I have a Honda roto tiller model FR800 that stays in the drive mode at all times when the transmission is in a gear. When the "actuating bar" ( the bar above the handle bar that engages the drive mechanism ) is in the non drive position (up away from the handle bar ) the transmission stays engaged. I have removed the belt guard on the side, thus exposing the pulleys and the belt, and every thing looks ok. The idler pulley that puts tension on the belt moves as it should, the belt seems to have plenty of slack when the drive lever is released, when the lever is in the released position, I'm able to turn the engine pulley and the transmission easily when I hold the belt stationary.