Part
No.
520141
Form
No.
F061604A
Page 13 of 20
Spindle Drive Belt
Tools required: 3/8 inch socket, 1/2 inch socket.
1. Disconnect spark plug wire.
2. Follow steps to remove the Blade Drive Belt (on the spindle
pulley side only) from the previous section.
3. Loosen the two idler plate nuts (Item 143).
4. Slide the belt idler to release the belt tension.
5. Observe the belt routing, then remove the old belt and
install the new belt using the original routing.
6. Tension the belt using a long screwdriver or other pry bar
to push the idler pulley against the belt.
Note: Take care not to damage the idler pulley.
7. Tighten the two idler plate nuts just enough to avoid slippage
while checking the belt tension.
8. Check belt defl ection. Finger pressure should give 0.5”
to 0.75” (see fi gure 17-8).
9. Increase/decrease belt tension for proper defl ection.
10. Finish Tightening the two idler plate nuts.
11. Follow steps to reinstall Blade Drive Belt from the previous
section.
11. Replace cover.
12. Reconnect spark plug wire.
MAINTENANCE
continued
17
Transaxle Drive Belt Replacement
Tools required: 1/2 Wrench or ratchet and 1/2 inch socket,
adequate support for machine.
1. Remove the Blade Drive Belt (Steps 1-10: Blade Drive
Belt Replacement Procedure).
2. Assure that spark plug wire is disconnected.
3. Support rear of unit to allow access to underside of the
machine near the rear.
Note: Unit is heavy. Be sure support is adequate to prevent
personal injury.
4. Observe the belt fingers Item 63), position of idler
and belt routing.
5. Remove the belt fi nger retaining nuts and bolts (Items
126 and 143).
6. Move the belt finger and remove the belt from the
transaxle pulley (Item 48).
7. Remove the belt from the drive idler (Item 105).
8. Remove the belt from the engine drive pulley (Item
85).
9. Install new belt on the top (small) engine pulley, drive
idler and transaxle pulley using the original belt position
and routing.
10. Reposition and secure the belt fi nger using the original
bolts, washers and nuts.
NOTE: Before installing the fasteners inspect them for
wear and replace as necessary.
11. Reinstall the Blade Drive Belt (Steps 11-16: Blade Drive
Belt Replacement Procedure).
Note: With clutch levers engaged, be sure belt guides do
not touch belts after installation.
12. Replace the cover
13. Reconnect spark plug wire.
14. Start engine and check both belts for proper operation
of blade drive system and mower drive system.
WARNING: If the drive clutch begins to squeal or slip,
do not continue to operate your unit until adequate
adjustment or repair has been performed. Improper
adjustment can cause drive clutch to slip and overheat,
greatly reducing machine performance and transmission
life.
BELT REPLACEMENT
continued
17.5
Figure 17-8
Figure 17-7
13. Reinstall the left and right belt guide fi ngers under the
engine base using all fasteners in the exact order they were
removed.
NOTE: Before installing the fasteners inspect them for wear
and replace as necessary.
14. Torque the four engine bolts to 40 ft-lbs.
Note: With clutch levers engaged, be sure belt guides do not
touch belts after installation.
15. Observe the idler pulley when the blade drive lever is
lowered and released (see fi gure 17-7).
NOTE: Idler should tighten the belt when blade drive lever
is pressed and the belt should be slack when the lever is
released. With the lever depressed, the edge of the belt
guide should not rub on the belt.
16. Replace the cover
17. Reconnect spark plug wire.
18. Start engine and check for proper operation of blade
drive
system.
Blade Drive Belt Replacement
continued
