Ariens Lawn Tractor:
Model: 93608300/A19A42
Engine Make: Briggs
Engine Model: 33R877
Engine Type: 0009-G1 (per Briggs. Type suffix on valve cover is -01....confused a bit)
Engine Code: 131025ZD
The owner tells me this machine is 3 years old. No service has been performed per owner. The oil looks clean and at level.
Came in as a no start and transmission problems. The no start was a battery as a known good battery started the machine with no problems.
Side note: When I first got it started, which is the first start of the season, a noticeable amount of smoke came out through the exhaust but quickly dissipated. It may have had a blueish tinge to it. But I could not repeat. I'm guessing that it has to do with some weak cranking with no start that the owner performed? Not sure if it's a sign of a problem.
Anyhow, I've solved the no start issue so on to the transmission issue. Owner reports that at the end of last season, when going in reverse, it would not stop. This machine appears to have a hydro trans and you push a lever with the heel to go in reverse. You also need to turn the key back one click to go into reverse. He reports that it goes in reverse and then he has to turn the key back to forward and press the forward lever with the foot again to stop it from going in reverse. The machine then jerks and finally stops going in reverse.
When I had it started, I went forward a little. When I let off the accelerator, I noticed the machine creeping forward. I hit the break and it stopped. I did not test reverse issue because I didn't want to crash into my tool box as it's in my garage.
I guess I would, at this point, classify it as a sticking issue but you guys are the pros. Any advice on how to tackle the issue? I've never worked on a hydrostatic transmission issue. My Z-turn is hydro but I haven't had any problems except for a break gear that fell of due to a lost c-clip. Sorry if I'm using the wrong terminology.