ariens self propelled mower problem

[mtnpapa]

My self propelled mower won't self propell. I've replaced the clutch. When I try to engage the drive the clutch plate stops turning.

 

[chance123]

My self propelled mower won't self propell. I've replaced the clutch. When I try to engage the drive the clutch plate stops turning.

Rider? Walk behind? Tow behind?

 

[mtnpapa]

Thanks for your reply. It is a walk behind. When I engage the clutch, the clutch plate and belt come to a complete stop and the mower doesn't move. I can still use the mower as a push mower but it would be nice to have the self propelled feature working.

 

[mtnpapa]

Could it be the belt? If I raise the rear wheels they turn. When I put the mower down it pulls a little then quits pulling and I have to push it. It's like the belt is slipping. There doesn't seem to be a way to tighten the belt. Could it be the idler pulley isn't pressing on the belt hard enough? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[chance123]

It now sounds like both your belts and maybe pulley. Does the belt sit "deep" in the V groove? if so, this is normal wear. If a new belt sits on top of the groove, the pulley is OK, but if the new belt sits deep in the groove, it too must be replaced. Either way, just a new belt will help greatly.

 

[mtnpapa]

Thanks for your reply. The pulley wasn't turning when the drive was engaged so I removed it and put it back on, but didn't tighten it so much that it wouldn't turn. It seemed like a strange set up... the bolt was fully threaded and the bushing was between the pulley and the bracket. The bushing wouldn't go into the center of the pulley??? I would have thought the bolt would be a shoulder bolt going through the bushing inside the pulley. Does anyone know where I can find a parts diagram for my Ariens self propelled mower?

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

Thanks for your reply. The pulley wasn't turning when the drive was engaged so I removed it and put it back on, but didn't tighten it so much that it wouldn't turn. It seemed like a strange set up... the bolt was fully threaded and the bushing was between the pulley and the bracket. The bushing wouldn't go into the center of the pulley??? I would have thought the bolt would be a shoulder bolt going through the bushing inside the pulley. Does anyone know where I can find a parts diagram for my Ariens self propelled mower?

I think you can find one here: Ariens Lawn Mower Parts

 

[mtnpapa]

Thanks Mower Addict! I looked at the diagram and it looks like the bushing doesn't go inside the pulley? I'll keep fooling with it and maybe I'll be able to figure out what's wrong, if I do fix it I'll post the solution.

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

Thanks Mower Addict! I looked at the diagram and it looks like the bushing doesn't go inside the pulley? I'll keep fooling with it and maybe I'll be able to figure out what's wrong, if I do fix it I'll post the solution.

I'm really not sure....I'm not the technical one on this forum!! :wink: