MarcR Posted October 19, 2003 Posted October 19, 2003 Hi All, Thanks for the responses on the drive 'squeal' issue. Turns out, as almost all of you said, that the main drive belts are worn. I have the replacements, but need to know what the best/easiest install is. Rear PTO runs off the main drive pulley and seems the logical part to take of to get the belts threaded on. Is this the best way? Any help would be appreciated. Getting to this one next weekend... Also, tension is listed at 7 3/4" for the main spring. Has anyone ever had to go out of spec on this? My spring is almost loose at this point and doubt that it would provide enough tension for the belts not to slip. Maybe this is why they are worn ... Do these springs loose 'spring' after a while? Thanks again for all your help. I vote yes for the $10 annual fee. You have all saved me way more than that and this is only my second post! Marc
gretsch Posted October 19, 2003 Posted October 19, 2003 Marc, Yes, unbolt the rear pto from the rear of the engine and take out the disk and spacers. The clutch needs to be depressed to get the belts on and off. If your clutch spring is already somewhat loose then I would remove the spring assembly top bolt to free up the pulleys otherwise you have to have someone to step hard on the clutch or use a ratchet strap (or similiar) and pull it down using the front axle as an anchor. The hardest part is getting the belts on and off due to the limited space between the pulleys and the engine. Work them on by getting both the lower pulley first or adjacent to it and then work them on the top (pto) pulley (the reasoning being that putting one belt on completely will not allow the other belt to go on afterwards. One note of caution on tightening the spring: there are two locknuts on the top bolt that MUST be repositioned or you can easily snap the bolt assemble which is a real pain to correct. New belts should take care of the problem anyway.
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