Idler Pulley Alignment and Belt Tension

P

Poodlehead

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• Apr 23, 2024 / Idler Pulley Alignment and Belt Tension

• #1

Hi,

I just installed a new idler pulley and replaced the spindles recently. After installing the cutting belt and rotating the pulley, I noticed the belt rides high on idler pulley. Is this ok or should I try to shim the pulley up higher?

Also, how tight should the cutting belt tension be? When it's in the right hole as shown, the tension is slightly looser than it typically is on an automobile. In the left hole, it is mighty tight. Tighter than I like.

M/N: 13AQ617H118
S/N: 1A233H20280

It took some effort to upload the pics, hopefully they are good.

Thanks in advance!

 

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7394

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• Apr 23, 2024 / Idler Pulley Alignment and Belt Tension

• #2

What height was deck set at for this pic ?

 

I

ILENGINE

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• Apr 24, 2024 / Idler Pulley Alignment and Belt Tension

• #3

Might need shimmed up slightly, and looks like the idler arm original hole was the left hole.

 

B

Bertrrr

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• Apr 24, 2024 / Idler Pulley Alignment and Belt Tension

• #4

Idler pullys are wide to allow for some mis alignment , as long as the spring tension lets the pully float it should be good in my opinion.

 

P

Poodlehead

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• Apr 24, 2024 / Idler Pulley Alignment and Belt Tension

• #5

7394 said:

What height was deck set at for this pic ?

Click to expand...

The deck is completely off the mower.

 

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Poodlehead

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• Apr 24, 2024 / Idler Pulley Alignment and Belt Tension

• #6

ILENGINE said:

Might need shimmed up slightly, and looks like the idler arm original hole was the left hole.

Click to expand...

I think I will shim the pulley up 2-3 washers, just for good measure...

The left hole is the original hole for the idler pulley bracket, but the tension is VERY tight in that hole.

Previous history - my belts weren't lasting very long, but I didn't have the belt guards on so I'm guessing that contributed to their short life. That's why I'm taking a real close look at the tension and belt alignment. Thanks!

 

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Poodlehead

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• Apr 24, 2024 / Idler Pulley Alignment and Belt Tension

• #7

Bertrrr said:

Idler pullys are wide to allow for some mis alignment , as long as the spring tension lets the pully float it should be good in my opinion.

Click to expand...

I will shim the pulley with a couple washers for good measure, leave the pulley in the right hole, and see what happens. In the left hole the pulley can't really float with the tension sooo tight... Thank you!