Butler Drive Shaft and Clutch

**William Weaver** · 01-27-2009, 03:22 PM

Have you had to replace yours? If so, how many hours?

If not, how many hours are on your unit.

The clutch seized at 2004 hrs and took the shaft with it.

Butler says that when the clutch seizes it over heats and ruins the bearing right behind it.

The shaft still spins but makes that death rattle grinding noise.

Is there a less expensive alternative than buying from Butler?

Thanks

William

**Scott W** · 01-27-2009, 06:47 PM

If Dale Collins does not respond, track him down and ask him directly. I think he has worked on many Butler units.

Ara will probably be along in a while to help. He checks the forum more frequently than Dale.

Scott Warrington

**Ara Klujian** · 01-27-2009, 06:49 PM

William, it looks like you've been in this business for 30 years. I'm sure you will think of something buddy. The way gas prices are, you may want to consider a slide-in.

**dak** · 01-27-2009, 06:58 PM

never had the clutch seize on my units but i have had to replace the bearings on the shaft. happened 2x on unit with 9600 hours and has not happened on unit with 1400 hours. good luck

**Mattorbabs** · 01-27-2009, 07:06 PM

Eight Butlers, only one had a clutch failure. R&R affected components and be right back in business.

I really would not go anywhere else for parts.

Matt

PS
Our oldest, in a 1994 GMC 1 ton had over 12,000 hours when we traded it out.

**ahs** · 04-03-2011, 01:57 PM

Old Butler 1986 replaced bearings twice replaced clutch once. Shaft keyway was toast/oversized first repair.
Local machine shop made new shaft and replaced bearings. Truck supply (Truck Pro?) provided replacement
clutch, for York compressor double groove. Clutch used on AC's and air compressors for 18 wheelers. Cheap.
Hour meter broken 400,000+ miles two engines four transmissions.
Transmission cooler do it yesterday if not sooner.
Anyone got a dead Butler? I need one. Rust is winning.