White FST-14 won't move in greater than 2nd gear

I recently got given a White 'CruiseMatic' FST-14 of indeterminate vintage. After a new battery and solenoid, new air filter, fuel filter, oil filter and an oil change, it runs great (courtesy of Briggs and Stratton). As long as I don't mind mowing REAL slow, as it refuses to move in anything higher than 2nd gear.

I'm hoping this just means I need to replace a drive belt, rather than some problem in the transmission itself.

Any suggestions on how to go about diagnosing the problem? I'm not exactly mechanically gifted, but can follow simple instructions!

Thanks in advance for any assistance,

-- hugh

 

You may be right, it could be just a belt problem. I don't know about that mower by the model and don't have a whites book. If it's like the classic design MTD with the F N R shifter seperate from the speed (1 through 7) shifter, then it most likely is a belt problem. There would be 2 tranny belts on this mower, and both should be replaced at the same time.

 

If it is the type that cheese mentions, there is a clutch and speed adjustment. If you can find the model # under the seat, I can likely locate an owners manual with the instructions for the adjustment. This adjustment will need done after changing belts as well.