Craftsman Self Propelled Question

[hokies416]

We bought a 7.25 rear wheel drive Craftsman push mower last summer.

The 'self-propulsion' seemed to go out this week in an acute, instant way.

I tried adjusting the hex mechanism near the top handle, where it joins the cord that flows down to the mower, but no luck. It seems to just turn and turn as I adjust it...never tightening etc.

I see several 'youtubes' RE examining the drive belt that look easy, but I can't locate a video that steps one thru examining the belt on a rear wheel drive.

Anything I'm missing that a novice can do in hopes of fixing the issue(s)? Before I take it somewhere I thought I'd reach out for any synergy amongst the Craftsman gurus.

In advance...HUGE thanks for any tips, tricks, advice, insight, etc. I'm wishing I had bought the front wheel drive...seems like maybe the belt is more easily maintained.

All the best from 'Hokieville'!

 

[ILENGINE]

Rear wheel drive mowers can be fun to get to the drive belt. On some models, you have to remove a large part of the deck just to see the drive belt. But it sounds like the belt may be the issue in your case, or at least a place to start.