I have a model VT 618902aj, its from 1996. What are the pulley sizes supposed to be? Is this unit matched with the present unit mentioned? Thank you

Yes there should be a belt retainer around the pulley so that the belt is not allowed to pull too far away from the pulley.

You can either visit your local Honda dealer or order a workshop service repair manual online from Clymner.com.

you didn't mention what model mower you have but sounds like a mtd made unit there is a pulley in the center of the mower that needs to move and change sizes that is what the speeds are changed by if the pulley center is stuck some times you can free it up take off the plate between the seat and dash you can see it from there

Most likely a bearing on one of the engine pulleys, and probably the idler pulley. The best way to find out is to remove the belt and spin each pulley by hand. Listen for "roughness" or a grating sound. Try to move the pulley in and out to check for play. Little or no play is good. All should spin smoothly and fairly easy.

NOTE: Make sure you know how the belt goes on before you take it off. Draw circles on a piece of paper to match your pulley size and locations, then draw the belt around the pulleys exactly as it appears on the engine. Hope this helps....Let me know!!!

The part number that you mentioned, "BX96-r" is a Motorcraft battery that is the original equipent (O.E.) for the '96 Ford Contour. There are aftermarket brands available that match or even exceed the specs of this battery. The actual "case size" is 96R. By staying with the mentioned case size, the dimensions of the replacement battery (the brand is irrelevant) will be identical to the original BX96-R. Make sure that the Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) and Reserve Capacity (RC) at at least equal or more than the battery you are replacing.

over the years someone has replaced the compressor or clutch with a free or discount unit which does not quite match up. replace it with the correct one.

get a manual compare sizes with other manual

The instructions are below. Also, there will be a diagram for the routing.

1. Before you begin, visually confirm the belt routing to the engine compartment label (if present) or to the appropriate diagram in this section (if the label is not present). If you cannot make a match (perhaps it is not the original motor for this vehicle), scribble your own diagram before proceeding.
   
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable for safety.
   
3. Install the appropriate sized breaker bar, wrench, or socket to the tensioner arm or pulley, as applicable.
   
4. Rotate the tensioner to the left (counterclockwise) and slip the belt from the tensioner pulley.
   
5. Once the belt is free from the tensioner, CAREFULLY rotate the tensioner back into position. DO NOT allow the tensioner to suddenly snap into place or damage could occur to the assembly.
   
6. Slip the belt from the remaining pulleys (this can get difficult is there is little room between the radiator/fan assembly and the accessory pulleys. Work slowly and be patient.
   
7. Once the belt is free, remove it from the engine compartment.
   

To install:

1. Route the belt over all the pulleys except the water pump and/or the tensioner. Refer to the routing illustration that you identified as a match before beginning.
   
2. Rotate the tensioner pulley to the left (counterclockwise) and hold it while you finish slipping the belt into position. Slowly allow the tensioner into contact with the belt.
   
3. Check to see if the correct V-groove tracking is around each pulley.
   

Try this procedure.



To replace a worn belt, locate the idler or generator pulley.




Loosen the hold-down fastener for the idler or generator pulley.




Pry the idler or generator pulley inward to release the belt tension and remove the belt.




Match the old belt up for size with the new replacement belt.




Observe the belt routing diagram in the engine compartment.




Install the new belt over each of the drive pulleys. Often the manufacturer recommends a sequence for feeding the belt around the pulleys.



Art courtesy of Delmar - Thomson Learning.
Pry out the idler or generator pulley to put tension on the belt.
Pry out the idler or generator pulley to put tension on the belt.




Install the belt squarely in the grooves of each pulley.




Before adjusting belt tension, check for proper pulley alignment. This is especially critical with serpentine belts. Measure the belt deflection in its longest span. If a belt tension gauge is available, use it and compare the tension to specifications.
If a belt is too tight, wear to bearings for the water pump, alternator, and engine crankshaft can result.
Some late-model Chrysler engines require a torque reading to be taken when tension is applied to the generator drive belt. This is especially important on the longer, multiribbed V-belts.




Pry the idler or generator pulley to adjust the belt to specifications.




Tighten the idler or generator pulley fastener.




Start the engine and check the belt for proper operation.

Any more questions please ask. Good luck.