MTD Variable Speed Pulley system- should the top part of the pulley turn freely?
The old riding mower quit moving the other day, though the engine & blades were doing fine. Today I finally got into it, & removed the two transmission drive belts. The rear belt was the problem, it goes from the variable speed pulley to a big pulley on the rear axle drive unit. Since the front belt(from engine pulley to var speed pulley assembly) was so old, requires removing the rear belt, and was all cracked on the inside edge, I decided to replace it too. Almost $40 for the pair of belts at Lowe's.
The owners manual leaves out several necessary steps, so it took me quite a while to get both belts off.
In the process, I noticed that the top part of the variable speed pulley will not turn, at least not by my hand. The bottom part turns freely.
Is this normal, or should I get & install a new variable speed pulley assembly before buttoning the old machine back up? Any help appreciated.
The old riding mower quit moving the other day, though the engine & blades were doing fine. Today I finally got into it, & removed the two transmission drive belts. The rear belt was the problem, it goes from the variable speed pulley to a big pulley on the rear axle drive unit. Since the front belt(from engine pulley to var speed pulley assembly) was so old, requires removing the rear belt, and was all cracked on the inside edge, I decided to replace it too. Almost $40 for the pair of belts at Lowe's.
The owners manual leaves out several necessary steps, so it took me quite a while to get both belts off.
Is this normal, or should I get & install a new variable speed pulley assembly before buttoning the old machine back up? Any help appreciated.