new member, old problem...again

[junkfixr]

Thanks for responding to original post. Here's the # under the seat 917276390.

The sticker under the hood for deck belt is 144959. This belt is too short and won't allow the blades to disengage. I think the proper belt is a 197253 (1/2 x 100 1/4.) I saw where this was used on the 2006 model.

If anyone has seen this or can offer any help it would be deeply appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Kevin

 

[ILENGINE]

I have seen problems like you describe in my repair shop. Most are due to things getting bent out of shape even very slightly. Check all deck hangers and support brackets and make sure everything is straight. I have even had to shim engines because the frame around the motor mounts destressed. An eight of an inch change is a motor motor mount can move the deck engagement pulley close to an inch front to back.

 

[junkfixr]

Deck hangers are good, idler pulleys look original and still have the original guards on them...
I got the mower used and it appears the previous owner bent the original set of blades, parked the mower and abandoned it. A buddy of mine was helping him move and was given the mower as scrap metal. It wasn't ever used enough to wear the paint off the deck, and the white wheels have never been grass stained.

The blades were engaged, cable frozen in position, carb full of rust and crud, only ran with the choke on, so ... I rebuilt the carb, ordered a cable & set of blades, changed the oil & filter and mowed the lawn. It ate the deck belt as i didn't realize the tensioner was still frozen in position and couldn't flex with the belt.

I got a replacement belt from the local auto parts store (Oregon belt) and this was the first time i pulled the deck out from under the mower. When i routed the belt I realized there was no way it was gonna work 'cause it's just TOO short. Sears Parts Direct list this belt as being a replacement, but I've since found that the 197253 is about 5" longer, and that's just about what it needs... I think... I forgot to mention.. the deck has 2 idler pulleys.

Guess it's gonna be trial & error until I find one that will work. Do you think I should try the Craftsman Forum ? My serial # is 0920050005532. Is this a 2006 model ? If so the 197253 is listed for 2006 42" decks, despite what the sticker under the hood specifies. Any suggestions or thoughts ? ? ?

 

[junkfixr]

I forgot to mention... the deck has 2 idler pulleys. One is stationary, the other engages the blades/moves the friction brakes away from the mandrel pulleys. I think this is the reason it would require a longer belt ?

 

[twall]

I'm just curious, if you posted this problem before (and I would assume in the same "just make an intro" forum) - why are you again posting this in 'new members'?

I almost wonder if because the registration process drops you here, that you may not realize there is an entire FORUM out there. Brand specific and all. If your brand isn't mentioned, there is even a 'General' section, where any and all questions about brands and lawn/garden machines can be answered.

Did Briana move your thread, and you not realize there is an entire forum here? You CAN post elsewhere, my friend. There is no postcount limitation for newbies posting ANYWHERE in the regular forum.

 

[junkfixr]

Yup... got dumped here when I registered. Will try the Craftsman Forum & see if I can find a guru.

Thanx friend,

Kevin

 

[twall]

Yup... got dumped here when I registered. Will try the Craftsman Forum & see if I can find a guru.

Thanx friend,

Kevin

Not a problem, and I'm sure you'll get your question answered a lot quicker up there (in the board).

:smile:

 

[Briana]

Hey there - WELCOME to LMF!

I have moved this thread to the Small Engine & Mower Repair Forum. :smile:

 

[reddragon]

i assume you your deck engagement pulley is loose enough and moves its full travel?.......... heres a diagram.... http://www.searspartsdirect.com/par...sessionid=Ss4Tb87fH9n-ePu6AYdfwA**.pdapp402p1 ...but notice that there's one idler and one engagement pulley

 

[junkfixr]

Ya got it... one idler, and one engagement pulley. I reassembled everything with proper belt, engaged it, and then snugged the nut on the idler bracket. What's the proper method ? Can the idler be moved to take up slack as the belt wears ? Is that how the system works ?