Okay, next problem with the VAO that wouldn't start, then had to rebuild the hydraulic pump, and then the engine stuck:
The engine freed up by removing the starter. Turns over great now, but only when the clutch is in. If it's not, it won't budge. So, I presume I'm stuck in a gear. Probably second, because that's where it was when it had the first problem. The shift lever is loose, and though it acts like it's in neutral and going in and out of gear, it's got a lot of play in it, which the other tractor does not have at all. I pulled the cover off when I was trying to get the engine freed up, and there is thick black oil coating EVERYTHING. If I can get the forks and such that are attached to the shift lever and cover plate cleaned up enough, what should I look for to solve this? With the cover off, what SHOULD the gears and forks look like in true neutral? I can try to get pictures, but I'm dependent on daylight and someone else with a camera phone, so if anyone is willing to take their cover plate off and give me a visual, I'd appreciate it!
The engine freed up by removing the starter. Turns over great now, but only when the clutch is in. If it's not, it won't budge. So, I presume I'm stuck in a gear. Probably second, because that's where it was when it had the first problem. The shift lever is loose, and though it acts like it's in neutral and going in and out of gear, it's got a lot of play in it, which the other tractor does not have at all. I pulled the cover off when I was trying to get the engine freed up, and there is thick black oil coating EVERYTHING. If I can get the forks and such that are attached to the shift lever and cover plate cleaned up enough, what should I look for to solve this? With the cover off, what SHOULD the gears and forks look like in true neutral? I can try to get pictures, but I'm dependent on daylight and someone else with a camera phone, so if anyone is willing to take their cover plate off and give me a visual, I'd appreciate it!