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I got the Yard Machine running but still need to get all the electrical sorted out. The deck spindles spin but not smoothly and the belt was bad so I need a new belt to get them going. Issue I have is when I look up 1183a ac I am not sure I am finding the right info, any help would be appreciated.

micuss said:

I got the Yard Machine running but still need to get all the electrical sorted out. The deck spindles spin but not smoothly and the belt was bad so I need a new belt to get them going. Issue I have is when I look up 1183a ac I am not sure I am finding the right info, any help would be appreciated.

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Is there a tag under the seat?

This is it.

Wash the plate there are more number on it or there will be another one.
The number you are looking for will start with 13 or 14.
If there is a tag under the bonnet with belt & blade numbers you can use those to see what they fit and that should bring your model number up.

These are the only things on the whole unit

https://www.jackssmallengines.com/jacks-parts-lookup/manufacturer/mtd/mtd-legacy-1985-2005/mtd/13-lawn-tractors
Above is the list of 1995 MTD tractors and if the engine is original then you have a 1995 or 1996 model.
Now measure your deck with of cut,
The last letter in the model numbers listed on the site above is the deck size & type.
They code out as follows

Deck Identification
Cutting Deck Size
A 30 in. Rear Discharge Hard Top Catcher
C 30 in. Rear Discharge Soft Top Catcher
D 32 in. Side Discharge
E 36 in. Side Discharge
F 38 in. Side Discharge
G 42 in. Side Discharge
H 46 in. Side Discharge
N 40 in. Rear Discharge
P 50 in. Side Discharge

This will cut down the number of models for you to check till you find the one that looks like yours.

Alternatively you can take the blades off and check the part number on the blade.
Drop that into the Jacks web site and it will bring up a list of models those blade were fitted to.

A couple of photos of the complete machine might allow some members to recognise the mower.

Here is her first ride out in over half a decade

micuss said:

Here is her first ride out in over half a decade

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Bad news is back into the workshop and do another job on the carb, it is hunting something fierce.

Yeah the Choke and throttle is messed up on the carb and as it is new it needs adjusted for sure, I have new cables coming this week for it and will be trying to smooth her out when I install them.

IF you mower looks like this ..... View attachment 40248
then this should be your parts Manual .. OR close enough ........

https://www.partstree.com/parts/mtd...d-battery-fender-dash-panel-fuel-tank-grille/

And this should be your Briggs Eng. Parts Manual

https://www.ereplacementparts.com/b...-engine-parts-c-16758_17347_17421_216154.html

Looks like it, thanks

So I ordered the belt MTD 954-0364 which is what it calls for all of the 36" units of this style and it seems like it is about 2 inches to short. I was able to install it but it is tight even with the belts in the off position and it spins the blades when trying to start the mower. is there an adjustment to loosen it up the deck some or should I go up in size on the belt. Thanks again for your help as I learn.

micuss said:

So I ordered the belt MTD 954-0364 which is what it calls for all of the 36" units of this style and it seems like it is about 2 inches to short. I was able to install it but it is tight even with the belts in the off position and it spins the blades when trying to start the mower. is there an adjustment to loosen it up the deck some or should I go up in size on the belt. Thanks again for your help as I learn.

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If you're sure it is the correct belt...
you need to make sure it is routed correctly. If you have it the wrong way on a pulley...that would explain your problem.

it is easy to do.

I think it is just the stiffness and corrosion on this unit from sitting for years as I went back out there after posting this and relaxing some and worked the action some more and ran it some and now the blades will stop but the belt still catches a little on the pulley and if it does not stop I will clean the pulley with some sandpaper to see if that helps. I appreciate y'alls patience with me as I learn to work on these things.

MTD use brake pads under the floor that press on the top of the pulleys to prevent them from turning encouraging the belt to slip as designed to do when the blades are disengaged.

If your model moves the deck back to mow & forward to disengage then there is an adjustment on the engagement lever under the dash.
That type of deck is also sensitive to ovaled holes in linkages as the "engagement lever " is really a dissengagement lever so a flogged out hole might not push the deck far enough forward to create enough slack in the belt.

And new belts tend to be a bit stiff for the first few mows.