My craftsman 22" self propelled

My Craftsman mower lost the self propel feature. The small pulley on the top of the transmission would slip under load, There was just not enough tension on the belt to over come it. Tried a new belt and also replaced the tensioner spring...still slipping when going uphill or with full bag. Possible pulleys worn...not wanting to gamble more time and labor, I bought a 4" 1/4" cap screw with extra nuts and flat washers, a 3"16 eye bolt as well. Drill a 1/4" hole in the bracket that holds the trans activation cable in place and a 3/16" hole in the mower deck so the holes are in alignment with each other. Put the cap screw through the 1/4" hole with the threads facing toward the front of the mower. Fasten the eye bolt into the 3/16" hole in the mower deck locking it in place with one nut on each side of the metal. Now you have the 1/4" bole protruding through the eye bolt. Using a flat washer and nut, tighten then nut easily and when there is room put a second nut on it. When you have tightened it up to the desired belt tension lock the two nuts together using two wrenches. Note...do NOT make the belt incredibly tight or you will destroy the trans in a short time. Go a little at a time till the drive does not slip under load. Good luck hope this helps. Oh....you will have to trim the plastic cover that covers the transmission so the added bolt will clear it and you can put the cover back in it's proper place.

Your problem is at other end . Engagement problem is probably due to a loose belt. Make adjustment in that area of mower. GOOD LUCK.