Need help
 

I bought a 149 this winter, and didn't really do anything to it but clean the carburator to get it to run, now that the weather is nice, and I can take it out of the barn I'm finding issues with it. The lever in front of the seat reads drive/release. moving this lever feels like there is nothing attached to it. I pick it up, and it falls back down. Is it supposed to be attached to something under the panel near the hydraulic pump? I can't push it like I can my 147 when the lever is in the release position. I can only drive it, then it creeps with the lever in neutral. Thanks for any help

the little tab that hits the release valves is probably broke off, thats why it doesnt feel like theres nothing there. your service manual tells you all about how to adjust the creep

As far as a new paddle for your relief valves, the wide frame one is NLA but the narrow frame one is still available, but i can't guarantee that it will work. You can also put the automatic valves in there and not worry about the paddle being broke. The auto's are a direct replacement for the manual ones. They are just a little pricey.

AJ

Unlike your 147, you can remove the tunnel cover from the 149 - there's 4 bolts/screws that hold it on. Complete covers are usually available on ebay. If push comes to shove and you want to tow the 149 any great distance you can remove the tunnel cover and release the valves by pushing down on the little knobs on top. However, they might not want to come back up, even with the tractor running and putting pressure against them. Since it sounds like they haven't been used for awhile, clean them and oil them before pushing down on them. You're gonna like that 149! :American Flag 1:

Mine are stuck down as well, I bought some used auto release valves on ebay.

Hydro Relief Valves
 

Once you get a "stuck down" valve out (which can be a process in itself) you can unstick the top knob by pushing up on the bottom of it with something small enough to fit in the hole in the bottom. I've had good luck with the red plastic spray tube from a WD40 can. I've turned against the idea of the newer automatic valves after having a pair develop an uncontrolable leak. Maybe I shouldn't have stuck a toothpick into the "weep hole" on top?? I sold them to a guy that rebuilds them and he's supposed to tell me why they went bad so fast. :American Flag 1:

thanks
 

Thanks for the help, I've had the tunnel off, and pushing on the valves only hurts my thumb or whatever I'm pushing with.

ajgross You stated that the paddle of the 149 is NLA can one be fabricated, not being in the barn right now I think that there is only a rollpin holding the paddle onto the run/release lever.

I will get the power washer out today as it's supposed to be 85 here in Michigan, and give it a good cleaning, and get some oil on those valves. Thanks again for everyones help.

Al :beerchug:

The hydro release valve lever for the 149 is not NLA. Just about 2 days ago I bought one from Madson's Service. I haven't gotten it yet so I don't know for sure that it's right but I do know they are available new.

You can get them from here: CC Specialties for $20.