[Merlin2014]

I’ll start with a little background information. I have been looking for a replacement for my aging SLT-1554 for several years now. I have posted about several of my adventures with the SLT and of my plans for a replacement mower. Between being slow on the draw and just all around procrastinating too much I finally acquired a 2185, that runs and the transmission functions properly but the deck is junk. Yesterday I located a 48 inch deck in reasonable shape at a decent price so I bought it and the seller through in a rusty but complete 2518. I’m currently in the process of doing a tune-up and changing all the fluids on the 2185. Wow, that Cub Cadet trans fluid is kind of pricy but I want to start with everything as fresh as I can make it so the trans is getting fresh fluid and filter. Once I’m through with the 2185 tractor I’ll checkout that mower deck from the 2518 and make sure all the moving parts are in good repair and get new belts. Ok, now for the questions. What is the simplest way to change the ignition coils on a CH18S engine? I replaced them on my old SV740S as they were a breeze but this horizontal engine appears to be lot more involved with actually getting to them so how does everyone do it. Also, the 2518 has the cast iron transmission and though I have pulled the release lever it will not roll backwards. Forward is no problem but seems to want to ratchet when pushed backwards. It will move a few inches backward then stop but if you rock it forward just the least little bit you can hear a click then it will roll backwards a little more. Is this trans toast or is this something that can be easily repaired? I appreciate everyone’s assistance with these questions and rest assured there will be many more to come. Thanks!