Thanks, WM, I'll try that trick. I've got to get that spring on before I can even move the tractor around easily, much less start it and run it. As much aggravation as the 1450 has been so far, I hope it runs well. I haven't had any major (knock on wood) problems with it, but I bought it partially disassembled and all the parts weren't there, so it's been something of a scavenger hunt. Add to that the fact that I'm not real savvy on Quiet Lines (yet - I'm learning, with the help of some good on-line experts!), and it's been a pretty long haul to get it to the point where I'm almost ready to fire it up for the first time, when one final backordered part finally gets here. To say the least, it's been an adventure - but part of the fun of this hobby/addiction is hearing a non-runner come to life for the first time in several years.
Of course, with my luck, it'll be a smoker, or have a knock, or some such... I didn't tear it down, but I did check out the cylinder and valves when I installed a new head gasket, so I'm hoping for the best.