I am at my witts end with this problem. I've got a Sears DLT, 46" deck, 25hp motor, hydrogear transaxle lawn tractor. It started when I was mowing and hit a low stump (didn't see it). I slammed into it pretty hard and the mower came to an abrupt stop and refused to move after that. Further inspection revealed that the drive belt had jumped off of the transaxle pulley. Putting it back on didn't seem to fix the issue and I could see/verify that the drive pulley was turning the belt and transaxle pulley. So I dropped the transmission and pulled it apart. Everything seemed to be fine inside. The input shaft splines, where the pulley mounts, are fine and seat well on the pulley. The axles turned fine, no broken key ways on the axles, and everything from the output shaft to the axles turned and mated well. On a hunch I replaced the center section, where the bypass valve is inside the transaxle, as well as the external drive belt. I put it all back together with 2 quarts of Penzoil 20w-50 and bolted it all back in. I stringently followed the manual directions to a T on purging the transmission of air and the wheels STILL don't turn! I can get under the transaxle and, again, verify that the drive pulley is indeed turning the belt, which is indeed turning the input shaft of the transaxle (can see the pulley and fan turning). Any help before I throw in the towel? I'm not mechanically illiterate as I have a hot-rod car as well, so it's frustrating me to no end that I can build and maintain a 500+ rwhp hot-rod, but not a 25hp lawn tractor! Any help is GREATLY appreciated!

I guess being out of the OPE repair for a couple of years, but still having loyal customers, I have ran into some new snags. Been busy with some other mechanical work last year or so.... [IMG]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7180/7063164689_2923fc6885.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7041/7040743817_fa9c8e3ae0.jpg[/IMG] Just FYI for my inactive periods of posting. Now for the deere: I have serviced it for a few years now, and has been a great 20+...??? year old rig. It has developed a metalic clatter now. Still has power, starts and runs fine. I don't see any evidence of anything being hit or dented. Initially I thought loose valve seat, but had forgot it was an overhead valve engine. Not that it still couldn't be, but have not been into one of these yet, least not that I recall. Since my time here is limited now just thought I would probe some minds and get some heads up...this place is great if you know how to use it ;) It doesn't sound tinny, and it is consistent. Doesn't sound heavy either like it is immediately detrimental. Plan on getting the valve cover off and then the head if nothing found....just wanted to say ello and poke some knowledgeable minds :D Any time saved me I get to pass on :thumbup: Thx Az