Hi all,
How much of an issue are the sagging rails? I’ve just pulled my 17” model 45 down and the rails are in pretty bad shape. I would say there have been a few dodgy repair attempts in the past. I would estimate there is about an 8mm drop under the middle engine mount in relation to the 2 sides. It looks like a crack has been welded up without the rail being straightened. Just contemplating a donor machine or getting in touch with a tool maker I know to try and cut the rails, press straight, reinforce etc. It didn’t run too bad, but did shake around a bit. It has a Briggs 80202 (which I plan to replace with a Honda gx100 or chonda equivalent ohv motor. Clutch half looks to have been replaced and seems sound.
Cheers,
John
