Hi John,
Frequently this problem is caused by a slipping clutch. The heat created by the slipping clutch will overheat and destroy the V belt. Other causes are friction disc worn too thin causing clutch slipping, worn pulleys, pulley bearings dragging, belt incorrectly installed, V belt contacting something that it shouldn't. If you had to frequently readjust the tensioner while mowing then it is heat from something slipping or dragging. I have had an EZ Adjust clutch go out of adjustment while mowing and smoke up a new drive belt in short order. The clutch pulley should be cool to the touch even after the deck has been operated for a while. Of course you need to turn off the mower and shut down the engine before you stick your fingers in and touch the clutch pulley. Look around for belt residue to see what may be the cause. Electric clutch pulleys get hot enough to where you can't keep a finger on it but not enough to smoke up a V belt. J-N decks one spring diameter space, RM decks on 3000-4000 series machines twice the spring diameter for the belt tension, check the adjustment with the deck lowered for mowing and running.
Bob MacGregor in CT :mrgreen: :mowlawn:
Frequently this problem is caused by a slipping clutch. The heat created by the slipping clutch will overheat and destroy the V belt. Other causes are friction disc worn too thin causing clutch slipping, worn pulleys, pulley bearings dragging, belt incorrectly installed, V belt contacting something that it shouldn't. If you had to frequently readjust the tensioner while mowing then it is heat from something slipping or dragging. I have had an EZ Adjust clutch go out of adjustment while mowing and smoke up a new drive belt in short order. The clutch pulley should be cool to the touch even after the deck has been operated for a while. Of course you need to turn off the mower and shut down the engine before you stick your fingers in and touch the clutch pulley. Look around for belt residue to see what may be the cause. Electric clutch pulleys get hot enough to where you can't keep a finger on it but not enough to smoke up a V belt. J-N decks one spring diameter space, RM decks on 3000-4000 series machines twice the spring diameter for the belt tension, check the adjustment with the deck lowered for mowing and running.
Bob MacGregor in CT :mrgreen: :mowlawn: