Hydro release lever

[DanReeve]

Well, I broke it already. lol

I had to move my 129 a few inches so I pulled up on the release lever. The lever moved up (more like flexed up) somewhat but did not seem to disengage anything. And once released stays in a normal position.

I was able to freely move the tractor forward and back.

But now it will not hold. I’ve pushed down on the lever but only a much/hard as I did in the upward direction initially.

I haven’t started it since, not sure if that matters or needs to be done but I’ll wait for any suggestions here till I do that.

I’ve read the operators manual and I feel the lever should work as basically as the instruction is written.

Is taking that cover off in my near future?

Thanks in advanced!

 

[DanReeve]

Ok, ok. I got it. I took the cover off and wiped the excessive oil off the contacts and made sure they depressed and released freely. I was still able to move the tractor so started it up and I could tell right away it was working. Moved forward and back with no issues.

Can someone explain the release lever for the hydrostatic drive? Looking in the manual at some of the illustrations, my lever isn’t in the same position as shown.

 

[jstich]

The "contacts" are not contacts. They are release "buttons" for the relief valves in the hydro. The lever should have a metal tab attached that pushes the buttons down to allow the tractor to move by pushing, without damaging the hydro. If either of the buttons stick in the down position the tractor will not move in either forward or reverse under power, depending which button is stuck.

 

[DanReeve]

Thank you. I did go back and forth from calling them contacts or plungers writing my post.

 

[jstich]

Contacts, buttons, plungers, call them whatever you like.
Does it make sense how the lever makes the valves release?
Might be a very good time to get the pressure washer in there and remove 50 years of accumulated dirt grease and crud. Hydro units will last much longer if kept cooler.

 

[wh cc guy]

I have a 129 and my handle is in the same place but underneath it is just a strait round rod. I must have some pieces missing. Do you have a picture that shows what it looks like underneath?

 

[digger]

I have a 129 and my handle is in the same place but underneath it is just a strait round rod. I must have some pieces missing. Do you have a picture that shows what it looks like underneath?

 

[wh cc guy]

Thanks Digger now I know what I need.

 

[DanReeve]

Mine looks about the same. The tab is rusted and not sure if it will move to that position. I’ll check it again later this week when I wash it.

 

[jake henry]

where are the points on the 80 aeries???? jake in rockford illinois

 

[digger]

where are the points on the 80 aeries???? jake in rockford illinois

80 series?

 

[jake henry]

according to the original paperwork this 80 series tractor has an 8hp briggs & stratton engine. 4 cycle, 19.4 cu.in. displacement. I think the points are under the flywheel but not sure how to access.

 

[-CӞ]

Of which model do you speak, specifically?

 

[dschwandt]

Probably one of the lawn tractors with a Briggs
Probably has a magneto and not points
The Mag would indeed be under the flywheel.

 

[jlord]

Probably one of the lawn tractors with a Briggs
Probably has a magneto and not points
The Mag would indeed be under the flywheel.

If it doesn't have a separate coil and the spark plug wire comes out from under the sheet metal engine cover, then it will have a magneto with the points and a condenser under an aluminum cover once the flywheel is removed.