I see that you split the CV joint at the engine end. That should just slide off the shaft. The end at the pump should have a snap ring on it but the engine end is supposed to slide inside the ball. I'd pull the whole thing out and clean the old grease out of it. Take a look at the boots also. As long as they are not ripped you can snug them up where the shaft goes through them with a zip tie. Nice work so far. :beerchug:

Check and check! :beerchug: Slid the engine side couple the rest of the way off, cleaned it up with a wire brush, some carb cleaner, and a towel. Looked good as new when I was done. Filled it up with grease and slide her back on. Boots are in good shape, and I'll take your advice on the zip ties. Right now, she's just waiting for the engine to be dropped back in after a couple little odds and ends are straightened up.

On the other end (of the drive shaft), just a snap ring holds the drive shaft/CV to the hydro pump? :bigthink:

No the pump adapter has a bolt in the center to hold it on the shaft. Then you have 4 1/4" bolts that run through the CV joint. The snap ring is on the end of the shaft to keep the shaft in the ball. Only the front slides in and out.

Ok that's what I had thought from looking at the parts break-down before but for some reason, when I read your post, my mind interpreted it as "Is Sam saying a snap ring holds the drive shaft onto the hydro?!" :biggrin2:

My bad! :beerchug:

Got some more work done last night. Wasn't too bad, started about 8:00 and came in about 10:30 or so so the earliest night this week! :biggrin2: Rather than tell the whole story, I'll just list off what I got done last night.

• New fuel line installed for the tank cross-over on the rear of the tank

• Cleaned/greased up the seat rails

• Re-installed fenders, foot rests, and seat

• Tightened up steering. Better than it was, but I'd like to rebuild it one day

• Adjusted hydro linkage. Again, better than it was, but I need to get a couple NLA parts for it

• Removed, cleaned, and repacked the rear CV to compliment the front CV

• Reinstalled engine

• Cleaned up a couple electrical connections (grounds mostly)

• Hooked everything up and gave it a test run. Starts great, drove it around the yard. So far, happy happy happy

• Cleaned the deck up. It's in overall good shape, but may need a crack welded up before summer is over if it get's worse quick

As for what's left, tonite/tomorrow afternoon I want to finish up a few loose ends.

• Change engine oil and filter

• Change transmission fluid/filter

• Install new spark plugs

• Install new fuel filter (didn't have one on hand before)

• Remove blades and sharpen them on the deck. Got one off last night, soaking the other two in PB Blaster

• Get deck subframe welded up, see pic below

Phew. So, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Hope to report back with mowing pics in the next day or two. With all the rain we've had, she has her work cut out for her! :biggrin2:

http://s27.postimg.org/an594ozir/IMG...610_185326.jpg

Man you work fast. Think I would get the part in the pic welded.

Must be the liquid encouragement :beer2: :biggrin2:

I have this thing about me; when I start a project, I HAVE to finish it. There were nights this week I was in the shop working from 8:30 until 1:00am or later on this thing. Last night was all easy stuff; reassembly. Every night before last, I'd walk out of the shop covered in dirt, grease, and crud. Last night, I washed my hands and went to bed :biggrin2:

And as for the weld, I plan on it. I am going to get the surfaces cleaned up today and find someone to weld it come he11 or high water tomorrow.

You've been busy, Ryan!

That's really humping it to get all that done in 2 1/2 hours. It takes me that long to decide to work on it.

That sounds like me! After a day of turning wrenches, I'd rather drive my cubs than work on them! But, alas, nothing gets done that way.....

Looking good Ryan! :beerchug: