Craftsman 42" tractor (Model# 917272453) stopped moving. I felt the brake/clutch go down with a clunk right before it happened. When in gear I can pull UP on the clutch (engaging the belt) and it moves just fine. I thought the belt had stretched and failed, this happened in 2003 (when mower was 1 year old). Sears service came and replaced the belt (whopping 250 bucks!) but it doesn't drive right. When in high gear, it starts real slow, then eventually picks up speed. The repair guy said it's a new belt so it should be smoother.? He also said I don't need to step on the clutch to shift, this just delays the belt from tensioning. After he left (of course) I noticed a spring just hanging in a hole on the front right frame (gear side) and it looks like the other side of the spring snapped off (no hook). To me (SOMEWHAT mechanically inclined) it looks like this is the problem, some sort of clutch spring, but of course the owners manual doesn't appear to show it. If it does show it (#152 on mower deck diagram) it doesn't show where it attaches to the frame.

Is this the source of my problem? I would like to find out before I call sears and demand them to come back.

Thanks.
Dave

It's possible. Check Parts & Accessories | Shop & Find Lawn & Garden, Appliance Parts at Sears PartsDirect | SearsPartsDirect.com (http://www.searspartsdirect.com) and navigate the diagrams until you can find the spring. You may have to print them out. You can purchase parts there too.

Springs can be tricky to install.

Hi,
The manual is of little help other than to tell you that the clutch return spring is #105709X and the drawings do not show attachment points. The idler affected is identified as the clutching idler and can be assumed that it attaches there and to some point on the frame that pulls it to engagement.
Peace,
Clarke

The spring attaches to the frame in front of the engine on the right side as you are seated in the mower. It goes above the front axle and clips into the hole in the frame.