Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): losing speed, jon deere, home depot

Question
I bought a Scotts (Jon Deere) s1742 from Home Depot (B&S Intec 17 engine) about 4 years ago.  It always starts and runs well, but lately I have noticed that the speed in each of the gears (manual 1 through 5, neutral & reverse) are slowing down.  I looked for a warn belt or clutch to tighten, but I could not find anything serviceable...Am I in trouble?

Answer
Hello Toma:

Did you Replace the Belt? Is the Spring Still Attached to the Clutch Idler Plate? Is the Clutch Idler Plate Moving Freely? If the Clutch Idler Plate is Rusty and Not Moving Freely, this Problem will Occur. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers (Scotts) and Click Find. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. Select the Belt Drive and Idler 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. 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