Will this shaft fit this clutch?

[Cotmullion]

Will this clutch fit this shaft?

I've bought a clutch with a built-in woodruff in it for my mini chopper project and the engine has a woodruff key (removable) on the shaft, like the one in the picture. WILL THIS FIT?

 

[jr dragster T]

Once again clutchs DONT have wooddruff key's. They have straight key's.

 

[Russ2251]

Woodruff key:

Straight key:

Clutch with built in key is straight.
Pto pictured uses woodruff key as in pic 1.
They are not interchangeable.
Clutch (Comet?) cannot work on your engine.
This is what will work with your clutch:

 

[Cotmullion]

Is there some sort of adapter or sleeve that will go over the existing shaft and have a straight key ohn it? Yes, I know it would mean a new clutch, but I'd sell the old one if need be.

 

[Russ2251]

You could make one or have it made. Check out local machine shop. Be prepared to pay mucho dinero. Would be cheaper (and less frustrating) to get engine with correct shaft.

 

[Cotmullion]

Woodruff key:

Straight key:

Clutch with built in key is straight.
Pto pictured uses woodruff key as in pic 1.
They are not interchangeable.
Clutch (Comet?) cannot work on your engine.
This is what will work with your clutch:

What engines have these straight keys? Whats the engine(s)pictured?

 

[Russ2251]

You have to look.
Crankshafts pictured are from Briggs and Clinton. Just 2 example pics I had handy.
Anything that is tapered, stepped, oddball diameter, etc. I avoid like the plague.

 

[jr dragster T]

Russ the first picture looks like the blue pillow blocks on my kart!

 

[Russ2251]

Russ the first picture looks like the blue pillow blocks on my kart!

Which pic? Pic of key or pto?

 

[jr dragster T]

The picture of the shaft with the key in it with the blue to the right of the shaft. You said that was a Clinton, To me it looks like the colour of most pillow blocks.

 

[Russ2251]

Actually, that's an early (1953?) cast iron Briggs model 6S.
Only 1.5 hp and tons 'o' fun. Most internal parts are still made by B & S.
It ain't fast, but just try to stop it.

 

[jr dragster T]

"It ain't fast, but just try to stop it" Grabs bucket of sand and a funnel...Done kaputs..

 

[modelengineer]

Just thinking, why wouldn't the woodruff key fit in the straight key slot of the clutch? It has the same square profile, just different side profile. End on end both keys look identical. Other than the fact that the key will be very short, is there a good reason why it wouldn't work?

 

[Russ2251]

Just thinking, why wouldn't the woodruff key fit in the straight key slot of the clutch?

Because his clutch has built in key.

 

[Cotmullion]

Do Briggs 3hp's have a straight key?

 

[Russ2251]

Depends. Some do, some don't. Got a number?

 

[Cotmullion]

No, but probably one of the older ones. I'm away at the moment and don't know what my local old mower dealer has: The place is great for old engines for next to nothing. I am also thinking about a Tecumseh 3.5hp 4 stroke. Are these any good, and do THEY have a straight keyway?

 

[Russ2251]

I am also thinking about a Tecumseh 3.5hp 4 stroke. Are these any good, and do THEY have a straight keyway?

Tecumseh are fine. Power to weight ratio a couple of pecentage points higher than Briggs equivalent, but high performance parts are hard to come by.
Some have straight shafts, others do not. Depends on original application. You would have to physically check shaft to see if it's usable. Typically, shaft diameter would be ⅝ " or ¾" x 2¼" long.

 

[Cotmullion]

Sounds good. I logically wouldn't buy if the shaft has no keyway.

 

[Russ2251]

Correct, rare that they don't have one.