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Finally got the 953 mostly done. Been a long one but worth it. Still have some small issues and details to get sorted out but 98% complete

Get an inline 1/4 marine primer bulb. This is a common issue with any of these tractors with the fuel tank under the seat. 2-3 squishes before before starting and it'll likely start on the first couple rotations. Saves your starter, saves your battery, does wonders for your sanity...

Technically wasn’t today but this past weekend. Changed the oil and put in a new spark plug and air filter on the 314-8. For the plug I went with the Champion RH-10C. Also picked up new belts for the deck and the mule drive but haven’t put those on yet. Watched a few videos on installing those and I hope they’re as simple to install as they seem. Haven’t pulled the trigger and bought the drive belt yet, seems like that could be a job that might end up leading to much bigger things that I might not be up for quite yet. Bought some new rear deck wheels but going to have to do some research on getting those mounted properly. The new bolts they came with don’t seem quite long enough and tightening the bolts up any at all makes them so tight they won’t spin. Really digging this thing so far though, amazing how smooth the Kohler seems even with 1100 hours. Idles insanely smooth, little hard to start if it’s sat for a few days but man do I love it. Really only downfall for me is I like to mow a little on the high side and it seems like around 3” is about as high as you’ll get.

Who all gets their Horses out in a Parade? I recruit local teenagers and neighbors to drive some and they have so much fun. (It’s also good for when I am out making so much noise working on them that neighbors are more forgiving, lol) plus it gets them out for a good exercising.

Not much time on a work day but trimmed the left foot rest to clear the front hydro lift hose. I had to do that on another and really don't see a good way around it. Salvaged an exhaust elbow from an M10 I had in the garage. Still looking at exhaust solutions and this gives me another. I've actually been spraying that for 6 months or so and an old 1 1/8" axle fit perfectly in the outlet so a little persuasion broke it loose

Well finally today I got around to working on the 417. First I drained all the old gas out and replaced the fuel filter. Then took the carb off and cleaned it. And once the system primed it fired right up! I drove it around for a little while to get the oil nice and hot and changed that. I also greased it and adjusted the motion control cam plate. I gave it a quick bath and degreasing. I think when I washed it even though I was careful I got some water in the points so I got no spark now. But tommorow I’ll pop the points cover off then give them a quick cleaning. IMG_2222.mov

Hitch pin is out.

This evening we finished cleaning the cable ends. I built a new positive cable from solenoid to starter. Degreased the starter and engine block where the cables attach. Installed a NOS Cole Hersee solenoid from my parts department. Added a new battery hold down. Used a primer bulb to dump a little gasoline into the carburetor bowl through the upper vent. At that point the ole beast started right up.... and the alternator started smoking. No worries there. I knew that was a high probability. I have a new HD alternator set aside with a new wiring harness. The truck is setting in the front yard waiting to be towed to the repair shop tomorrow.

Went to mow after work today. 654 was a no crank/start. 1st time its ever let me down in the 3.5yrs I've had it. Pushed it from back shed into garage, luckily its downhill. Look at at when I get a chance. Had to break out walk behind mower. Bought it last year & today was 1st time I used it. Had to pay up quite a bit to get the model with a Kohler engine.

I am serious, and don't call me Shirley.

Sold!