1970 Simplicity 627 brake/clutch issues

[JesseFromJersey]

Hello everyone! First off, please excuse my language illiteracy as I really don’t know much about these machines. I was just given this machine by my wife’s aunt as it’s been in the family for 50 years. She said she had it serviced before giving it to me, but after mowing for 20 minutes it refused to move in any direction after pushing the brake in and attempting to switch gears. I looked around and noticed a long 7” ish spring that looks similar to an extension spring.

I know that their was a pin that came out of the rod that connects the brake pedal with the motor belt area because that rod was disconnected, but after fixing that issue, it still will not engage into a gear. I just can’t exactly see where the heck this spring is supposed to go. Does anyone have any ideas?

thank you in advance!

 

[Auto Doc's]

That spring is likely an idler tensioner arm spring. Being this old and you are not very confident mechanically; it might be best to search around for an owner group online for these older mowers. There are all kinds of owner's groups out there.

Newer small engine parts changers likely know less than you. A good old car mechanic could likely figure the problem out.