When I started my Craftsman 17.5 hp lawn mower I smelled the mower's drive belt burning. I stopped the engine and looked underneath and felt the belt very hot. I touched the pulley and it was extremely hot. What should cause this to happen?

Robert, October 2008

Hello - your belt pulley is hot because the belt is too LOOSE for some reason - either the belt is worn, or a tension spring has let go somewhere.

Check that the blade blake is not activated.

phil_saunders@bigfoot.com

Phil Saunders, October 2008

Nothing "should" cause this to happen.

The belt will be hot because of either...

Friction - too tight or rubbing against something.

Conducted Heat - becoming warm because the drive or pulley wheel is hot and conducting heat to the belt.

Which is hottest - belt itself or something it runs on?

Good to see an apostrophe on here - ty.

Richard Buxton, October 2008