My 149 Getting Some Much Needed Love

[DeltaCub]

I bought this 149 some years back just because I liked it! The tractor was built in August of 1972. It runs pretty well but it needs some repairing. Tried mowing grass and leaves with it one fall but the clutch slipped very badly. The hydro control has no tension and will take off lickety split if you don't keep our hand on the control. I was planning on doing some repairs at a later date, however, when i walked to the Cub House I noticed a lovely little oil leak on my nice floor. OK...today is the day so here goes...pics or it never happened. The PTO had been rebuilt but the repair person did NOT true the mating parts. The locking collar for the PTO clutch bearing is secured AFTER it is locked into place a set screw. ...but the yahoo used the punch on the set screw .
The hydro control linkage is tightened by a clamp dealie on the end of the shaft. The clamp was tight and had no more adjustment....that has been remedied and I will replace the plastic "bearing".
Ok, now to the oil leak! The usual valve cover gaskets are oozing so no big deal. I removed the tins and flywheel cover. Found a leaking seal under the flywheel. I was going to just reseal this engine and replace the gaskets while it is on the bench. However, I removed the head just for giggles to see what the cylinder looks like. To my surprise the head gasket has been changed in the not so distant past. I cleaned the top of piston and it has STD stamped on it...Uh oh...now I look at cylinder and there is cross hatch in it. I am not liking this...has some one rebuilt this engine with std size parts? Had to stop at that point to take care of some other matters...but I will be taking further action on this engine this week so stay tuned!