So no dipstick then?

I'll have to look it over. I didn't notice one. It didn't blow up so it must have oil. Lol

At any rate it was preliminary test runs to see if anything could be done with getting it into gear. But it won't go anymore. My dad used to grind third but it won't do it and I don't want to break anything else. Will have to pull the engine and see about the gear clutch and check the main clutch. The gear clutch I know was wore out before he got it 30 years ago, previous owners used to pull start it. Was being used to plow snow at a local cafe when he found it.

Another fun story I have is this is the first time I've hand cranked the pony engine in 29 years. The last time I cranked it was when I was 14, it kicked back and hit me in the face and broke my jaw. I just let Dad do after that lol.

naylorbros wrote:

To check the oil level on a starting engine without a rod-type oil level checker there should be a cock on the oil pan.   

Thank you, I have a D8 with a starting engine with no provision for a rod type oil gauge and have always wondered how the level was checked. The one I have was seized when I got it and I wonder if it was run with not enough oil. ​​​​​
 

No.11,
I can see why you didn't hand crank it for 29 years, ouch!!

I wonder if anyone has any parts transmissions or transaxle whatever you want to call it. I can see this being more than I anticipated and I haven't even started to take it apart yet lol

So it seems it's more of a main clutch problem with one of the pressure plate "levers" is loose, so it's still making contact with the disc. I tried tightening the nut and I actually got it into gear and it worked but the nut came loose again. So I think the spring behind the lever may be broken. Or something is wrong behind there.

No.11, check the nut and the stud threads you maybe very lucky to require a nut only? I would check the parts manual to see exactly what is in there and how it assembles

The threads on the stud and nut are fine. I'm goin take more apart next time and see.