Three questions and pics to help answer

[AC_B-1Novice]

This 7012H has sat for a quite a while, I don’t know how long. Cleaned out the nests etc, changed oil, put on a hydro fan shield and fresh gas and it was running last year but I never really ran it except out of the barn and back in. When I go to start this (and it does run, Andy helped me get it running last year) it screeches loud like something rusty that should be lubed is running. It comes from the engine compartment area and I have no idea what it could be. In the first picture what is this thing on the front of the engine? A lever on the right side of the tractor moves a half circle bracket back and forth on it. Could this be what is screeching? I’m not even sure it is turning as I have never looked while the screech was distracting me. In the second picture, is something missing from that threaded bolt sticking up? In the third picture is that blade crossing the two points in the proper position to let the engine start? I know nothing and can use all the suggestions anyone has. Larry

First Second
[img]/club2/attach/AC_B-1Novice/2a.JPG[/img]
Third
[img]/club2/attach/AC_B-1Novice/3a.jpg[/img]

[UCD]

First picture Front clutch to run a snow blower Third picture no connection to engine starting. Up in gear for hydrostatic transmission down is free wheeling.

[OrangeMetalGuy]

Freewheeling yes, but not designed to move any distance that way. Meaning it's ok to push around the garage but don't pull it or push it any distance. No idea on picture #2; maybe the PO was trying to mount something to the block?

[PeppyDan]

As UCD has answered the questions concerning the first and third pics, I will attempt to your other questions. The stud in the second pic I have seen used as a ground and also for a bracket that I have used for a lifting point with my hoist. It is nothing to be concerned about as long as there is a nut at the base to tighten the head. The screeching is probably coming from your starter gear not disengaging after the engine starts. The bendix gear will spin out and engage into the ring gear on the flywheel when the starter is activated. Once the engine starts a lite spring on the starter shaft should help the bendix gear disengage from the ring gear. I f the shaft is rusted or greasy with old sticky grease and dirt, then the gear can't disengage and it will spin on the shaft causing a very loud screeching noise. You will need to remove the grease, dirt, rust from the shaft and gear and I always lube it only with graphite. Dan

[Michiganmobileman]

In agreement with previous posts, have no Kohler to help with #2. But the last picture unless its just the perspective it looks like one of the two "pins" is not out all the way they should be equal height, the one just under the arrowhead on your picture looks shorter. My two cents Greg

[Michiganmobileman]

Okay guess I was just addressing part of your question too. If noise is not from starter it could be as simple as one or more of the bolts that hold the shroud in place could be missing. The showblower clutch is operated by the PTO lever on the right side, try moving that to see if the noise quits. Two more cents;) Greg

[AC_B-1Novice]

Thanks Guys...that is a load of help. I can start on all those suggestions tomorrow and I sure appreciate hitting on all of the things I needed to know. I'll print all of these out so I have them to reference it at another time also. You came through again!!! Larry

[jasper]

You mentioned you just installed the Hydro shield, any chance the noise is from that? The grass screen on the engine cold air intake could also hit the blower housing. I think the best bet is what peppydan said. Look around you will find it.

[AC_B-1Novice]

Bob, I only started the engine, didn't engage the hydro. The noise is definitely in the engine area. Thanks for the thought though. Larry

[Brettw]

Picture #2 is where there is usually a sleeve that goes over the elongated stud, then a steel tab bent at a 90 with a hole drilled through it for lifting, and then a nut to tighten the whole works. I would make sure that there is a nut at the bottom of that stud keeping the head tight.

[HubbardRA]

Picture #2 is a stud type head bolt. The head is made into the middle of the bolt. Most of the time I have seen these sitting on the other side of the head where there is no shrouding. They are used for mounting additional brackets and mounting plates. I am guessing the head has been pulled at some time and this bolt was just put into the wrong hole. It should be OK where it is if the bolt is torqued properly.