717-0800 Variable Speed Pulley Install

89MTD said:
Hello; I'm about to replace the 717-0800 Variable Speed Pulley on my '89 MTD Rideing Mower.

The original 717-0800 has been on since new. I'm getting a little bit of noise inside the Tractor Frame. My Mower has 2 Idler Pulleys and I'm replaceing both as well as New Belt's. I'm not sure which Idler Pulley is makeing noise,, so I'm just going to replace both of them.

The 717-0800 Variable Speed Pulley has 2 Tiny Pin Hole's ~ On Each End. Are These just Air Breather hole's or do I need to Inject some Grease or Lubricant in them. I would need to use a Needle Grease Fitting to put some grease in and I have one, but I don't want to put any lubricant in them if they are just air hole's or vent's to let condensation water out.

I plan on adding some grease to the Needle Bearings and Lube the Shaft that the Pulley Slides Over.

Any other Advice about this install is Much Appreciated.
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I have a 1995/6 MTD 18.5/46 with the variable pulley system. Mine made noise and I removed the pulleys. There is a roller bearing that required a dab of grease and I lubed the shaft. I do not recall the pin holes, but these pulleys require absolute grip and if grease gets on the system I don’t think it’s going to work. My belts and pulleys are original and it is starting to slip at some levels. But, proper adjustment of the belt to pulley position (in the operators manual) will limit the slippage. I hope this helps. FYI- After draining the gas and removing the mower deck, I used a chain on the front of my loader to the front axle area of the mower to lift the front and stand the tractor on its end to access the pulleys. This position did not hurt my engine because the cylinders point forward. For me, it was easier to work on it in this position.
 
That variable speed pulley uses needle bearings. They are replaceable. Just don't remember size was used as it been nearly 10 yrs since I last replaced a set.
 
Until you get a better answer, I would imagine a puller can be used, maybe a long rod to press/drive out the bearing. However, due to the diameter of the shaft/bearing you might have to destroy the bearing casing to get it out.

As far as finding a bearing, get all your frame information and check Jacks mower parts or some online/local dealer. You may only need to grease it and not replace it.
 
I was thinking of having my belts replaced. I was told the main non tensioned belt can be seen flopping a bit. Both belts appear serviceable but it’s been 30 years.

When we searched for the belts we did not see any matched sets from the same manufacturer.

Did you use a matched belt set or get them from different manufacturers? What were the part numbers?
 
IF you are dealing with a MTD made product with CVT drive it is best to use OEM belts as some belt sellers just sell whatever fits if works or not. These CVT systems uses specify profile and length belts. They may look like standard 5/8 or B belts but they are not. Now deck belts don't seem to be a product but you do have make they are Kevlar corded.

As for part numbers they have to be ordered per your mower's IPL as there are different sizes used depending on which design it is.

There are a few manufactures that does produce these belt but are few and far between. Right there is only aftermarket brand that I can trust to produce the correct belts and even then I got to be careful trying a never use before one of theirs.

As for the other poster common sense should have told you what needed to done. But of I have a natural mechanical ability without a college education. And anytime using aftermarket parts they are hit and miss and some requires making a mod such adding shims because too much play or adding a shim because the part is too tight. OR the removal of material as I just did on the Bad Boy after market deck pulley. That one required an eighth of inch material removal.
 
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