Need Hydro help

[Traacer]

Hello,
I recently purchased a used 17 HP Craftsman LT 1000 with hydrostatic transmission. When mowing I noticed the mower occasionally slips out of gear for about a second and then reengages. It only does this on a downgrade (downhill) and even very slight downgrades will cause it. The rest of the time the mower runs strong on a flat surface and uphill. The transmission isn't making any grinding noises or unusual sounds. I checked the drive belt and it looked ok but I sprayed it with belt dressing anyway with no improvement. I was wondering if anyone had this issue before or knew of a fix? Any help would be appreciated as this is my first hydro. Model #917 271661
Thanks!

 

[Rivets]

I would start by replacing the drive belt and also make sure the the idler pulley and arm are operating smooth and freely.

 

[Traacer]

I would start by replacing the drive belt and also make sure the the idler pulley and arm are operating smooth and freely.

Thanks, I'll try replacing the belt. If anyone else has any suggestions about possible solutions, I'm really at a loss here. Almost all the hydro problems I've read about start on the uphill. I can't find anyone else with my downhill issue posted anywhere.

 

[Traacer]

Incase anyone else has this issue, I followed the purge procedure for the tranny in the owners manual and it solved the problem.

 

[andy1949]

Incase anyone else has this issue, I followed the purge procedure for the tranny in the owners manual and it solved the problem.

Belt Dressing - I worked for 40 years in industrial plant maintenance and I can tell you without a doubt
belt dressing does more harm than good. If there is slippage it is a worn out belt or pullies, or improper
belt tension. Belt dressing just makes dirt and dust stick to everything making a big mess.

 

[Brucebotti]

Incase anyone else has this issue, I followed the purge procedure for the tranny in the owners manual and it solved the problem.

Thanks for the feedback on the problem solved!
Bruce

 

[wjjones]

Thanks for the feedback on the problem solved!
Bruce

Thankyou for the feedback it will help someone else in the future.