Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): riding mower belt, electric clutch, bolen

Question
eric, the blade is engaged by a lever, the belt appears to be on the right way, there is very little slack with the belt disengaged.-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
i replaced the blade belt on my bolen riding lawn mower, the belt was replaced with the same number belt that had been broken, now the mower won't start due to the belt being too tight and is turning the blade even though the blade is disengaged. the mower will start when the blade is removed. Since i replaced it with the same belt number what can i do to loosen the belt up? i can't find an adjustment on the mower, i don't really think there is a tensioner. the mower is approx 2 years old and has a 17 1/2 hp b & s. thanks for your time.
Answer -
Make sure the belt has slack in it when the blades are disengaged.  If there is no slack, then the belt may be installed incorrectly. Is the a picture of the belt routing on the mower?

Do the blades engage by an electric clutch or do you have to move a lever?

Let me know.
Eric

Answer
There should be an adjustment on the lever or the idler pulley.  Many times the idler arm is cut so you can loosen the idler pulley nut and then slide the idler to adjust the belt.

When you engage the blades does the entire deck lower at the same time or can you lower the deck without engaging the blades?  Sorry for so many questions but we rarely see Bolens anymore...just have to figure out how the engaging system works to see where the adjustment might be.

Let me know.
Eric