I finally got my a into g and put the deck back on after sharpening up the blades, tracking down a missing link and spring that connects the brakes..
Got about 5 mins into the job then found it kept dying when I had the deck down and put it into reverse. Noticed a bit wiring running to switch on the selector. Maybe I'm not supposed to mow in reverse? fuck you switch you get unplugged.
another 5 mins and 1st drive belt goes ping. Fucker.
Didn't look great when I bought it and pretty sure more smoke was coming from belt than engine. (which is none cos it's ace. thanks Guypie.)