Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman 917254271 11hp shifting problem, transaxles, gear oil


Question
I have torn down the transaxle 2 times (first time
I put gear oil in,what a mess)Anyway I cleaned
everything reassembled and when not running ,
shift fine , but when running it will not shift
unless I throw my weight back and forth until it lets me shift.This gets very old.Lawn tractor was
sitting for a few month and wouldn't shift at all
when I got it.Any ideas? Thanks.

Answer
Hiya Barry
Barry- I'm not to experienced on the transaxles, I usually just replace the thing.  Those craftsman transaxles are available almost all the time on ebay- 6 speed right?  

Its probably related to a part thats worn, gear with a high edge, low center, a shaft with a worn spot, bent shifter fork, or even a bent shift lever (hmmm  THATS a possibility).

I dunno - I don't usually fool with transaxles- not worth fixing really- sorry.. not much help with this.  :P
lemme know how it goes ok?