I have a 14-16 and a 14-73. I am attempting to put the 14-73 back in service. Have used very few parts from the 14-16.

My question regards the Balance Spring. It's purpose and how it works. Apparently is it a shock adsorber on the break-away?

The instructions say to turn the adjusting bolt out until it is flush with the spring cap. No instructions beyond that point.

If I do this, I do not have enough threads to tighten the other end cap up to the spring, let alone compress it.

Changing this unit from the other mower is not an option as I have been unable to remove the pin which holds the adjusting bolt in place.

Need serious help PLEASE!

Thanks,

Jack

I have 2 14-16. So I went to "manuals" 14-73 PDF "pull bar balance spring- break back assembly on left-page 24. I can see no difference in the models.
I not sure if your talking about either, but I will take a guess-"The breakaway spring-cap and adjusting".
The spring pushes in against the trip. The trip has to be turned right to fit into the notch on the break away rod. You must get the little trip out and turn it right.
Mine came out easy with my finger reached in.
Try pumping grease in with the cap off. Maybe the grease will force it out if it doesn't come out on the rod. Also try squirting in P B Blaster.
Let me know if I am right. The only other spring is the "balance spring" and it should be visible to figure out.
Charles Krammin Hastings MI

Thanks Charles,

It actually was the balance spring I was asking about. Someone had apparently attempted to take this one apart. You cannot set the adjusting rod flush with the cap as the instructions say and then capture the spring with the two nuts. I finally screwed those two nuts up as far as they would go and then turned the adjusting rod until the spring was captured. I'm still not quite sure what the purpose of the Balance Spring is. Apparently is a shock adsorber on the breakaway action. So far I have not been able to remove the cap from the breakaway unit. One more project!

Jack

You did right on the "Balance spring". It purpose is to give a balance to the weight of the syckle bar. When you get the cable from the spring, through the pulley to the balance arm you see its purpose.
Ther is no spring cushion for the breakaway, just a cap on the break away rod. When the sickle bar brakes away you got to clutch and brake FAST.
Charle Krammin