Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Murry drive belt slipping off rear pulley., rear pulley, quality replacements

Question
Mr. Bridgers,

I have an older Murray mower, model 38600B, and the drive belt slips off when the clutch is depressed (shift gears or break). I inspected both drive and deck belts and decided to replace them both with high quality replacements.  I expected the newer belt would have fixed the problem, however the new belt is also slipping off the rear pulley.

Can I adjust the backside idler pulley, and if so, how?  Not sure if this helps either, but it seems that the brake could use a little tightening.  When the brake is depressed all the way it doesn't engage the brakes fully (about half way if I had to guess).

Thank you,

Lawrence

Answer
 Hello Lawrence:

 1- There should be More Numbers for this Mower. However, There Should be 2 Belt Retainers One on Each Side of the Transaxle Pulley or a Single Half Moon Retainer that Soes About 1/4 of the Way Around the Pulley. It/They should be Set About 1/8 of an Inch from the Pulley. This Allows the Belt to Slacken and Stay on the Pulley. The Single Retainers are Either a Long Bolt or Rod Stock(Threaded on one End to Allow for Mounting) that is Attached to Either the Transaxle or the Body. This Depends on the Model of the Mower. 2- On the Transaxle;* on the the Right side as you setting on the Mower*;* With the Cutter Deck Removed and the Spark Plug Removed from the Engine, Look for the Disc Brake Assembly. Have Someone Move the Clutch/Brake Pedal and Watch for the Assembly to Move. With the Clutch/Brake Pedal Free, Tighten the Center Nut 1/4 Turn at a Time Until you have the Proper Adjustment. This is Again Depending on the Model. By Adjusting it this way the Factory Setting for the Linkage Are Not Disturbed. Wearing the Pads Out and Replacing them is Better than Replacing the Whole Brake Assembly. This Happens, when the Factory Linkage Settings Are Moved to Adjust the Brake, Instead of the Pads Being Adjusted. When the Pads are Adjusted, the Clutch should then Work Properly Also. If the Clutch Does Not Work Properly, then Check the Linkage from the Brake Assembly to the Pedal. Look for Worn Swivels and Loosened Bolts, or Cracked/Broken Brackets. Hope this Helps. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John