I have a mid 90's MTD (Lowes label) that I bought on Craig's List. It runs fine, but just started acting strange. When I pull the handle (the one that lowers the deck) back, the blades are supposed to stop, but mine doesn't. They do slow down, but not too much. Any ideas?

The mtd's have separate levers for lower/raise and for mower disengage. I'll assume you meant the engage/disengage. I'll bet if you look at the top of the mower deck (engine off) when you move the lever you will see that the pulleys are not moving as far as they should, prpbably binding up. I would check that the entire deck top is free of yard debris to ensure correct operation.

Good luck

The mower is equipped so that when the disengaging blades lever is applied a clamp is tightened to the pulleys to stop blades.
1-belt could be to small and not allowing enough slack
2-brake mechanism not working

Or as stated earlier the pulley to disengage is not traveling all the way.
Regards,
Don