TOPPS was right! The gator turned out to be a rusted fuel solenoid shutoff valve on the bottom of the carb bowl. The pin on it when unpowered, protrudes with spring pressure into an orifice shutting off the flow....Deere wanted $162 IIRC.....Ebay $18 (I'm sure it's a cheaper made part, but if it works...)
Topps, if you were nearer, I'd have you come over and have drinks and point fingers while I haplessly attempt to reupholster my couch. Poor thing has not faired well, with every relative and friend knows and talks of the "green couch's" lure. It beckons like the song of the sirens to come sleep on it.. When I went couch shopping, I took my tape measure. I was NOT going to buy a short couch (like so many are these days) and have to sleep on it ever. I bought an Alan White brand, and it has been a good one, but not for the umpteen relatives and kids. Would you have a "ball park" dollar amount to get a couch recovered? Or are they that different?
Our couch is similar to the one on the bottom row, 3rd from the left.
Alan White Manufacturing Inc. - Sofas Page 2
You guys are prolific, and those were some nice quilts. I knew Ron's wife did some, as they visited a quilt shop when they were down visiting once. Ron, I hope they figure out what's going on with your arm and can help you.
Ed, your wife's 3D quilt was amazing. PJS, I love the colors on some of those!
RNG, still waiting on the edge of my seat with baited breath to hear of Vanagon news.
Drew, you might want to go to the RV factory to see how they're built. Most everybody is trying to build them as light as possible. I hope they lower your water bill, but it might take an act of city council.
Don, glad you can still ride the on JD if you want to. It looks to be in decent condition, for being older than me.
So I got some slashing/shredding done. Maybe 15 acres. The clutch on the Bush Hog in front of the gearbox is slipping again. I'm going to have to replace some more parts on it besides the friction rings. They want money for them, believe it or not.

A flat disc about Ø8" or 200mm x 3/16 or 4mm thick, with an 8 hole bolt circle cost about $62 I'm tempted to make one. I might take an hours drive to Shiner Texas to get the parts at the sister dealership.....wonder if the brewery will be giving tours????
So while I was working on the Bush Hog, the wifey cooked a pot roast in the good old Wear Ever pressure cooker. 20 minutes for the meat, another 7 for the vegetables. All told maybe an hour.
Got the gator carb fixed and going. I fixed my FIL's push mower. Had water in the gas. Not much, but it doesn't take much. Got a haircut, took my son for a Slurpee.
Still listening to an audio book about the plains Indians in America, primarily Comanches. Things were not so pretty back then. tough book to listen to in some spots.
I see Eric's picture clue.
I was at the Walmart yesterday to get some oil, and walking past the toy aisle, I saw some Matchbox style cars in packages and there, was a small Beatles yellow submarine....for about $5. I didn't buy one yet, but I might. My son likes the yellow submarine song and my oldest daughter loves the Beatles as do I. If you are a fan, google Paul McCartney karaoke car ride. Really good. Staged. But still good.
Speaking of videos. Any propeller heads out there? I got to watching a series of videos about a STOL plane almost totally gutted and improved by a guy named Mike Patey. He and his twin brother are amazing. They both have ADHD and can't sit still, but they use their energy for good things. Mike says he needs about 3-4 hours of sleep a night, and he is a workaholic. He got this Wilge 2000 plane done, just in time for Oshkosh. The guy puts McGuyver to shame with his intelligence, forethought, and abilities.
Here's a 1 minute video of the plane, just a teaser.
Mike Patey’s Draco 680hp Turbine PZL Wilga 2 Monster Bushplane - YouTube
Storms got near, but the dry grounds that I slashed today scared them away.
Prayers for all.