All I did was replace the drive belt!

[Zano]

Good Morning.

I have a Scott's mower with a 42" deck. The transmission is non-hydrostatic, which may be important here. Last week the drive belt finally snapped. I replaced it, which required removing the mower deck and some crafty threading. Now the clutch is incredibly loose. It gives no resistance until it is pushed 2/3 of the way. When I try to start the engine, I hear a brief rapid clicking sound (like the bendix is not engaging) and then nothing.

I thought about trying to tighten the clutch, but (A) I do not know the best way to do that, and (B) Since I didn't do anything with the clutch, I feel like there might be some other cause.

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

-Zano

 

[Rivets]

Sounds like you have two separate problems. First I don't think you have either the correct belt or it is not routed correctly. Second, I would check the charge on your battery. Please post your units model numbers and I will try to find a manual, with the routing diagram. Won't be around until this evening to get back to you.

 

[Zano]

Sounds like you have two separate problems. First I don't think you have either the correct belt or it is not routed correctly. Second, I would check the charge on your battery. Please post your units model numbers and I will try to find a manual, with the routing diagram. Won't be around until this evening to get back to you.

Thanks for the reply. The model number is 42502x8. I checked the battery. The charge reads 12.04 V. I also thought the belt might not be the right one...I took the old one to Napa, and the used the number on it to get the new one. It also seems to do what it should (It's loose when the clutch is in and taught when the clutch is out).

The routing may be an issue. I could not find a diagram anywhere online. However, there are only three wheels: the metal one off of the engine, the bigger metal one off the transmission, and a plastic one on the tensioner. I did have to choose which side of the steering column to thread the belt.

Zano

 

[Rivets]

This website should help you identify the belt number and proper routing for your unit.

Murray lt Parts Diagram Index for 42502X8

 

[Zano]

This website should help you identify the belt number and proper routing for your unit.

Murray lt Parts Diagram Index for 42502X8

Thanks so much for your help with this. The routing turned out to be correct, but there were some electrical issues at work. It's working great now.

Zano