Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): transaxle troubleshooting, peerless transaxle, murray riding mower

Question
my friend gave me a murray riding mower that has a 17 hp tecumseh w/ OHV, 46" deck, and automatic drive. so it sat about 4 yrs before i received it so needless to say you can about imagine the amount of cleaning necessary. i had fun lol. well i have the motor running like a champ but my mower will not drive forward it will only go in reverse it seems like it wants to go forward for a second when you mash the accelerator. you hear the same sound(i would say average transaxle noise) the peerless transaxle makes when its driving in reverse for that second that it will make the attempt to roll forward then follows silence.also i noticed that it doesnt have alot of power in reverse. in reverse it barely climbs a medium or less of an incline. the model number for the 1999 murray is 46568X6A  these three numbers are from the transaxle the first two are stamped in the top 1st 47167 2nd 6265-P1 and the third was on the bottom on a id barcode sticker 3rd 205-024C8097a0099 i also put a new belt on already, checked the brake adjustment,checked the adjustment for the accelerator pedal,and made sure the push/drive lever under the seat was set right. im clueless now. im somewhat familiar with the older manual shift style transaxles but not at all familiar with more modern automatic transaxles i would really like to get it operating like its supposed to. also what kinda fluid does my transaxle require? i greatly appreciate whatever knowledge you are willing to share about my particular transaxle.Thank You for your time

Answer
Hello Derek:

Are you Sure the Idler Arm Bracket is Moving Freely? This is a Peerless Model 205-205-024C Transaxle and I have Not Located Any Breakdowns for this Transaxle that can be Viewed Online. Are you Sure the Disconnect Rod is and the Disconnect Shaft are Not Stuck in Slightly and Allowing the Fluid to Bypass Internally. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select the P. Then Select Peerless. Then Select To View Parts List Click Here in the Upper Right of the Page. Then Select the Series Transaxle 205. Then Select the Transaxle File for your Transaxle 205-205-024C. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John