Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Trying to keep an old (1970?) Ariens 7hp in use.  It's going pretty well, except for the shifter.  In N it creeps forward and getting into R requires persuasion and more to have it engage.

The adjusting nut is loose, but I can't budge the adjusting barrel.  Tried PB spray and let it sit a few days, and then a propane torch, using a large vice grip and a 12" pipe wrench it wouldn't budge.

I can fudge the adjustment, I think, at the lever end.  But should I make the shaft longer or shorter, and by what measurement?

Or is there anything else I can do to make  it work?