Hey All,
Update on Karel, the 42" Craftsman Lawn Tractor:
Billy, from the LawnMowerShop delivered Karel back yesterday morning. He said that the DieHard Battery is toast. Will have a replacement for it today. Have to remove the OLD Battery to trade in as a core.
Billy said what had happened to the 161081 Asm Shaft was that apparently over the years, the Battery had leaked electrolyte down onto it and just ate it away. Told him that I had never noticed that the Battery was leaking. He said ALL Batterys leak!
Nonetheless, the Asm Shaft was $33.73 delivered. The installation of the Asm Shaft was $87.48. NEW Battery will be under $40.00, so for less than $160.00 Karel is back up and running.
Am going to remove the Blades from the MowerDeck, sharpen them, then reinstall, and then if it's not too hot, will mow the lawns.
Again, want to thank everyone for the responses. Will be in touch. Hope you all are well..
JC