haydendavid380 759 #1 Posted March 8, 2021 What's the best way to go about cleaning and smoothing out pulleys? I'm having issues getting the belt to disengage. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DennisThornton 4,771 #2 Posted March 8, 2021 Not sure what you are working on but I like cleaning up round objects by counter spinning an abrasive against them while they are turning too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 17,768 #3 Posted March 8, 2021 Unless the pulley groove is really bad or it was painted in the groove, the most likely issue is the belt or how the belt is supported. A worn belt will be more flexible and could drop down into the groove of the pulley. A new stiff belt can be pushed into the groove because it's stiff. Is this a new belt? Old belt? Is the belt guard attached? The belt guard is also a belt guide and will support the belt loop to disengage with the pulley 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 58,936 #4 Posted March 8, 2021 Small wire wheel on a Dremel works well for removing rust from pulley groves. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
haydendavid380 759 #5 Posted March 8, 2021 17 minutes ago, wallfish said: Unless the pulley groove is really bad or it was painted in the groove, the most likely issue is the belt or how the belt is supported. A worn belt will be more flexible and could drop down into the groove of the pulley. A new stiff belt can be pushed into the groove because it's stiff. Is this a new belt? Old belt? Is the belt guard attached? The belt guard is also a belt guide and will support the belt loop to disengage with the pulley New OEM 7373 belt. Everything is buttoned up. I've tried adjusting the clutch back. Worked fine before, the belt was just ancient and giving me a lot of vibrations. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 17,768 #6 Posted March 8, 2021 When I change a drive belt, drive the tractor up to the wall and work the belt. Just be careful. The stiff belt doesn't loosen up as much around the engine pulley when the clutch idler moves down and it still hits the pulley sometimes. Working the belt can remove some of that stiffness. The belt guard moves a little in the mount holes too so trying that might help. Depending on the tractor some have a small tab on the bottom front of the guard which can be adjusted. Some have wire guides around the drive pulley Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 41,143 #7 Posted March 9, 2021 Not sure if your tractor has one, but some have a belt guide tab on the belt idler pulley that also acts as a belt lock when the clutch is depressed. If the guide tab is adjusted properly it actually clamps the belt to a tab on the belt guard stopping the belt. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
