AboutEric A. Jones Expertise Lawnmower Repair . Certified Master Service Technician from B&S. Have 13 years experience on B&S, Lawn Chief, Weed Eater, Echo, Peerless, Wheel Horse, Snapper, Atlas, MTD, McCulloch, Homelite and many other numerous brands. Specialize in electrical repair.
Experience Born and raised in the midwest. Started tinkering with engines when I was about 14 on my Suzuki RM-80. I began lawn mower repair at a small hardware store. I knew absolutely nothing. I read lots of repair manuals and met an older fellow who taught me many lessons. I continued working on small engines through high school and paid my way through college working on mowers at the same hardware store. Decided to get away from the midwest and mower repair so I joined the Air Force. I repaired air traffic control electronic equipment and ended up in Hawaii where I got a part time job at Small Engine Clinic. I gained a lot of experience from the Small Engine Clinic and had a blast repairing small engines. I then took the Briggs and Stratton Master Service Technician test and earned my MST. I then traveled to Wisconsin where I attended the factory update training seminar and received formal training. I received a scholarship from the Air Force and am currently pursuing another degree.
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.
