WWYD?? 2166 tins off for the first time

[blackcloud77]

Hi all, new member here.

I have a 2166 with the Kohler Command CH16 engine, purchased used this year. Sorry, I don't have the serial handy. I haven't done much work to it, besides replacing two dry rotted rear tires and the battery. The starter, solenoid and ignition module are new, per the previous owner.

The other day I removed most of the body panels to investigate a loud rattling, combined with the loss of hydrostatic drive. In what I called a rare success, the problem was obvious and I did enough research to source and purchase 2 sets of driveshaft barrels to correct the problem. Found a video showing how to install the barrels. Hopefully I'm good there.

I do have the intermittent click and no start issue, which I intend to remedy while I have the panels off using the relay kit mod I found here on the site. The only other issue that I'm aware of, is that when it does crank, it takes a good while of cranking before the engine will even think about firing. It will kick just a little after a lot of cranking, then she will roar to life after you push the choke in. Not a big problem but it sure would be more satisfying if she fired right up.

I am also considering having the panels media blasted and repainting them. Even if not, I was thinking of replacing the body bolts with stainless.

All that said, my question is this... while I have the fender, floor and right side engine panel removed, what additional maintenance and/or mods would you recommend doing while it's mostly naked? I've also removed the deck, to inspect it for any issues/abnormalities but haven't got to that yet. Any other advice is of course appreciated!