I have a Craftsman LT1000 riding mower, 917.287011. My left Idler pulley bolt sheared off and I replaced it. The right Idler pulley has a place for a large spring with an eyelet for a washer and cottering pin. I remounted the pulleys back on the deck and reattached the cable with spring. Now my blades will not disengage whether the lever is in disengaged or in the engaged position. Even if I turn off the engine and restart it, my blades engage. Any suggestions?

Hi,
Sounds as if the tension is not being released. This is usually corrected by examination without the engine running. The engagement arm should move(swing) freely by moving the engagement lever. The parts breakdown and manual can be found at this link:
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/part-model/Craftsman-Parts/Riding-mower-tractor-Parts/Model-917287011/0247/1509200?pathTaken=&prst=0&shdMod=917287011
And the picture in the manual is at the bottom of page 21.
Peace,
Clarke