Abrupt engine stop when engaging mower

[Hotmath]

After removing the deck to make a repair to the transmission linkage (lubricated the pivot), when I engage the mower, the engine comes to an abrupt, nearly violent stop. I've done tests and observations:
- engaging the mower button with the mower belt disconnect does not cause the stoppage, and the mower pto pulley spins upon engaging.
- the spindles and pulleys and bearings on the deck are new, as are the blades. I can pull on the belt and smoothly turn the blades.
- -after the stoppage, if I remove the belt and try to turn the pto pulley by hand, is seems locked, rotates a small bit either way, then hard stop.
- I've only done this test in neutral
I've worked with 2 ai apps with no luck.
Help!
Thanks,
Chuck

 

[Harry in Ky]

No offense, but I get more done when I'm working with my hands and tools. I don't get far with ai apps. It might help to mention what you're working on to start with, and maybe even throw in a few photos of the clutch, belts, ETC that are causing you problems. At this point no one even knows what they would be guessing at.

 

[Topzide]

The deck belt isn't routed correctly. It's binding somewhere on the deck.

 

[RjCorazza]

X2 on what Harry and Topzide are saying.
Sure sounds like a belt routing problem, but post the make and model, as well as some photos of the belt routing. Your manual may address the correct routing.