Jeff - that 285 days will end very shortly. One thing I'd like to ask, could you refrain from using the word "donor". I know what you and others mean but every time I see it I get this tightness in my gut since it sounds like an end of life event. In your case I know the 149 will run again and be more of a 129 with a 14hp engine and incorrect serial tag, since you only dispose of gear drive units, making sure the hydros always survive.
Frank - it looks to me like you did more than just drill that hole. The outside of the block no longer has any grease, and it looks like things are coming along nicely.
Paul - thanks for posting the pics of your 126 with the hydraulic lift. I guess now, by reviewing the Operator Manuals, that IH did away with the hydraulic lift option when they made the electric lift option available on the 1x6/7 series. Does look like it bolts right on perfectly tho. Thanks for showing it.
Wayne - you stated "when I slowly depress the choke it stops trying to start". Are you saying by moving the choke the S/G stops rotating? If so that is definitely an electrical problem.