Perhaps I should have been more clear. Rephrase... don't know if they have all the tools required because they have never done such a job before.

I have a shitload of tools. For example, I have 6 sets of ratchets and sockets with many special sockets and one set has 153 pieces. I'll bet you could fix it in a jiffy with a small percentage of the tools I have. Me... I ain't gonna bother unless I change out engines this winter as i mentioned above.

My questions would be, what is wrong inside? why is it ratcheting LOUDLY under a small load? what has been damaged? how will I be able to tell? can I get the parts? how long will it take to get the parts? how much will it cost to get the parts? how long will the grass grow before I get the engine fixed? Old men in this situation WOULDN'T fuck around. They would just go buy the cheapest mower at Chinese Tire which has a matching engine, get the job done and maybe try to fix the damn thing this winter if the new engine works okay for the rest of the season.

I hope that clarifies my modis operandi and reinstates my status as a PROPER old man while also including me in the wise old man status because I carefully considered my options and chose a reasonable solution set given the constraints, variables and opportunities that the situation presented. I realize, of course, that there may be a probationary period regarding the wise old man status simply due to the fact that I started this thread, albeit mostly in jest.

Please let me know of the Proper Old Man's Association Membership Committee decision on a timely basis. If you remember, of course.