Fish around in there w/something sharp. Maybe there is crud etc. stuck in the head, then blow it out good.

I dug around a little with a small piece of copper wire I had laying around, but will get in there better with a small punch or something.

So...as I was riding the 123 back into its cubby, I noticed that the PTO was spinning like a top. Maybe the PO kept tightening the turnbuckle (just like on yours drglinski) to compensate for the missing PTO button and bent the spring in? Or maybe it was getting there, and my monkeying around with it finally did it in?

Was thinking maybe a pick of an awl, something sharp and strong enough to nit just curl up. The extra 1/32" or 1/16 " you might gain jus may do the trick.
Make sure your allen wrenches are fully bottoming is what I mean.

Was thinking maybe a pick of an awl, something sharp and strong enough to nit just curl up. The extra 1/32" or 1/16 " you might gain jus may do the trick.
Make sure your allen wrenches are fully bottoming is what I mean.

At least with the 1st ones out you will have a place for the penetrant to puddle while it does it's thing

Found an old ice pick that I forgot I had and will give that a try.

I bought a set of these last week. Currently $1.99. Disposable at that price. Feel free to abuse.
http://t.harborfreight.com/4-piece-p....google.com%2F

http://www.harborfreight.com/media/c...mage_16048.jpg

Sorry for the huge photo, I couldn't find a smaller one.

Another word of advice is don't use the Allen's that have the ball at the bottom that is supposedly the size. I use a t handle set but ground off the ball portion because they will snap off instantly.

You'll notice that you might be able to break it free easily enough but it will get tighter and bind up on it's way out. Don't just keep spinning it, spin it out a little then back in numerous times when it gets that way. Also agree with what's said before, clean them out as much as you can, good luck

I ordered the rebuild kit and some extra set screws just in case. The PTO runs with the mower belt unattached, but will not turn at all with the belt on. Just wondering if this could indicate what the problem is?

If the springs are weak or if the fiber disk is worn thin it could do that.