C26166 PTO Clutch forks

[ras101]

So there seems to be multiple lengths and styles of the C26166 clutch forks? o far I have found at least 3! Some don't have bushes, all the others do but vary in length, angle etc. Trying to pull together and photo my examples but have at least 3 and looking on ebay there seems to be more. They all say part #C26116 part # too yet the parts range though Onan, Kolhler, etc. Anyone want to expand on the differences? As I said I will try to post some pics of my stash but I expect there are more?

[DavidBarkey]

So there seems to be multiple lengths and styles of the C26166 clutch forks? o far I have found at least 3! Some don't have bushes, all the others do but vary in length, angle etc. Trying to pull together and photo my examples but have at least 3 and looking on ebay there seems to be more. They all say part #C26116 part # too yet the parts range though Onan, Kolhler, etc. Anyone want to expand on the differences? As I said I will try to post some pics of my stash but I expect there are more?

I have a few of them not counting whats on tractors . Every one is a different . The only thing I can come up with is the is a length difference between 200 and 400 series and design evolved over time . Sorry , I can't be more help than that .

[ras101]

Thanks Dave. I guess we are in the same boat. I guess over time parts evole but I at least expected a part number change to identify the change. What worries me more than this what "other" parts have also evolved and retained the same part number too?

[Eugen]

If the part number didn't change I'd expect it to be a direct replacement.

[myerslawnandgarden]

There are only two lengths (5.5" & 6.5") but several design improvements through the years so there are more than 2 part numbers. Regarding EBay listings, I think people are not exactly accurate when they use C26166 in the description however they should interchange if the same length.

All Kohler engine clutches use the 6.5" fork whether 200 or 400 series, C26702 is the current part number. Early Onan powered tractors used the 5.5" fork (current part number C27031), later models use the C26702.

Regarding the many part numbers, earliest forks had no nylon bushing for the rod. They then went to the style with two flange bushings retained by a spring, nylon washer and cotter pin. The latest version has one nylon bushing and is retained by a cotter pin in the center. Other design changes have been made to strengthen the fork, angles and dimensions have never changed.

Part design has not changed without a new part number being assigned. Again, I think what you are noticing is people misidentifying the part that they are posting for sale although usually they will interchange anyway.

Bob

[Harry]

Bob, it’s great to have someone as knowledgeable as you to help members on the site. Harry

[DavidBarkey]

Thanks Bob . That makes things a little clearer .

[ras101]

There are only two lengths (5.5" & 6.5") but several design improvements through the years so there are more than 2 part numbers. Regarding EBay listings, I think people are not exactly accurate when they use C26166 in the description however they should interchange if the same length.

All Kohler engine clutches use the 6.5" fork whether 200 or 400 series, C26702 is the current part number. Early Onan powered tractors used the 5.5" fork (current part number C27031), later models use the C26702.

Regarding the many part numbers, earliest forks had no nylon bushing for the rod. They then went to the style with two flange bushings retained by a spring, nylon washer and cotter pin. The latest version has one nylon bushing and is retained by a cotter pin in the center. Other design changes have been made to strengthen the fork, angles and dimensions have never changed.

Part design has not changed without a new part number being assigned. Again, I think what you are noticing is people misidentifying the part that they are posting for sale although usually they will interchange anyway.

Bob

Thank you Bob.. I think your answer here answered a lot of my questions about the PTO forks. I know in my stash I hav "long forks" with no bushings too. Others that have bushing that seem very short, etc. As someone that is trying to maintain my GT and clutch it is very hard to differentiate when looking online (ebay and Craigslist) to find the part I need. I am an avid collector of manuals too and having issues . Is there any way that you know that would help use circumvent that so we get the right part first time?

[ras101]

There are only two lengths (5.5" & 6.5") but several design improvements through the years so there are more than 2 part numbers. Regarding EBay listings, I think people are not exactly accurate when they use C26166 in the description however they should interchange if the same length.

All Kohler engine clutches use the 6.5" fork whether 200 or 400 series, C26702 is the current part number. Early Onan powered tractors used the 5.5" fork (current part number C27031), later models use the C26702.

Regarding the many part numbers, earliest forks had no nylon bushing for the rod. They then went to the style with two flange bushings retained by a spring, nylon washer and cotter pin. The latest version has one nylon bushing and is retained by a cotter pin in the center. Other design changes have been made to strengthen the fork, angles and dimensions have never changed.

Part design has not changed without a new part number being assigned. Again, I think what you are noticing is people misidentifying the part that they are posting for sale although usually they will interchange anyway.

Bob

Bob.Thank you! this info was the most meaningful I have read in a long, long time and above all else my 75 year old brain can actually get it

Ray