My tiller was hard to turn. After dumping a QT. of 140 gear oil in it and running for a while it freed up. Not much inside other than a couple chains and sprockets. The factory grease gets hard over the years that's why I went with oil to begin with the 1st year. Now it gets my special blend before use.

I see, that is possible something got in there. It wouldn't hurt to pull that cover back and see what drops out will it?

It won't hurt. Go for it.

Couldn't get a good picture and it was difficult to see but looks like the only scarring is on the outside edge of the lock collar. That leads me to think its the set screw that came out and rolled around awhile. Nothing else was in there besides the felt and some dirt. I feel good about putting it back together and do some gardening with it now.

http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/...pss7kpijjr.jpg