Got the end off and the grease looks pretty full of rust particles, suggesting water damage and the head only turns ever so slightly before stopping. Feels like something's broken inside housing.
Plus I snapped the little bolt that tightens it onto the shaft (arrow).
I think I'll be getting bits of the motor and dicing th rest, unless I find another gearbox spindle assembly for the end.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
