Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Noma tractor shifter poblem, peerless transaxles, proper manuals

Question
QUESTION:    I have been a small engine tech for almost twenty years and have run into a problem that I have never come across before.
  The machine is in question is a Noma 18hp lawn tractor - model 45182200, code 9165, sn 00253, Peerless 5 speed trans 820 series.
  I just did a full engine service and it is running fine. The problem is that when the engine is running, I cannot shift the transmission even when the clutch is fully depressed an the transmission belt is not moving. When the engine is turned off, the shifter easily shifts through all the gears.
 Your fellow Expert Eric Jones has a listing 10/6/2005 that seems to have the same problem and he thought might be a belt problem. This machine has an OEM belt that has plenty of slack when the clutch is depressed. I'm out of ideas, any suggestions? Thanks, Jim

ANSWER: Hello Jim:

If the Transaxle Goes Into Gear Easily when the Engine is Off and Is Really Hard to Impossible to Get Into Gear with the Engine Running and If you have Eliminated the Belt as Not Being the Cause of your Problem, then the Shift Clutch Keys are the Cause. When the Shift Clutch Keys Become Worn, you have this Problem. Replacing the Shift Keys In the Transaxle Usually Corrects the Problem. On the Transaxle is an OEM Identification Plate. Send me the Information Off of This Plate, Please. With this Information, I can Locate the Proper Manuals and Better Assist You. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I talked with the customer about his tractor and he does want to fix it properly. I have worked on several Peerless Transaxles and know the parts you are talking about. Once I get the transaxle out and split, is there anything I could look over to confirm the problem with the shift keys before I do a complete teardown and part replacement? I always dread going to a customer and telling them that after I just spent tons of time and money working on their equipment, nothing has changed. Would there be rounded edges or chipping of the keys? Any suggestions would be appreciated. JIm

Answer
Hello Again Jim:

The Wear to the Shift Clutch Keys will be Obvious. Rounded Edges, Loss of Tension and Cracks/Breaks are a Few. Do Not Forget to Inspect the Mating Components for Wear Also. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John