B7100HST Growling when clutched....

I've got a B7100HST that has a belly ache just above the belly mower!

I bought it, as is-where is. The head was off, radiator was missing, tires held air. I loaded it on the trailer and had a PU bed of side curtains, hood, exhaust, box of bolts....

It's back together, running now. I mowed a couple of hours last Sunday to see if it was going to fail.

I am not familiar with HST machines. Tractor shifts into LOW PTO fine, and shaft turns. Does not shift into HIGH PTO cleanly. When the clutch is pushed down there is not complete dis-engagement. (I have the cover off by the HST filter and can see the shaft turning.) If I push a tad bit further I get a growling noise with vibration. When I look at the shaft down by the filter is seems out of round. There's a wobble there.

I can reduce the engine RPM and nurse the clutch to get engagement and dis-engagement, but something is far from normal functioning.

I'm ready to separate and discover, but wonder if others had similar noise for their HST, and what they found.

I extend my thanks to NIW for coaching and encouragement, and kubotasam's input also.

Well, with the help of folks on here, and wisdom and encouragement from North Idaho Wolfman I got this thing to mow.

Engine turned out fine. Don't really know what the compression is because the Harbor Freight Compression tester is suspect. Had injectors out and tested for pop off pressure and spray pattern. Made sure GP's were working. Air filter looked like it wouldn't let air through it. Replace the air box cover and cap under the cover. Got a radiator with shroud from North Kentucky Tractor.

Separated the engine and replaced the pilot bushing, seal under flywheel, shaft to hydrostatic transmission, the seal at the bell housing, the seals in the throw out bearing holder, throw out bearing, "U" joint at the back end of shaft with new roll pins and wired in to make sure they stay.

While the deck was off I welded cracked spots where previous owner neglected any maintenance.

Tightened bolts holding the wheel clamps.

Installed a new seat. Probably a tad too big, but it is nice.

Now starts right up, shifts nice, mows excellent.

I didn't think about wheel width. Not much clearance with mower wheel there, but there might be room for some outward adjustment.

There were so many ailments I forgot to check wheel clearance when I had them off. The entire front of the tractor was covered with a layer of dirt glued on with oil. The problem----- oil sending unit leaking! A $15 repair, someone chose not to make, just put up with the leak.