I replaced the drive belt and the idler pulleys. I repaired PTO clutch wiring as well.
Transmission fan was hitting spring because belt was loose and allowed idler pulley "arm" to rotate and move spring. After new belt/idlers, the spring moved back and fan did not hit spring.
Replacing drive belt was easy. I only had to move back the height adjustment knob gear. Did not need to remove pto clutch or steering rods.
Hardest part for me was getting one of the idler pulley carriage bolts to get past bracket and go all the way through pulley. I used a center punch and tapped it past bracket.
I tried to reverse transmission fan and pulley. Would not work. But I did put a thick washer under nut and tightened it (with backup on spacer). Fan has no play now.
I adjusted foward and reverse pedal bolts. Mower is faster now.
See pics below
Matching work seat LOL!
Loose belt caused fan to hit spring.
New belt keeps spring away from fan.
The V idler pulley damage.
The shreded drive belt and two piece height adjustment knob.