Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): judyod@windstream.net, briggs and stratton, rear fenders

Question
my mower starts mowing and then stops, in other words for some reason the blades just stop and it stops cutting, and then starts up again, I have a huge nick in the belt on the outside of it. but cant figure out how to get the belt off because it has a belt guard I think like two long nails or something. do you think it is the belt stopping it. all I know is it says Vanguard on the side and briggs and stratton and 42 inch cut. and hydrostatic engine. also will any belt 42inch cut fit?

Answer
I would recommed starting with replacing the belt.  I need to know the mower manufacturer to look up the belt part number.   MTD makes a lot of mowers under various brand names.

Look under the seat or rear fenders for a sticker with the mower model number.  The Vangard you refer to is the engine manufacturer for looking up engine parts.

Let me know the mower model number and I should be able to find the belt part number.
Eric