I have a 14 speed 7 high & low. I put new drive belts on it & it still slips going up even small inclines. I have been going up these inclines & had it stop. I smelled rubber. I got off & looked, & saw the engine side belt slipping on the engine pully. I got my belts from a reputable guy, but there not mtd. The new belt acts just as the old belt did, so I don't think it's a belt problem. I cleaned the vari pulley. Is it possible that the pully is bad?

Yes, it is possible that the pulley is going out, even though they usually last for quite some time. I would suspect that you have an idler pulley that is locking up. Check all the pulleys on the bottom side of the frame.

I think it may be out of adjustment. I was looking at it today. I don't know how to calibrate the variable speed linkage and other stuff involved. Any ideas?

First get yourself OEM MTD belts so you know they are correct. Also you may need to tighten the spring loaded tensioner pulley. Check the idler for free wheeling.

I think it may be out of adjustment. I was looking at it today. I dont know how to calibrate the variable speed linkage and other stuff involved. Any ideas?
The adjustment linkage is "locked" into place. If you start messing with the adjustments, you are going to need a lot of help, you get it out and your belts will slip, or be too tight and cause excessive heat buildup to the belt, and have premature belt failure. And heed to ballengerb1's advice, use oem belts.

Well I had oem belts in it & it started slipping going up hills. The belts were only LOL 8 yrs old, I don't know why they would possibly slip. LOL. I put aftermarket ones in it & same thing. I talked last night with a small engine guy I know & he said that it may be out of adjustment. He said they can be adjusted but usually requires two people to do it. I would be amazed if the oem belts cured my problem. I am hopefull though. Only thing is, I would be mad if I buy oem belts & still have the same problem. That would be a big waste of money. I love the help & comments. Keep them coming. Thanks Todd.

Well I had oem belts in it & it started slipping going up hills. The belts were only LOL 8 yrs old, I dont know why they would possibly slip. LOL. I put aftermarket ones in it & same thing. I talked last night with a small engine guy I know & he said that it may be out of adjustment. He said they can be adjusted but usually requires two people to do it. I would be amazed if the oem belts cured my problem. I am hopefull though. Only thing is, I would be mad if I buy oem belts & still have the same problem. That would be a big waste of money. I love the help & comments. Keep em coming. Thanks Todd.
Todd, carry the unit to the small engine guy you know. I do not want you to waste your money and be mad. You must remember however, that we that are trying to help you, can not even see what we are trying to help to repair. And I did not say that the unit could not be adjusted, I just said you can be in a mess if you do it incorrectly.

The tension can definitely be adjusted, without question. OEM are just usually better fit. Some after market stuff is so poorly made that they can waste your time/money. An 8 year old belt might be like the elastic in 8 year old under wear.

The tension can definitely be adjusted, without question. OEM are just usually better fit. Some after market stuff is so poorly made that they can waste your time/money. An 8 year old belt might be like the elastic in 8 year old under wear.
Ball , that made me laugh, I am tight , but I do not even own any 8 year old under wear, ha ah ha.