Fixed the tail light,,, took her for a ride today (first since tightening up the linkage), still the black smoke,,,BUT, she stalled after warming up, idled down to 500 RPM, so atleast I know my WRD is working. Also spits and sputters and not very smooth under moderate pedal. I'm going to keep this thread alive, by posting pictures and rehabilitation info as I dwell into the M129 engine, comments i.e suggestions are welcome.
I also cleaned the seat sliders, what a PITA to re-install the seats, but now they move freely,,, (I used brake cleaner to clean them and then white lithium grease)
as far as the slop in the linkage, I found a couple of the ball receptors and replaced the ones, I need two new ball sockets to make it right) Also improvised a circ-clip retainer for the linkage cross-bar.
Other mundane tasks,,, cleaned wheels, reinstaled passenger seat, degreased engine, cleaned windshield, and polished front chrome