Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Sears riding lawn mower model 917270811, side discharge, idler pulleys

Question
My husband and I replaced the big belt that turns the blade on the mower and
now it won't start.  It just kind of Humphs like it is stuck and can't turn over.
My husband says it is the battery but all was fine before we fixed it and he
charged the battery. I think something we did or didn't do is hanging it up  Help  
Patty G

Answer
Take the belt off and try to start the mower.  If it starts reinstall the belt.  Start at the deck.  Put the belt on the mowing deck.  There should be a belt diagram on the deck or in your owners manual.  If you do not have the manual go to searspartsdirect.com and see if it is downloadable or if you have to pick it up at sears.  On that page on the right hand side is where you put your model number in and search.  The model number has to be exact including the "."  

If that is not possible try this.  Remove the deck.  remove the belt covers. Is there one belt or two?  If one long belt think about haw the engine turns.  The belt comes off that side of the engine and has to go to the pulley so it turns the blades the correct way, clockwise if it is a side discharge deck. Put it around that pulley and straight cross the back to the other blade pulley.  There may be idler pulleys on the deck. If it is a flat pulley it rides on the outside of the belt and if a V pulley on the inside. There may be a spring on the pulley that putts tension on the belt  You will have to determine where that goes to tension the belt.  Reinstall the belt covers and deck to the mower.  Thread the belt around the engine and reinstall any belt guides.  It's a long explanation but I hope it helps.