Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): shifter bracket rubbing on idler pulley when in gear, t touch, model numbers

Question
Murray rider model 40507X8A, 2000, In neutral, reverse or lst gear it is fine.  When I try to shift past 1st gear, the shifter bracket rubs on the plastic idler pulley tearing the lip to hell and locking the pulley until the belt burns a groove in it.  I have adjusted the clutch from one end to the other...no change.  I have removed the shifter bracket and see where it is rubbing but when I replace it in its proper place on top of the spindle from the transmission it still rams into the idler pulley when I place it in 2nd gear and it gets progressively worse (ramming into the pulley) when shifting to higher gears.  My gears all shift fine and in neutral and lst and reverse the shifter doesn't touch the pulley.  I have tinkered with every adjustment I could find on the mower to no avail.  I'm out of ideas.  

Answer
Hello Peter:

Check the Transaxle Mounting Bolts. If the Bolts Have Loosened this Problem will Occur. Check the Idler Bracket and Mounting Hardware. If there is Excessive Wear the Bracket will Pivot and Rub the Shifter. If the Belt has Stretched the Same Problem will Occur. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Site Addy, http://murray.com/products/ProdLit_detail.asp and Under the Service and Support Tab, Select Illustrated Parts List. Then Scroll Down and Select the OEM (Murray) and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Go. Then Select View PDF. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Then Select Motion Drive. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let Me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully  

John

Hello Again Peter:

I gave you the Wrong Site Addy for your Mower. I forgot that Murray Supports Only 2003 Year Models and Up. Here is the Correct Site Addy, http://www.ordertree.com/index.asp Then Scroll Down and Select the OEM (Murray) and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Go. Then Select View PDF. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Then Select Motion Drive. Again, I Apologize for the Mistake I Made on the Site Addy. Thanks.

Respectfully

John