Craftsman Rear Engine

[lefty2cox]

Not sure if this is the correct sub-forum for the question but here goes.

Craftsman 247.290000
1E274B20453

I was given this machine, which sat outside for the past 5 or so years. It's actually very well maintained considering. I'm not super familiar with the model but from what I can gather, with the brake off and out of park, I should be able to push the machine when in neutral. But the trans is still engaged for some reason. I checked the user manual but nothing jumped out at me regarding any other release. The shift pin at the trans itself appears to move freely and is not binding. Am I missing something? I'm in the process of pulling it apart so I can get my hands on the flywheel and turn it while in gear to see if something unbinds. I'm wondering if anyone has worked on or owns this type and can confirm my expectations regarding how it operates are correct. Thank you.

 

[lefty2cox]

I got this apart today and wasn't able to free anything up. Belts and pulleys appear to be operating properly. When in gear, turning the flywheel does nothing. When in neutral, the wheels are still engaged. I'm wondering if the trans is shot. The reason I haven't gone deeper on the other side to see how it performs running is because there's a lot of work that needs to be done and I don't want to engage if the trans is screwed. This is a pro bono project and there are a lot of problems. A lot of wiring needs to be fixed...most likely carb replacement...massive amounts of mouse cleanup, etc, etc. There's a long road to running. If I can make a decision on the trans, I can spare myself a lot of time and aggravation.

 

[Rivets]

Jack up the rear end and see if the wheels turn at all. Also, remove the belt from the tranny pulley and see if anything moves when turning the pulley. Check at different speeds. Check and see if the brake is frozen tight at the tranny.