To adjust the drive belt between the flywheel and the hydrostatic pump pulley, use the following procedure:
Stop the engine. Open the rear door.
Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable.
Remove the belt shield. (See Shield Removal And Installation on Page 30-50-1.)
The pulley tensioner is located between the flywheel and pump pulley.
Loosen the bolt (Item 1) [Figure 30-60-3] on the spring loaded drive idler.
NOTE: The pointer (Item 2) [Figure 30-60-3] will be at the 1 o’clock position when the idler is not under spring tension.
Using the Belt Tensioner Bar (MEL1405) or a pry bar, push the idler assembly against the belt. The pointer (Item 1) [Figure 30-60-4] will be at the 3 o’clock position when the idler stop is bottomed out. Do not pry directly on the pulley, pry on the tensioner bracket the pulley is mounted on.
NOTE: If the pointer does not move when prying on the belt tensioner mounting bracket, manually move the arrow towards the 3 oโclock position with a screwdriver while putting tension on the bracket to help get it started.
Raise the idler assembly slightly so that the pulley is operating on spring tension and not against the stop.
Tighten the mounting bolt (Item 1) [Figure 30-60-5] to 25 – 28 ft.-lb. (34 – 38 Nโขm) torque.
NOTE: Do not set the idler against the travel stop in the 3 o’clock position.
Run the engine for a few minutes.
Stop the engine and recheck the pointer position.
Readjust if necessary.
After the idler has been in service, readjust when the pointer reaches the 1 o’clock position.
Install the belt shield using the fasteners.
Reconnect the negative (-) battery cable.
Close the rear door.
