Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Lawn mower - rear wheel drive repair, craftsman eager 1, rear wheel drive

Question
Hi, I inherited a Craftsman Eager-1 4 speed rear drive lawn mower (model # 917-372451).  I don't have the ownner's manual and I don't know it's history (it came with the property).  The engine runs smoothly and cuts grass, but the self-propelling mechanism seems to be disabled.  There is a kill-switch/cable that runs from the handle to the right rear wheel.  Do you have any suggestions on how to test/repair this rear wheel drive?
Thanks in advance.

Answer
Hi Andrea,

The cable is probably for the drive engagement.  You will need to trace and find out what it operates and see if the cable is simply out of adjustment or if there is a problem inside the drive gearbox.  You may need to disassemble the box and further trace the drive path to the wheels, to see where the drive action stops.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael