Sorry for the delay, i didn't get notification of your post and was just coming on to provide an update! Been reviewing matters and decided i was prepared to replace hst therefore had nothing to loose (only my time) to have a go at replacing the damaged swash plate and see what happens. If it works i will have saved over £1000 if not it will cost me an additional £90!! I opened up side and managed to get circlip on drive off. The bearing on the inside must be pressed. I did not have access to pullers so tried various things to try get shaft out from the rear end of the machine but i failed. I then, very carefully, managed to work and force the swash plate out over the splines, out through the rear (this meant i didn't have to open up side!!). New swash arrives tomorrow so will see if i can get it back in that way (possibly not if dowel is set in swash). Some photos attached for reference. Was wondering if i could start up machine and test speed increase without axle and wheels or will that give false readings without associated weight/resistance? Just thought it would give me instant results and if it fails save me from stripping down again for new hst!! You can see how much wear in on swashplate/guide seat....nit sure how this has happened - vibration? However confident this is where effective power transfer from lever/piston was failing....will see what happens!!
