As we all knew it would, the 1/4" bolt either broke or fell out today. This time at was across the street in an empty lot that I have been clearing. I put another bolt in there so I could drive it home. Once back in the barn, I decided that I would take some time to look a little deeper into the problem. I couldn't sllide the engine forward enough to get the drive shaft out so I went ahead and took the hood and grill off, disconnected the choke and throttle cables, and the wire harness and lifted the engine out.
Once I got it all out I found that the bolt that tightens the drive cup to the flywheel had come loose! Only the pressure if the drives haft and the pin were holding it all together! The threads on the nut are ruined and the threads on the flywheel are a little bunged up on the end. Just enough that I can't get my new 5/8 18 nylock nut started. I need a thread chaser to clean it up. I have a friend who may have one, otherwise, I guess I'll have to take the engine to a machine shop and have somebody do it for me. The drive shaft is now a little thinner where it was spinning in the hub and the hole has been rounded or rather ovaled out. The drive cup and plate don't look that bad, I'm not sure what should be replaced.
How do I get the drive shaft out? Do I work from under the tractor, or do I take some sheet metal off and work from the top?
Thanks.