I wouldn't discount the claim that its had work done on it just because its covered in grease and oil. I just had a bore and rebuild done on mine with all new gaskets and several new parts, and I got my motor back COVERED in grease and oil (and hammer marks, and scratches),(I had painstakingly cleaned and degreased the motor/tractor prior to bringing it to them for the rebuild). As the owner told me; "well, we're not a restoration shop". Unfortunately some small engine repair shops have no pride in the quality of their work and don't realize that the outside of the motor is a partial reflection of their work and the pride (or lack thereof) of workmanship that goes on the inside of the motor as well. Best of luck to you!

Been down that road and I can't agree more with ya!

Yea ive seen a few sets of those wheel weights hanging around on craigslist. Seem like they are junk to me. They are filled with shot for the weight but I havent heard to much on durability of the plastic. Personally I wouldnt want anything made by MTD or any aftermarket plastic parts on my tractor. I would much rather use the IH wheel weight sets that fit perfectly in the rims. You should be able to look online and find them, they are more expensive but well worth it in terms of asthetics and originallity. Looks like it will be a nice tractor when its all cleaned up. Good job finding that, and good luck with fixing it up.:GoodLuck:

Yes it has been a while and I am doing fine but I haven't gotten to the tractor yet. I have been slowly working on my 105. I did take the ags off of this 125 and put them on my good 125, and I used the wheel weights and snow blade last winter. I know the IH weights are better quality but I can't justify paying $120 for a set when I have these cheap weights that get the job done.

Hopefully in the spring I will tear into this engine and try to figure out what is wrong. I plan to update this thread at that time. I appreciate all of the comments regarding what I might need to do to get this fixed.

I got a tip from Chris (Sugarmaker) for a good machine shop when I met up with him at a tractor show this past summer. I am hoping that it is one of the better machine shops and not like what RLemke went through. Since Chris recommended it I have high hopes.

Those tire chains are so properly put on, it's not even funny!! Also that wiring is ....... Different!! But the whole tractor together looks to be complete and in pretty good shape and its a good find! Good luck!! Might want to relocate that generator though?!!?