case and the clutch (the washers in your case). As long as there's still enough engagement of the crankshaft into the clutch and the washers are a good fit on the crankshaft, I don't think there's a problem with it. Five washers almost sounds like a lot though. Washers with a 1" or larger ID tend to be thick. How much is it spaced out in total? Another way to gain the appropriate adjustment is to take the engine out and slot the engine plate mounting holes.

I've made thin bushings (or used a washer) in the past to get things lined up, but try to keep it at a minimum. It's in the "mid 3s" on the Townie scale if I'm interpreting the guidelines correctly.

[tattooman]

The five washers total 1/2". I like the idea with a bushing. I will try that after I pull the motor. I am going to do a full frame out. The last owner drilled two holes in the bottom of the tub and into the front of the frame to attach a make shift brush guard. And there is a lot of crap in the tub. Make a nice summer project with my two children! Thank you for your response! PS. The whole townie thing is going to change!

[hydromike]

The whole townie thing is going to change!

Eh, the "Townie" moniker isn't always a really negative thing. To some extent it's a term of endearment; a right of passage. I often spend a long time thinking a project through, try to do a perfect execution and do halfway good fabrication work only to find out that I don't know how to use a tape measure. At that point, I'm absolutely going to throw a washer in there as a bushing.

[tattooman]

I know that I am not very good at turning the wrench, I do love to try. I find that the people on this site always get me through! I have a notebook full of information! I do not want to do a cob job as my daughter has claimed this machine! Very important for me to do a good job. I'm Going to take my time on this machine and make it right. This is going to be fun!