moe1965 738 #1 Posted October 21, 2023 I m currently working on a 1990 ish wheel horse classic I just saved from the scrap yard and have most of the bugs worked out except the drive belt to the trans seems to be a little sloppy. Going up a incline in 3 rd it almost stops. Putting it in 2nd or 1st no issue. I'm thinking about changing the idler pulley to a 1/2 in or 1 in bigger to take up some of the slack instead of getting a new belt. Any thoughts ???? If I get a new belt I can't find the correct size. Any thoughts or ideas appreciated. Thanks in advance 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,260 #2 Posted October 22, 2023 First thing to look at is the right side foot rest. If the foot rest has been bumped in toward the tractor it can bind the clutch arm preventing it from returning all the way. There is also a clutch damper that could be a problem. A new belt is always a good idea if you haven't changed it in the past couple of years. I have been using the Tractor Supply Kevlar belts with great success. A 5/8" by 82" belt will do the trick. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,180 #3 Posted October 22, 2023 1 hour ago, moe1965 said: the drive belt to the trans seems to be a little sloppy. Is the belt slipping or something else causing the power loss. Input pulley key, hub/axle key, roll pin sheared in cross shaft, weak clutch spring, idler pully bearing 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TonyToro Jr. 1,435 #4 Posted October 22, 2023 (edited) If you put a bigger pulley it would make the tractor faster. And you probably would have to get a new belt. So I would recommend just getting the right size belt from Tractor Supply. Edited October 22, 2023 by TonyToro Jr. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 17,000 #5 Posted October 22, 2023 More\stronger tension for the idler pulley on the belt like a new spring instead of that gas spring thingy. Use your toe under the clutch pedal and pull back on it while going up the hill in 3rd gear. If that solves the slipping issue then more tension will too. A new belt if the one on there isn't the correct size. Sometimes the sides of the belt can get glazed and extra smooth from the slipping and heat from it. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
moe1965 738 #6 Posted October 22, 2023 I t looks like it's not the original belt so I'm going to start there I wasn't going to change the trans drive pulley but the idler pulley I don't think that would increase the tractor speed. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,631 #7 Posted October 23, 2023 @moe1965 that idler belt pulley . tension spot , needs some detailing . eliminate the gas tension unit , original extension spring works best , 2 main problem spots , rusty / no lubrication connection aerosol penetrating oil , MAKES THE RUST RUN OUT , then red grease aerosol can extension tube , also do the lift arm side bushings under the shift plate , penetrating oil , lift lever , top push spring point , rust run out . personally replaced the idler pulley with a larger bearing type , remove side grease shields ns RE GREASE , for quiet / smooth operation . once done on one of my units , verified , solid improvement , now all 3 have the same correction areas . other areas also , just ask , pete 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
