You are missing the PTO thrust button and brake.
What is that in the picture?

I'm hoping you are right! It did sound pretty ugly!

I think that is the front half of a safety brake for the PTO......I'll confess I'm not quite sure I have figured out how the PTO works just yet.

There is a flathead screw that goes thru the part you marked with an arrow towards the front, and it looks like both pieces have friction pads on them. But the front piece cant rotate (at least I don't think so), so it must be a brake?

Not sure where the thrust button is supposed to be unless it is the shiny mangled piece in the middle?

Ok, the thrust button is actually there, and figured out how it works, but something is wrong with the thrust button other than the end is somewhat mangled by the loose screw.

According to the parts diagram, there is supposed to be a wave washer and circlip holding the brake disc plate on to the thrust button, and they are not there, nor is there any room for them to be installed? I can't imagine that much of the button has been sheared off, but maybe?

Have you started the engine to see if that was the problem? If it's the engine then there is no point messing with the PTO since it will have to be removed anyway.

Not yet. It turns over easily by hand with no noise or obstruction, so I feel pretty confident it was the PTO all along. (fresh metal shavings and all)

Thought I would address that while it is easy to reach.

This thread is entertaining....
I blew up my motor!! Wait, no I didn't.... I think it's the PTO. Yeah, it's the PTO. "So, now that you know it's the PTO, does the motor run ok?" I dunno.....


:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:

Sound funny like a "Live" show but he already mention been a first timer Kohler "engineer" so why we don't give him a brake Mr Johnny gun? :biggrin2:

Joke aside I enjoy the drama and wait for more action! :ThumbsUp:

Happy to provide the entertainment!

:biggrin2::ExtremeFunny::LMAO1::ROTF1::ROTF2: