C B M, E F D, A. Removing the Forward Drive Belt

Section 5: Maintenance

WARNING Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the unit, shut off engine, wait for all parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key on elec- tric start models. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.

FORWARD DRIVE BELT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

The forward drive belt (I, Figure 5-11) is driven by the engine drive pulley (P). When the Forward Clutch is engaged, it puts tension on the forward idler pulley

(R)which tightens the belt between the engine drive pulley and the transmission drive pulley (large pulley located below the engine drive pulley). The transmis- sion drive pulley then turns the main drive shaft inside the transmission.

A. Removing the Forward Drive Belt

1.Stop the engine, allow it to cool and disconnect the spark plug wire before working near the belts. Also remove the ignition key on electric start models.

2.First remove the reverse drive belt (J, Figure 5-11) by following the “Removing the Reverse Drive Belt” instructions in this Section.

3.Using needle-nose pliers, carefully unhook the forward idler return spring (A, Figure 5-14) from the reverse idler bracket assembly.

4.Remove the forward idler bracket assembly (B, Figure 5-15) by removing the nut and lockwasher from the screw

(C). You may need to push the screw part way through the bracket while removing the assembly. Do not remove the flat washer and bushing from the screw. NOTE: Before removing the assembly, lift the forward adjustable link (M, Figure 5-15) off the link adjusting pin.

5.Move the forward drive belt (D, Figure 5-16) completely off the engine drive pulley (E) by moving it to the rear (away from engine) of the pulley. If necessary, work the belt off the pulley with your left hand while pulling the engine recoil starter rope with your right hand.

6.Push the belt downward and then remove it by slipping it over the front of the transmission pulley (F, Figure 5-16). NOTE: If the belt will not pass between

the right side of the transmission pulley and the tiller frame, try loosening the two right side frame mounting screws (G, Figure 5-17) two or three full turns. This should create the needed clearance between the frame and the pulley.

B. Installing the Forward Drive Belt

1.The reverse drive belt must be removed before installing the forward drive belt.

2.From the front of the tiller, insert the belt in between the bottom of the engine drive pulley and the top of the transmis- sion pulley (see Figure 5-16). Put the bottom half of the belt into the rearmost groove in the transmission pulley (I, Figure 5-18). Now put the top half of the belt into the rearmost groove of the engine drive pulley (H).

3.If the two right side frame screws (G, Figure 5-17) were loosened to remove the belt, then retighten both screws securely.

4.Reinstall the forward idler bracket assembly (B, Figure 5-15) as follows:

a). Place the slot in the forward adjustable link (K, Figure 5-19) over the link adjusting pin (L).

b). Reinstall the forward idler bracket assembly using the screw (C, Figure 5-15), lockwasher and nut removed previously. Be sure that the bushing and flat washer are on the screw before inserting it through the bracket arms. Tighten the screw securely. NOTE: Check that the belt is posi- tioned to the inside of the forward idler pulley (see R, Figure 5-11) and both belt guides (T).

5.Reattach the forward idler return spring (A, Figure 5-14) to the bushing/screw assembly on the reverse idler bracket assembly.

6.Install the reverse drive belt (see

“B. Installing the Reverse Drive Belt”).

Figure 5-14: Unhook forward idler return spring.