well it sounds like i'm taking it out as a unit. i havent actually tested the lathe under power yet, but having brought it home, the power feed does not seem to have any kind of engagement. the clutch lever can be opened almost 180 deg, which doesnt seem correct, and when i turn the leadscrew by hand with it engaged, there is no movement of cross slide or carriage. if you check out those pictures in the google photo album linked above, there was some kind of thrust washer that seemed pretty worn down, although looking at the parts diagram it seems like maybe it was a shim added for adjustment because of wear to the clutch. i also just wanted to check condition of felts and clean swarth and old congealed oil out of the apron. thanks for the help folks. will post more when i dig deeper into this thing.
-eian