Bolens, Not being very cooperative
#1
06-05-13, 11:03 AM
Bolens, Not being very cooperative
Hi folks,,,
Recently got a 2003 Bolens Lawn Tractor (yea,,being cheap) , Model 13AN683G163 with the variable speed transmission (transmatic?) and downloaded all the operator and parts manuals.
It worked fine, cut the grass, parked it and a week later it became stubborn.
Removed the mower deck, have it lifted above so I can walk under it, inspected, fiddled, checked, wiggled, scratched my head several times and it has me stumped, particularly what the speed selector is supposed to pull/push to make it go faster. In addition, why the transmission drive pulley keeps moving forward to slacken the belt.
While I don't think I'm dumb, the tractor is proving me wrong....
The speed selector doesn't seem like it's doing anything and has no tension on the lever.
The tractor (after doing the recommended reset steps:: selector on fastest, F, start engine, release/depress brake, N, the move the selector, lower) goes just fine at slow speed and in about 5 seconds, the drive pulley appears to slacken (the belt becomes very loose), but then with the reset, it goes fine for another 5 seconds and then the belt loosens again. New belts all around and the belt from the engine to the drive is proper (5/8" X 69").... Still, the speed selector has no effect (very loose).
PLEASE!!!!! Any hints? Any one know what the speed selector is connected to and makes the speed increase? That would be a great help. Also, have any ideas why the rear drive pulley keeps pivoting forward?
Thanks for any insights,,,,,,,the grass keeps growing,,,,,scissors a bad option.
flbuild,,,,Central Florida, Retired
Recently got a 2003 Bolens Lawn Tractor (yea,,being cheap) , Model 13AN683G163 with the variable speed transmission (transmatic?) and downloaded all the operator and parts manuals.
It worked fine, cut the grass, parked it and a week later it became stubborn.
Removed the mower deck, have it lifted above so I can walk under it, inspected, fiddled, checked, wiggled, scratched my head several times and it has me stumped, particularly what the speed selector is supposed to pull/push to make it go faster. In addition, why the transmission drive pulley keeps moving forward to slacken the belt.
While I don't think I'm dumb, the tractor is proving me wrong....
The speed selector doesn't seem like it's doing anything and has no tension on the lever.
The tractor (after doing the recommended reset steps:: selector on fastest, F, start engine, release/depress brake, N, the move the selector, lower) goes just fine at slow speed and in about 5 seconds, the drive pulley appears to slacken (the belt becomes very loose), but then with the reset, it goes fine for another 5 seconds and then the belt loosens again. New belts all around and the belt from the engine to the drive is proper (5/8" X 69").... Still, the speed selector has no effect (very loose).
PLEASE!!!!! Any hints? Any one know what the speed selector is connected to and makes the speed increase? That would be a great help. Also, have any ideas why the rear drive pulley keeps pivoting forward?
Thanks for any insights,,,,,,,the grass keeps growing,,,,,scissors a bad option.
flbuild,,,,Central Florida, Retired
#2
06-05-13, 11:58 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
The speed selector only changes how far forward the variadrive pulley can travel, limiting the drive ratio. You mention a 5/8X69" belt. Is this a MTD belt, or a belt bought by those numbers?
#3
06-05-13, 06:41 PM
Yes, MTD belt......bought all three by the numbers on Bolens parts website.
The belt starts off pulling fine and having it up in the air, was able to verify what I'm sure is enough tension to work fine before setting on the ground....which drove fine (still one slow speed) for about 5-10 seconds.....I put it back in the air and the belt has at least an inch of slack and its quite evident there is now, not enough tension anymore.
The belt starts off pulling fine and having it up in the air, was able to verify what I'm sure is enough tension to work fine before setting on the ground....which drove fine (still one slow speed) for about 5-10 seconds.....I put it back in the air and the belt has at least an inch of slack and its quite evident there is now, not enough tension anymore.
#4
06-05-13, 07:31 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
The most common thing I see causing tension problems on these is bad bearings in the variadrive pulley. It's hard to guess what is wrong without being able to look at it when the problem is like yours. Try pulling back on the pedal while you're moving and see if the speed picks up.
