Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman snow thrower, craftsman snow thrower, drive pulley

Question
QUESTION: I have a Craftsman 11 HP snow thrower Model# 536881130 that keeps throwing the drive belt. Doesn't seem like the two pulleys are aligned properly, with the bottom bulley set back 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch towards the engine relative to the top pulley. The top pulley can't be moved back any more than it is. I just recently had to repair the pulleys as a key broke to auger drive pulley. and I have new belts installed.  Bearings on hex drive to disk assly seem ok but ordered new ones.  Thanks in advance for any help.  Mark

ANSWER: Hello Mark:

>>Are you Sure you Installed the Pulleys the Correct Way?
>>The Pulley May be Installed Backwards and the Offset is Throwing the Pulley Out of Alignment.
>>Please, Do Not Hesitate, If you Hit a Snag, if I Missed Something or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. 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. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi John,

Yes the pulleys on the drive shaft and all spacers are aligned properly.  The bottom pulley is original and had not been touched. New parts arrive today but I don't have faith hat I have found the real issue yet.

Thanks,  Mark

ANSWER: Hello Again Mark:

>>Using the Sears Web Site (http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action?sid=PSHx20080114x00001) can you Direct me to the Correct Pulley that is Out of Alignment and to the Pulley you Replaced?
>>Thanks.

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. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi John,

I replaced both pulleys labeled as 53 and 60 and all spacers on this shaft.  The pulley out of alignment is 53 which is out of alignment with the large drive pulley below it.  Due to some input you made to someone else on another Allexperts question you answered, I looked at the lower pulley bearings and just now replaced bearings and hex shaft (that was a tough one!)that connects to the drive disk.  The slight wobble is now eliminated and I ran the thrower briefly and the belt "stayed put."  Maybe its fixed now due to your earlier answer.  Thanks for that. Should I have applied some grease around these bearings?

Thanks again,  Mark

Answer
Hi Mark:

>>It is Possible that the Play in the Bearings was Allowing the Pulley to be Pulled One Sided and Causing the Belt to Jump Off the Pulley.
>>Grease should Not have been Required.
>>Please, Do Not Hesitate, If you Hit a Snag, if I Missed Something or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. 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. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John