Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): White smoke from mower deck, load applications, white smoke

Question
I have a craftsman 20.5 hp 42" lawn tractor mo. no. 917.270850. When i engage the mover white smoke comes out under the deck.  It appears that the mower belt is being burnt off onto the idler pulley.  I checked it when it was cool and it rotated freely. Can you please help, Sears will give no advise to the do it yourselfer.

Answer
Cary
What the problem may be is that the bearings in the idler pulley are bad. This is a very much common problem with sears. You will need to get a new pulley and possibility a new belt. Depending what the pulley did to the belt.
If you want I can get the parts for you here is a break down of this pullley # 131494

Fits Models: 42"-44" cut decks  
A: 3 7/8"  
B: 3 3/16"  
C: 3/8"  
E: 39/64"  
F: 7/32"  
H: 11/32"  
K: 3/4"  
T: 0.08"  
V: 1 1/8"  
 *idlers have a double row of bearings with doublesealed sides
*for heavier load applications

 *used by OEM's
 *Includes 3/8" reducer bushing

If you can take a picture of the pulley I can tell you exactly what one to get