Export thread

This dang Craftsman mower (42", model no. 917.272754) continues to be temperamental. The mower drive belt (part no. 144959) is slipping, apparently it has stretched out and is now too long. Seems like this happens all the time; I replace a belt, mow for a while, and after just a few days of work it is slipping again. Something is obviously wrong, but what can it be? There is a way to adjust tension with the idler pulley, but I already have it at maximum tension. Maybe I need to buy slightly smaller belts? Or is it maybe a belt quality issue?

Albionwood said:

... Maybe I need to buy slightly smaller belts? Or is it maybe a belt quality issue?

Click to expand...

First check that all the pulleys and idlers are not bent and leaning... are you sure you are using the proper width belt?
if everything looks true then definitely get the next shorter belt...
:smile:KennyV

The idler pulley is definitely leaning a bit - I posted about that a week or so ago. Can't figure out how to get it in-plane (level) with the other pulleys, though.

I remember that now...
If there is no way to get it back where it should be & if it is holding the belt ok then get a shorter belt and see if it leans worse... if it works good if not you will have to find a way to address the original problem.. :smile:KennyV

A shorter belt is called cobble job. This is how troubles start, something is wrong with the pulleys somewhere. Where does it say in your sear manual to use a shorter belt. If you can't fix it take it somewhere that can.

RTSB said:

A shorter belt is called cobble job. This is how troubles start, something is wrong with the pulleys somewhere. Where does it say in your sear manual to use a shorter belt. If you can't fix it take it somewhere that can.

Click to expand...

Did someone say that it said to do this in any manual??
I believe I suggested... "If there is no way to get it back where it should be & if it is holding the belt ok then get a shorter belt and see if it leans worse... if it works good, if not you will have to find a way to address the original problem.."

IF he wants to try a shorter belt, and IF it works, no problem... IF it doesn't it will have to be repaired 'properly'.... :smile:KennyV

Kenny is right -

I don't believe we ever saw pictures of that pully from other angles -- we might be able to help more with pictures of the deck and pully from other angles.

KennyV said:

I remember that now...
If there is no way to get it back where it should be & if it is holding the belt ok then get a shorter belt and see if it leans worse... if it works good if not you will have to find a way to address the original problem.. :smile:KennyV

Click to expand...

I have the same problem...my drive belt slips off after 30-60 seconds of moving, and I can pull down the clutch idler pulley until it's at about a 25 degree angle. It's just loose as heck.

I checked to make sure the spring is there, and the spring seems to be in place.

Anybody have an idea what could cause this pulley to be so loose? I don't really want to go thru a "trial and error" deal where I replace the spring and the belt just to see if that fixes the problem...

Pktivey said:

I have the same problem...my drive belt slips off after 30-60 seconds of moving, and I can pull down the clutch idler pulley until it's at about a 25 degree angle. It's just loose as heck.

I checked to make sure the spring is there, and the spring seems to be in place.

Anybody have an idea what could cause this pulley to be so loose? I don't really want to go thru a "trial and error" deal where I replace the spring and the belt just to see if that fixes the problem...

Click to expand...

BTW, I have basically the same mower as above...42" Craftsman model 917.270610. Have a couple pictures if that will help...not sure how to post them though. Let me know if it will help and ill figure it out.

Sure post some pictures.. Like BKBrown said, try to get a few different angles so we can see whats up.

If the idler pulley is at an angle it 'could' cause a problem...
check the bushings on any pivot point, something is either worn out Or bent.... KennyV

Pktivey said:

BTW, I have basically the same mower as above...42" Craftsman model 917.270610. Have a couple pictures if that will help...not sure how to post them though. Let me know if it will help and ill figure it out.

Click to expand...

I have the same one. I'm assuming my problem is similar. When I engage the pto the blades spin fine. Normal speed. But when they encounter any resistance (grass longer than 2 inches) they slow or stop. Loose/worn belt? Can I just adjust a tensioner pulley like a truck? My field is getting out of control!