pulley removal ideas needed

Ivan Vegvary · 2007-06-09T05:42:33+00:00

Threw a belt on my CubCadet riding mower. Instructions say to "remove bolt on end of vertical shaft (impact gun required), lower and remove clutch assembly from shaft, slide off drive pulley so belt can be removed/installed".I had to use a puller to remove the clutch assembly. It didn't simply "slide" down off the 4" long engine shaft. Next is the pulley. 3.56" diameter. I cannot get it to budge. The only place to attach a puller is the nearest belt groove. Needless to say, I've already buggered that up. No access to the far side of the pulley.Has anybody tried to drill and tap a pair of holes near the pulley hub? I could thread the holes and make a suitable puller. I have no idea if there is enough metal in these cheap stamped pulleys to cut threads. Adding a nut to the back end of my bolts would be impossible.Heat would be another option. Have to have the wife stand by with the extinguisher since I'm spilling some gasoline. (I have the unit tipped on it's side). Naturally, I am using all sorts of penetrating oils.Additional ideas would be appreciated. While I still might be within my 3 year warranty (I'll look for receipts) the belt is a wearable part and would not be covered. It's a damn shame that a $2,500 piece of equipment is worthless because it needs a new belt.Need help!!! All advise appreciated.Thanks,Ivan Vegvary