[strudelpoodle]

Whilst using my Honda F400 rotavator this morning it ran perfectly for about 1 1/2hrs then the tines stopped turning when under load.  When I lifted them off the ground and put the machine back into 1st gear they turned again but stopped as soon as I lowered them onto the ground.  I tried this 2 or 3 times before finally accepting that there's something wrong.

I stopped rotavating and replaced the drive wheels then drove the Honda back to my car in 1st gear and it drove along as per normal.

What could I have done to the machine?  Could I have burned the clutch out?  Could the clutch just be overheated (in which case would it return to full functionality upon cooling?)?

I need to finish the job so any suggestions as to what I've done and how to fix it would be most welcome.

[strudelpoodle]

I think I've figured it out so please ignore my post above......the 'clutch' is actually a glorified rubber band (aka drive belt)!  As this drive belt is in excess of 30 years old I don't think its unreasonable that it requires replacing.  Hopefully this'll fix the problem. 

[Kleftiwallah]

I don't think you will have any problem locating a stockist of belt drives, but if you do look in any vintage motorcycle orientated magazine and you will find some.     Cheers,     Tony.

[Bigbadfrankie]

The belt is easy to get. I will have a look on mine as i burn it out every year

[strudelpoodle]

Hoping to pick a belt up tomorrow.  Apparently it is supposed to be 30" long, I measured mine at 30 5/8".  Is 5/8" stretch a lot for a drive belt?

[smud6ie]

Hoping to pick a belt up tomorrow.  Apparently it is supposed to be 30" long, I measured mine at 30 5/8".  Is 5/8" stretch a lot for a drive belt?

It can be a real headache matching belt numbers to the length of the belt as some makers  use the pitch diameter which is difficult to ascertain by measuring the belt.
If the 30 inch belt you have is taken at the PD then the OD of the belt may well be the extra 5/8" or even more.
smud6ie

[strudelpoodle]

I measured the belt myself along the outside edge, I was told that for my model the belt should be 30".  Unfortunately a genuine Honda belt is £45 whereas a pattern part is only £15.....no contest!

[Growster...]

How about using an old nylon stocking?

Well, it used to work on old Morris 8s as a replacement fan belt!

;0)

[strudelpoodle]

Sorry to disappoint but I don't wear stockings! 

[Growster...]

Sorry to disappoint but I don't wear stockings! 

...Blast...;0)

[Gwiz]

Sorry to disappoint but I don't wear stockings! 

...Blast...;0)

That's dampened your adore