Hey Gimbal -
There's a Lawn-Boy Forum here at LMF and there are other places on the web where you can check this out -- use a search engine if you don't like the answers here. :wink:
I don't know the answer to your specific question but if I were you I'd just take all that self-propelled stuff off the mower. The mower would be lighter and easier to handle. The only downside is that you would have to push it rather than have it drive itself.
But, by removing the drive mechanism -- making the mower lighter -- you make a mower that's simpler. easier to maintain, and gives you the benefit of more exercise while you mow. :biggrin: I did that with one of my old Lawn-Boys and it's now a really fun mower to use for mowing and fitness.