Hi Scott,
A couple of deep breaths and all will be fine with your Victa.
Does the tickler jamb down or is it the needle is not seating?
Can't remember if there was a spring in the adjuster but from memory I just added a small piece of steel in one end and that fixed the rod dropping out problem. I think I probably had to remove the bolts in both end, put the rod in and then put the bolts back in.
Haven't heard of the adjuster winding down during use, not sure what an easy fix for that would be without looking at it.
No easy fix for the handle not staying up, it was an issue from day one with them. My best suggestion is a strip of then rubber sheet and clamp it between the clamps. Don't be over aggressive with the bolts once the rubber is in there because it may beak the clamps. They were a problem from day one.
Removing the engine from the base is easy if you have the right tools but you have to remove the blade carrier then you can see the 4 nuts holding the motor on. Remove these and the motor will lift off.
