QuestionI am trying to repair my sisters MTD Riding Mower. It is a 1996 year model. The model number is: #136L660G205. 12.5 H.P. Briggs & Stratton engine.
She told me the mower suddenly made a loud noise and then quit moving. When it did this she said that the foot pedal traveled a large distance rearward.
When I looked at it I noticed the drive belt from the variable speed pulley to the transaxle had come off. Upon removing it I noticed that it had a large cut in it. We replaced both of the drive belts with ones manufactured by MTD. The mower seems to run fine now, however, when it is in the higher gears (it's a six speed) the brake/clutch pedal assy. travels so far rearward that you can't hardly get your foot under it because it's so close to the floor board.
We made the necessary adjustments to the speed control lever and the speed control link per the instructions on page 10 of the owners manual. The transaxle is securely mounted and doesn't show any sign of movement due to broken bolts or rust. It's in good condition for its age.
It seems as though the variable speed pulley is being allowed to travel to far rearward, thereby bringing the foot pedal with it. This only occurs in gears above third. But even from first gear as each gear is increased the pedal travels a little further rearward until finally in 4th 5th & 6th gears you have to use the top of your foot to get under the pedal in order to push it forward to stop the mower.
I was thinking maybe a foot pedal stop bracket or something may have come off and this was the noise that she heard and that ultimately made contact with the rear drive belt, cutting it and causing it to come off. But I can't find any place on the mower were a bracket such as this would have mounted, although the parts diagram shows that the brake pedal rod has a stop made onto it that appears to protrude through the deck. (This is noted as "A" in the diagram) This set up wouldn't be possible for her mower as the foot pedal assy. doesn't go through the body of mower but routes around it and there are no slots in the body of the mower for this stop to go into. There is no evidence that any type of apparatus was ever on or has broken off of the brake pedal rod.
I've also checked the parts diagram for a return spring that may have broken but don't see springs that would keep the variable speed pulley from going to far rearward.
I've double checked the belts to make sure I installed them correctly. I even took it all apart again thinking that I may have installed the variable speed pulley wrong. (the one big spring is a bear) It appears to me that the variable speed pulley can only go on one way and that it would be almost impossible (but I could do it) to install it wrong. I keep thinking a spring has come off or a stop bracket for the foot pedal assy. came off. But I can't seem to find anything in the parts diagram that would support this nor anything on the mower.
We searched the yard too in an attempt to find the possible missing part but so far haven't found anything.
I am still thinking that this may have something to do with the variable speed pulley installation but I still have to address the fact that she said that when this happened the foot pedal assy. was forced rearward.
She wanted to buy a new mower, but after looking at them and the prices I suggested that we fix hers. So now I am feeling bad that she spent a little over $60.00 on two belts and the mower still isn't working. Well, it works but the position of the foot pedal doesn't make it safe to operate.
I have searched extensively on the internet but can't seem to find anyone that has experienced this condition with the foot pedal.
Any technical advice / suggestions that you can offer will be greatly appreciated.
I Sincerely Thank You For Your Time.
Craig
AnswerHello Craig:
>>Sorry for the Delay. My PC Crashed and it took a While to get it Up and going again.
>>From your Description it Sounds like the Linkage (#71) is Bent or the Variable Speed Bracket (#67) is Bent.
>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Unit at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM (MTD) and Enter the Model Numbers (136L660G205). Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Unit you Wish to View. Select the Drive/Frame, Lower/Pedal Assembly/Wheels, Rear File.
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I Hope to be Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 5 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
