I have a 21" self-propelled Sears Craftsman mower, model 917377563. The propelled drive wheels locked up, so I checked the relatively new front wheels (they're ok) and the sprockets they attach to (also ok). Since the drive belt is the original one for this 6+ year-old mower, I bought the drive belt kit from Sears that includes the belt and the spring/spring holder. My problem is that I can't get the new belt to stretch far enough to wrap around the front drive pulley while it's wrapped around the engine/blade drive shaft. I've tried pushing in the pulley and drive mechanism using a heavy bar, but it's just not quite enough for the belt to wrap around the pulley - I probably lack about 1/4" of belt length in order to get on the pulley. There was also no slack on the old belt - I had to cut it in order to remove it. Is there a secret to reinstalling new drive belts? I considered removing the drive pulley, but then I doubt if I would have the leverage to rebolt it into the drive mechanism once the belt was wrapped around it.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Gary B, April 2006

Many times just removing the pulley & installing belt on pulley. Once the belt is in the groove of the pulley it gives you enough slack to reinstall pulley with belt on.

Dave, June 2012

I rebuilt an engine one of those mowers recently, and had the same problem. I took the blade off the crankshaft, and dropped the pully down. Then put the belt into the pully groove and slid it back up onto the crankshaft. There may be an easier way, but already having the blade off, that worked best for me.

Rick, April 2006