Thanks Norm & Freebird for your advice. Widening the axle seems like the way to go at this stage.
However, the 6.5 hp Chonda motor I have on hand will no doubt wreck the old gearbox even if I can get the machine to balance right. I'll see if the owner is happy to have the original engine restored or replace it with a new 3.5 hp Briggs & Stratton OHV.
Removing the wheel to change the oil is a great idea - sometimes the obvious isn't always apparent! Thanks for the tip.
Last edited by LRT; 24/01/17 04:30 AM.
