154 tranny fork problems

[Hubnut]

I bought a 154 today. It runs like a top, no smoke and looks pretty good with an international belly mower. It will drive in reverse, but if I shift to another gear, it stalls. I figure it's a fork problem. I pulled the tranny cover, and the forks look like they've been repaired before. Couple questions. Could someone show me a pic of the correct setup for the forks in neutral. Also, can the rails come out while the tranny is in the tractor? Finally, could someone suggest a good vendor for new forks and rails?
Thanks!

[staninlowerAL]

Vendor, try Hamilton Bob's, Forum Sponsor.

[Hubnut]

I figured it out. One of the forks has slipped off the rail. The bolt that held the fork to the rail was loose. Got it working and driving, but it revealed a number of other problems. The throttle is REALLY tight. I tried moving it back and forth with penetrating oil--still tight. I think the carb needs some help. It runs best at fast idle. Also, there is a real bad chatter just under the center section of the tractor (I guess near the PTO clutch). Lastly, there is a regular "knock" from the right rear wheel when in reverse. Any ideas on that knock?

[Don McCombs]

Lastly, there is a regular "knock" from the right rear wheel when in reverse. Any ideas on that knock?

Check to see that all wheel bolts are tight.

[staninlowerAL]

Throttle problem, this was posted about a similar problem a few days ago: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=97229 You might try these recommendations.

[Hubnut]

Wheel bolts tight. Only happens in reverse. I think it could be the bull gear or axle drive gear.

[Eugene]

There is a real bad chatter just under the center section of the tractor (I guess near the PTO clutch).

Probably the PTO mechanism itself.

If you haven't obtained them, get the Operator's Manual, Parts Manual, and Service Manual for the tractor. You will need them to work on the PTO. Probably 40 or 50 parts in the PTO.

[Hubnut]

Thanks. I ordered the service manual. What is the "clutch" just under the gear shift? It has an adjuster on it. I think the chatter is coming from this. It is a little wobbly on the splined shaft and has a gap (little plastic looking things).

[staninlowerAL]

Thanks. I ordered the service manual. What is the "clutch" just under the gear shift? It has an adjuster on it. I think the chatter is coming from this. It is a little wobbly on the splined shaft and has a gap (little plastic looking things).

Sounds like you are describing the transmission clutch. In case you haven't discovered it yet on a 154 the clutch and PP is fastened to the transmission, not to the rear of the engine. As Eugene said, the manuals will be your friends.