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Hi I have a Toro Time cutter zero turn mower that has a mower deck that is very noisy when engaged. The original Briggs & Stratton engine I believe was a 16.5 hp engine that went bad. The Toro dealer replaced that engine with the B&S model 310000 19hp engine because the original engine is no longer made. The dealer had to use the old engine stator, engine clutch and pulleys on the new engine. I have about 2 hours run time on the new engine. It runs beautifully and is quiet. On the other hand when I engage the deck it is very noisy. The deck was quiet before the new engine was installed. I have not been able to contact the Toro dealer because they are closed for the Thanksgiving holidays.
Does anyone know what might be the reason for the noisy deck? I have looked at it closely and do not see any obvious problems.
Thanks,
Bob

Start by inspecting the belt routing making sure the belt is not rubbing on anything and is seated properly in all "V" grooves. Next, remove the belt and turn each pulley/sheave by hand while listening and feeling for a grinding noise. Sometimes I have to raise the mower to gain access from beneath the deck so I can hold the blade while rocking it to feel for excess play in a spindle bearing. Don't neglect to check the idler pulley and tension pulley. The above is a quick and simple check of the rotating parts and assemblies.

There could also be accumulated grass or foreign debris stuck under the deck. While you are under there check the blades to make sure one isn't bent and/or hitting a baffle.

Replacing an engine usually doesn't change anything in the deck. If you do find a worn bearing on one of the deck components then the dealer is not at fault, it was just coincidence.

I have replaced several idler pulleys on Timecutter's this year so it's not out of the ordinary. Report back with what you find.

Thank you grasshopper I will check that. I was wondering though if the clutch is compatible with the different engine. Your right the dealer would not be responsible for the deck as he only installed a new engine.
Thanks

Lawnranger said:

Start by inspecting the belt routing making sure the belt is not rubbing on anything and is seated properly in all "V" grooves. Next, remove the belt and turn each pulley/sheave by hand while listening and feeling for a grinding noise. Sometimes I have to raise the mower to gain access from beneath the deck so I can hold the blade while rocking it to feel for excess play in a spindle bearing. Don't neglect to check the idler pulley and tension pulley. The above is a quick and simple check of the rotating parts and assemblies.

There could also be accumulated grass or foreign debris stuck under the deck. While you are under there check the blades to make sure one isn't bent and/or hitting a baffle.

Replacing an engine usually doesn't change anything in the deck. If you do find a worn bearing on one of the deck components then the dealer is not at fault, it was just coincidence.

I have replaced several idler pulleys on Timecutter's this year so it's not out of the ordinary. Report back with what you find.

Click to expand...

There are a lot of different noises. A growling noise like a bad bearing? scraping noise like something is hitting? squealing noise like a out of alignment belt? Take a short hose to your ear well it is running and maybe you can pin point it better. Seeing it just started the noise right after the engine change I would say its something the dealer did or over looked so don't count that out because I would say they had to remove the deck to install the new engine. This being the point it is something they did wrong. I know in my shop it would have been brought up to you if the deck had bad bearings and all it takes is a phone call and a yes or no answer from you about repairs but you would of known about it.

Thanks Rey for trying to help me. I don't know how to describe the loud noise. It does not seem to be a bearing noise. The belt seems to be tight. None of the 3 blades are bent or striking anywhere. None of the pulleys seem to have a abnormal amount of play. The belt does not have any flat spots that I can see. I do not know the correct amount of tension that should be on the belt.
I better wait till Monday when the shop is open and I will stop in to speak with the people there. My bird brain just does not see the problem. The new engine and mower is quiet up until the deck is engaged then all hell breaks loose. Its hopefully just a simple adjustment or fix.
Thanks guys for tryin to help me.
Bob

Bob,

Remove the foot board , get some onr to sit in the drivers seat, start the mower and have a walk around.
Stand at the back an listen to the clutch as it engages & disengages .
Normally you get a clunk and some times a short squeak/squeal as the plates engage.
There is not much difference in clutches and I would be suprised if they did not refit your old one as new engines do not ship with clutches.
Most of the difference is the size of the pulley & mounting points and the only real problem is makig sure the engine generates enough amps to power the clutch, which is why he swapped your stator.
Next with the foot plate removed watch what happens when the clutch is engaged, be a bit careful as fingers / feet dropped between the belt & pulley will be quickly removed.
The tensioning pulley should jump when the clutch is engaged then bounce a few times before it settles down to a slight wiggle. Anything more than that shows a problem with the tensioning, belt routing or spindles.
Check the belt for broken stands of kevlar hanging out or strips of cover hanging off as they will make a hell of a racket slapping against everything they pass .
The same applies for chunks of missing belt.
Watch the tensioner, it should move in an arc and not up & down.
I doubt that they would have removed the deck to swap engines, there is no need to do it with a zero turn, I certainly don't touch decks when I swap over most engines.
The book only allows 2 chargable hours so any excess work is to be avoided.