Steps to Changing Clutch Lever Oil Seal on MD #9

I thought I would post this info for anyone who needs to do this job in the future. All perspective is from driver’s point of view (as if you were sitting on the mower).

1. Remove cover to gear box and both the left and right side access covers.
2. Remove the right-hand bearing on the gear shaft. I tried everything here including a small gear puller. I ended up torching the bearing off (see picture below). This is a dicey procedure and I would only do it as a last resort. It worked ok.
3. Behind the bearing is a washer – save it. After removing the right-hand washer behind the bearing, remove spring cover and spring (second picture).
4. Now you can slide the gear shaft out the left-hand access cover and remove gears.
5. Remove clutch lever.
6. Remove old clutch lever seal.
7. Install 2 new seals. I tapped these in with a socket that was slightly small than the housing. (Last picture)
8. Install clutch lever, gear shaft and gears.
9. Secure bolts on left access panel.
10. Install spring, spring cover, washer, and bearing on right of shaft.
11. Secure right access panel with bolts. This is tough as the spring puts a lot of tension on the panel – a second set of hands is helpful.
12. Put in oil and check for leaks!

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Here are some more pictures: https://plus.google.com/photos/102626207397974443261/albums/5758748239893576433