I don't have any experience on hydrostatics. the local mower shop asked me to help with the overload.
The customer stated the reverse does not work. Mower is very sluggish in the forward position. Here are details.
Murray 46" cut
Model 465612X99b
SN 7461004713U151
Date code is 01047 (feb 2001)
Has the Tecumseh VTwin engine
Has a Tecumseh Peerless Hydrostatic transaxle (sorry, I could not locate a part number or model) This looks like a light duty axle.
I removed the rear battery box to look at the transaxle. Washed the best I could. Transaxle has a rubber hose sticking straight up - just to the right side of the pulley fan. I did not see any drain plugs or other fill caps. Transaxle was coated with oily dirt. The drive belt is routed ok. The top pulley on the transaxle is secure. The foot control is moving the transaxle lever full travel. I suspect slight oil seepage over the past 17 years plus internal wear from usage.
I am thinking I should pull the transaxle, turn it upside down to drain through the rubber hose. Then fill with 20W50. What do the experts think?