Jack, The metal on that gear shaft is so brittle you can break it away with your fingernail. I can only guess someone had soaked it in acid prior to me buying it.
Rang a local mower shop and he tells me he has a VK-30 engine in working condition. Might take a look at it and buy it if he doesn't want too much for it.
I can't get very inspired by this mower or its engine if the truth be told. I guess it is just too "American" for my tastes. I am definitely a Southern Cross man, and then I am picky. I only like the ones with their own ECB engines. Some of the 2-stroke engines on the SC's were not much good if the truth be told.
