DR Field and Brush non-electric PTO troubleshooting

[baskervi]

I have an old DR Field and Brush mower (1990's vintage) with the 15 hp Kawasaki engine. Last year, when I'd engage the PTO, the engine would start to die. After tapping on the PTO, I was able to get the blade to engage properly, but this happened a couple times that day. I was pretty remote, so I wanted to finish up.

I took the PTO apart, and it seemed pretty clean on the inside. There is a PTO inner plate that is painted black, and this has some wear on both sides as well as the piece it rubs against. I'm not sure how significant this is. The PTO doesn't seem very complicated, but after putting it back together, and I can feel significant drag. The PTO is definitely not locked up now, although now it seems too loose. I admit I've not started up the engine and tried to engage it running, but I'm fairly certain that previously I could get very close to locking up the blade to the belt without it running. I've attached images of these metal parts. Also, I noticed the spring ends are not parallel.

I've not been able to find a video on disassembling and repairing the PTO anywhere, so does anyone have a comment. I'd like to postpone purchasing a new PTO if at all possible. Thanks