hi 544- thanks for your kind words. haven't used the word pithy in a few years. but will start. others have not been so kind some comments ranging from cheap bastid to one eccentric mofo. one wiseguy even told me the depression ended in 1940 and I ought to wake the #@!$ up. as you can tell I'm a sensitive guy and my feelings get hurt. anyway would really like to save the '73 2 ton craftsman. I could remove and replace the pump/power unit if I could find one . sure that is the problem, but cant find any source or one willing and able to rebuild the pump without taking out a mortgage. why do all my friends and enemies want to make me po? so 544 if you have an answer sock it to me . tried to make a deal with sears but they wouldn't budge on price. their non competitive overpricing has been a big problem with them for a few years. wasn't like that until recently. on the verge of buying a hf 3ton model from china with the name Pittsburgh on it for 75 and junking the 73 or getting an arcan 2 ton which is warranted 1 year . it has good reviews. the hf has mixed reviews and is only warranted for about 10 minutes. uncle moe would say helluva racket isn't it. would love to hear your thoughts. the arcan is 79 . thanks tons oldduke