Just got me a 2186

[ratsac]

hi all,
first timer here. I just got my first rider mower a 2nd hand 2186 with 300 hours, it came with a plow and grass catcher, general its in good nick, just needs some love. i am changing all fluids, filters and plugs and blades, cleaned it top to bottom and pulled the deck and greased it,
I have run into a couple of issues, first i was not used to the oil drain plug and when pulling the hose off the plug after draining oil i pulled the plastic drain off, I saw a some o rings, said shit and stuck it back on, next morning 2 quarts of oil on floor, when to the dealer and he told me all about it, said it was due to wear and replace the whole thing, also told me it was going to be tough fit,
i need to raise the engine to get a wrench onto it,
im used to working on motorcycles but mowers are new to me, How do i shim the engine up and is there a better way,
I also have to go out and but new wrenches and most of mine are metric. and special sets i will need working the mower. eg blades nut is rusted on, going to use toque wrench on it tomorrow after a soak.
thanks and see ya
andy