Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman snow thrower drive belt, craftsman snow thrower, frame side

Question
Hello, and thanks for this service.  I have a Craftsman 5.0 HP 21 Inch snow thrower Model # 536.885211.  I accidentally caught a rope while running which dislodged the auger shaft on the right frame side and after cleaning up everything and putting the shaft back in the hole, I ran it and the belt was messed up with threads of it wrapping around the engine pulley.
I bought a new drive belt and installed it per the manual.  Now, when I run the snow thrower, the auger runs without the auger control bar being pulled back, not at full speed, but it runs.  After using this with the new belt, I took apart the belt cover to see why the auger still might be running and it appeared that the new belt was very tight below the brake pad and the bolt under it.  Almost like it was stuck there plus the unit smelled a little like something not running correctly.  Also, the auger pulley is slightly out of true round when rotating it by hand, however, this did not seem to affect the belt.  I do not know if this unit being 8 years old and a lot of service did that or the rope incident.
Is there something I should be looking at that I have not?
Thanks.

Answer
Hello Tom:

>>To View a Breakdown of this Unit Go to this Site Addy, http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action?sid=PSHx20080114x00001 and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Search. From this Page you can View Diagrams and Parts Lists for you Equipment Using the "View Sub Components" Section Near the Bottom Left.
>>Are you Sure the Belt is Not an 1/2" or so Short?
>>Are you Sure the Belt is Routed Correctly?
>>Usually New Belts May Tend to Cause the Problem you Described, but the Problem Usually goes Away with a Few Uses.
>>The Auger being Slightly Bent is Not Unusual and as Long as the Unit is Not Binding, it should be Good.
>>Please, Do Not Hesitate, If you Hit a Snag, if I Missed Something or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

>>PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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