Craftsman tiller belt replacement

[MRsluggo]

I've got a 5hp craftsman tiller, model 135202, type 0119-01 that the forward drive belt has broken on. I went to an auto parts store and got a 40" belt that looks just like the old one (except it makes a complete circle). However, I can't seem to get the new one to stretch over both pulleys. No matter how hard I pry grunt and groan. Am I doing something wrong, have the wrong belt, or is there a trick here I'm missing. Any help would be much appreciated.

[davidg]

you should have either an idler that allows for slack, or your engine mounts need to be loosened to give it some slack.

[MRsluggo]

well there is an idler pulley that removes slack when the lever on the tiller handle is depressed. but the belt wont fit between the pulley coming out of the engine and the drive pulley. wrong size? i measured the old one and it was 40"...

[davidg]

you need teh actual sears part number for the tiller. it will be XXX.XXXXXX. the number you posted is for the engine. then goto sears' parts website and look up to see what the correct length belt is.

like i said, on mine you loosen teh 4 engine mounting bolts and slide the engine in teh mount to get the slack required.