Help.... my Simplicity Tractor's oil filter became loose and oil leaked onto the mower deck and settled on the mower pullys and belts. My mower deck now has a loud screech and suspect that the belts are slipping but the noise does not seem to be going away. The oil was only on the belts for about 6 days between mowings.
Could this be the cause of the screech? Do I need to replace the belts? Can I dress the belts to get rid of the screech?
Went thru a dry area of the yard and dust came up and the screech stopped so I am hopeful of nothing seriously wrong with the deck as it is only 11 months old and only used for about 7 of those months.
If the belts are not cracked or frayed, try this before replacing. Take dish soap and wash the belts. Dry throughly and check closely to see if they feel tacky or sticky. If they do replace, if they don't give them a try. Nothing to lose. Make sure all pulleys are cleaned with a good degreaser and dry.
