installing belt on engine?

[dart451]

Never had one quite like this...installed the deck with all new belts but cannot figure out how to get belt on engine pulley! Craftsman GT3000, 917-275034 with electric clutch pulley...can't seem to find a way to release tension unless I take all the springs off...

[bgsengine]

generally I just roll them on. start belt in return side of PTO and roll PTO/engine/pulley over to roll belt on and into groove. Some units have a square drive slot cut into the idler arms so you can stick in a ratchet drive and/or extension to help stretch the spring enough to get a belt on , and other times I can put a socket with a long breaker bar on a idler pulley nut to tension the spring and get belt loose enough to get it started in to the pulley grooves, etc.

[dart451]

Thank you for the response...ya, tried to roll it on but it was quite impossible. I did take the one right side spring off and was able to get the belt on...thanks again!

[hanz63]

Sometimes if I'm having a hard time rolling the belt on the PTO, I'll remove a spindle cover and roll the belt on an outboard pulley where I can get at it.

[KE4AVB]

If you are using aftermarket belts that might be your problem. As the belt should about 5/8 x 85-1/2". I know I had a heck of time getting right belts lately; unless, I order OEM.