Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): shifter bracket rubbing on idler pulley when in gear, excessive wear, misaligned

Question
Hello John, RE: Murray rider 40507X8A.  Thanks for your suggestions.  I checked the Transaxle Mounting Bolts and the mounting hardware of the idler arm and they were both secure.  There appeared to be no excessive wear on the bracket.  In desperation I purchased a new OEM drive belt and meticulously installed it.  The new belt was about 1/4 to 1/2 inch shorter than the old belt.  I'm getting the same results, the shifter bracket rubs on the idler pulley in the higher gears.  I looked for any crooked misaligned parts but everything seems to be picture perfect.  It was recommended to me that I bend the arm away from the pulley, but I don't want to risk breaking the stem down to the transmission.  Tomorrow I'll try readjusting the clutch which is now adjusted to the end of the threads.  When I release the clutch now it grabs way at the top, is that normal?  How do I make the clutch grab lower, should I move the adjuster nut down on the shaft, and would that affect the relationship between the pulley and shifter?  I'm pretty good with mechanics, but this has me stymied.

Answer
Hello Again Peter:

Being Stymied Happens a Lot when Working on Riding Mowers. LOL.  Anyway, the Clutch Should Engage Between 1/4 to Mid Point of Release. Unless Something is Bent, there is No Reason for the Pulley to Rub the Shifter. Is the Shifter Link Bent (#11) or Sloppy in the Connection Points? Has the Shifter Yoke (#31) Slipped on the Shifter Shaft Allowing the Shifter Arm to Rub the Pulley? I will Continue to Study this Diagram and See what Other Causes I Might See. I have Listed in Both Emails the Causes for this Problem I have Seen and Found Over the Years. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let Me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully  

John