Belt Change/ Big Red Horse

[southernkilowatt]

Hi all, first time poster. I may be in the wrong forum, if so please direct me to the right place. I have a Troy Bilt Big Red Horse, 23 HP, 50" cut.
Model # 14AA80TP766
Serial# 1Bo17H30110
Date of MFG 02/07

The long belt, that goes from the motor shaft pulley to the idle pulley located at the rear end broke. I took what remained to Lowes and matched it up to a new belt, according to length and by the book they had in the store. That was the easy part. When I got home, I removed the deck and the seat and battery and battery box. From there I can see where the belt goes, but I see no way to get it around the motor pulley unless I unbolt the motor and raise it up 3 or 4 inches to get the belt past the steering components. Am I wrong? Is there an easier way to do this? I would hate to know that I have to tear this thing all to pieces just to replace a belt?

Please, if there is any advice you can give I would very much appreciate it!

Thanks

Dave (southernkilowatt)

 

[southernkilowatt]

Come on guys, at least take a stab at it! :biggrin:

 

[reddragon]

youll want the engagement pulley loose..with the brake depressed.....you should be able to get it on without much trouble.....just study this diagram and get back to us:smile:......... Parts and Diagrams for Troy-Bilt 14AA80TP766 Big Red Horse (2007)

 

[southernkilowatt]

Thanks for the reply, however there is a bit more to it than that. It took me almost two days (not all at one time) to get that $#@** Belt on. I had to remove the plate that the cruise and brake assembly connect to. Its the same plate that the gas pedal and brake pedal are attached to. Once that was done I had to remove the 4 bolts that hold the motor down, slide the motor back two inches and then I could get the belt on. Once I had the belt on I had to put it all back together.

VERY POOR design, I am not at all impressed. Now that I have done it once I think I could do it again in several hours.

On the bright side; I was able to thoroughly clean all the grass clippings and dirt/grease that had accumulated in all the little nooks and crannies over the years. Normally I do a complete service with new oil, filters and blades once a year so this will be something else to look at when I have it down for scheduled maintenance. I would much rather do it then than during the middle of the season.

Dave

 

[reddragon]

thats bizarre!...usually the worst case scenario is to remove the idler pulleys to get it on....i dont get the moving the engine thing:confused2:....sounds like your belt is too short

 

[southernkilowatt]

I wish it had been something that simple. I cut the old belt off and took it with me to Lowes and made sure I got the right one. I guess they figured the belt would never have to be changed lol NOT. Overall I have been very happy with the mower up to this point. But you can bet money the next one I buy I will inspect how the belts go on before I buy it.
I do have one other issue though, and this has been since day one. The motor is tight. Very tight. Most of the time when cranking I have to open the hood and manually turn the motor at the top to get it past the tight spot. Once that is done the starter will turn it over just fine and it will start with no problem. Happens hot or cold.
I normally put the same oil back in it everytime I change, but I am thinking about going with a different type of oil. Perhaps a synthetic or a type of slick 50.
Opinion?

Thanks

Dave

 

[reddragon]

loose valves do that...they wont open soon enough... building up too much compression....they need to be adjusted:thumbsup:.......do you have a manual for this thing?