Greetings hlw49 and thanks for the response...
There was a leak for a bit due to the "breather/dip stick" not functioning properly...but I never remember the fluid being "too" low because I keep a pretty good eye on those things. If it were to run low would it make a cringy whining sound maybe?
Idler looks fine and so does the belt I'll do a test run up on the stand later...the fluid level is also fine but there is a small amount of "whitish" stuff similar to when water gets in oil if you know what I mean?
I am curious about finding a repair/service manual for this mower...do have any idea where I might get one and if I might ask another favor of you might it be the hydro perhaps and if so...is there a test?
Greatful
Tatwo...