Well, I got some time today to work on the 1450 and got the job pretty much completed. I started the day by replacing the practically none-existant hydro-fan with a shiny new one.
After that, I set to work giving the frame and engine area a quick spit-shine, the pics pretty much speak for themselves on this one. Next is a quick pic of the grove that was worn from the old rubbers that were obviously past there prime. As a result, as I later found, the drivers-side rear engine mount bolt was stripped so I've got to figure out what to do about that, I'm open to suggestions!
Next up I put the new cradle in place and boy did it look good, especially compared to the old setup that was on the machine. After that, I got in a good grove and missed any more pics until she as all back together
Got the engine set in place, bolted up, cables/wires hooked up, grill installed, yada yada yada. Once everything was in place, I turned the key and she fired right up! It took about another hour of adjustments (carb and ISO bolt tightness, I started with about a thread showing as I've read and tightened half a turn from there. I eventually got a good "smoothness". Now I've got to track down those pesky hood rattles
).
Anywho, all in all, it was a great success for not only my first motor pull but my first cradle replacement. I was absolutely against Quietlines before this as the cradle situation scared me but I've got to say, this was well worth the effort. I look forward to next spring/summer when I really get to put her to work as mower and a tiller around the yard and for the garden!
BTW, big thanks to messary for the cradle and ISO mounts, they worked out great! I also want to thank everyone who offered to help me out by welding the brace I needed, I appreciate the great community we have here, thanks guys!
