[jimwhite]

Hopper, while I did not find any shredded black rubber, after removing the direct drive coupling (three separate pieces that fit together), the white piece closest to the gear case was cracked completely through. I've ordered the part and am still waiting for it to be delivered. I suspect this is the problem but will not know for sure until I get it installed. I also did not need to remove the shell in that everything was accessible from the bottom. Hopper, your advice was terrific and I appreciate it.