797 deck belt

[JLong]

I recently bought a 04 (older 7 iron deck) John Deere 797 w/ a 72 inch deck. anyway the idiot I bought if from had installed a belt from napa that was about 3" too long so I purchased an original one from john deere ($100.00) ouch anyway the new one fits fine however when i dis-engage the deck it likes to throw the belt off. The idler spring seems to be original however it feels week to me. I spoke to the john deere in town and they wouldn't give me a straight answer wanted me to bring it in, prob so they could charge me 500.00 for something simple. If anyone has any sugestions please let me know.

Thanks
Jeremy

[Restrorob]

Jeremy,

Is this the deck cross belt you are speaking of or the deck drive belt ?

[JLong]

sorry this is the long belt that goes from one side of the deck to the other in order and turns all of the spindals.
thanks

[Restrorob]

Hmmm, The cross belt is pretty much a cut-n-dry deal.

Make sure the idler arm bushing is tight and all the pulleys are aligned at the right height (belt is running level), Check all the idler pulley bearings along with the spindle bearings. If you feel the spring is weak go ahead and replace it, Are both outer belt/spindle pulley covers still in place ? They act as belt guides as well....