The mower has always been hard to shift but recently it will not shift with the handle. Have to disconnect and use a wrench directly on the shift connection on the transaxle. What could cause it to not be able to shift properly? Also need to know what fluid is used in the transaxle for lubrication?

 

Hello Richard Tabor,


The most common cause I've found for hard shifting on these older transaxles is the shift shaft bore corroding from moisture, The fix is to pull the transaxle then the top cover. Soak the shaft with penetrating oil and keep working it until you can slide it out, Then clean and lube it back up and reinstall.

Note on top of the housing near the shift shaft is a allen or slotted set screw (shift detent), Remove this along with the spring and steel ball in the bottom or be careful when removing the shift shaft from the housing as the ball will fall out and get lost.

If you clean out all the old grease/lube while your in there it requires 30 ounces of Bentonite grease Tecumseh part # 788067B to refill.


Good Luck

 

I have freed these up by spraying PBlaster at the shaft while working it back and forth. The needle bearings in the top case half get moisture like 31YTech said. They rust and it gets hard to shift. Usually the PBlaster gets it working again. If not, you'll have to pull it as suggested.

 

Hello Mr Cheese,

Just to not confuse Richard Tabor, If you remember sir, There's no needle bearings in the shift shaft bore but only the drive input shaft bore. Between shaft rust and housing corrosion is what causes the issue.


31

 

Thanks, I will disassemble, clean and lube it. Everywhere I checked I could not find info on the Bentonite grease. I owe you. Thanks again.

 

Thanks Cheese I will try PB Blaster first.

 

Thanks for the clarification so I don't have to worry about needle bearings on the shift shaft bore. Good to know. Thanks again!

 

Thanks 31YTech, I was thinking of the input shaft as you suspected. Still, the penetrating oil does often work to clear up hard shifting... give it a shot and see how it does.