Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Drive belt installation, gearshift lever, pully

Question
Hi! I have a problem. My drive belt broke while my wife was riding the lawn on our Craftsman 42" 14.5hp rider (model 917.271531). I have a replacement belt but the problem is I didn't see the route of the belt before around the gearshift lever. The manuel i have explains the removal and replacement of the belt except for that part. All diagrams i have including the picture on the mower does not show this lever. I have tried the belt 3 ways and every way the belt seems to either have no tension or too much tension. The belt goes around the transaxle pully, and basicly the gearshift lever comes down close to the front middle of that pully. I cant figure out if the belt should route around the right, left, or if it should just not touch the lever. If you can please help. I cant find any diagrams online to post a link to.

Answer
Hello Alton:

After Viewing the Shifter Design is Appears you have the Model in which the Shifter is in the Middle of the Belt. You have to Route the Belt Over the Shifter. Usually when you Remove the Center Plate between the Seat and the Steering Tower. This will Allow you to Route the Belt Over the Shifter Lever. To View a Breakdown of this Unit Go to this Site Addy, http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action 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. Select the "Ground Drive" File. If you Hit a Snag 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. Thanks.

Respectfully

John