'73 JDX8 Drive Belt Problem

Deleted User · Post by **Deleted User** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 10:28 am

The orginial drive belt was on this sled and was slipping so I replaced with the recommended OEM size that I found: 44 5/8 x 1 1/4. I put the new belt on and there was too much tension as the clutch wasn't disengaging, causing the engine stall out when running at lower rpms. The sled would run as long as you kept the rpms up.

I tried another belt about 3/4 of an inch longer and this didn't help---still too much tension.

The clutch appears to be functioning fine without the belt on it.

I'm a little lost on what to do. Should I continue to try longer belts or could there be something wrong with the clutch or sheaves?

Danzig · Post by **Danzig** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 1:38 am

I have an original JD belt and I will get you the numbers for your 73X8.

speedy295 · Post by **speedy295** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 3:05 am

I have the same porblem with my 295/s it also uses the m64550 the lemans cheapie aftermarket belt for these are way to short.

Deleted User · Post by **Deleted User** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 11:57 am

Thanks for the feedback. These belts were the cheapy Leman's brand. I'll try a higher quality belt.

On person told me about the shims in secondary/rear clutch that may be affecting the width between the sheaves and the overall tension of the belt, so I will explore whether or not the shims are in there.

My final questions is how should the belt ride on the sheaves of the rear clutch? Right now, the width between the most outter part of sheave is just over 1 1/4 inches. The 1 1/4 width belts fit into this space, but the top part of the belt sticks out over the top of the sheaves. Should a new belt fit below, level with or above the outter part of the sheaves?

Danzig · Post by **Danzig** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 3:01 pm

The belt on my sled which is brand new from John Deere is the M64550.