Well didn't read all you post but as far as the single wire goes, yes, it should be DC current for charging the battery. The charging wire on SOME riding mowers and law tractors goes back thru the positive wire of the switch. Yours only has a kill wire to the switch, a ground wire. Walt Conner

There are several things that could cause this. You might start by checking the condition of the rubber tired drive wheel. Is it worn badly or chunked out? Is there oil on the aluminum drive disc? The distance from the top of the frame, where the engine sits, to the drive face of the aluminum drive disc should be 3-7/8". A weak tensioning spring could cause this. Does the mower have an "Easy Start" clutch? If so, the rubber tired drive wheel should have a liner inside it, is this in good condition? IF all these things check out, try adjusting the bracket on the side that the gear selector runs in. Loosen the 2 studs in the slotted mounting holes and slide the bracket forward a little. Do not slide it so much that you do not have neutral in neutral position. Walt Conner

thanks for all your help. it was the belt. my brother came over and realined it and seems to be moving fine. THANKS AGAIN Charley

sounds like the snap ring broke that holds the axle in. you need to open the transaxle case and lift out the differencal then take out the screws to open the case and you will see how and where the snapring belongs.(on the other end of the axle is a grove it fits into.then close everything up again and put it back in tractor.