L175 - Inherited - Newbie questions

So, my father passed away several months ago and we are left with an L175 (I'm not sure of the year). I'm new to tractors but I'm trying to keep it going for as long as I can. It would come in handy to clean up my dad's property.

Anyway, I have a few questions that maybe you can help with (sorry for the length).

1st: The starter was working but it looks like it's completely fried. I took it out and jumped straight to the posts and it did nothing. My brother took it apart and he seemed to think there was some arcing/corrosion on the shaft that the brushes ride on (sorry, don't know the proper name). So I think my brother and I are pretty set on getting a new one but wondering what/where people are getting theirs. I saw this one: http://www.maniacelectricmotors.com/l185kubota.html
Does this look right and has anyone dealt with this company?

2nd: Ignition (keyed) switch. My father didn't want to pay for a new one so he bypassed it and now I'd like to get it back to original. I see two on messicks.com but not sure which one will work or what the differences are. The p/n's are: 31220-31800 and 37150-31800.

3rd: Where do I get the wire fuses for this thing? Or does someone have an alternative to upgrade the fuses to something more modern? I have a few ideas but don't have the original fuse box dimensions with me. If anyone can send me the size of the fuse screws and the center line to center line of the fuse screw dimensions I think I can come up with something. Original wire ones will do for now if I can find them.

4th: There is fluid leaking around the gear shift/pto levers. I thought I read somewhere that there might be a clogged vent in the transmission that might fix this but not sure where it's located.

5th: I have a new 750 CCA battery. I see others recommending 850 min. Do you think mine will be adequate? What size battery cables are people using?

Sorry, for so much at once. I'm just not sure where to start.

Any help is appreciated.
Darin

Thanks for the quick response.

I will check the part numbers in your link. Thanks.

I think I already have a workshop manual and the operators manual as well. It just doesn't seem to go into a lot of detail so I like to talk to someone "in person" on forums.

Attached is a picture of the fuses I have right now. Plus some wire dad jumped across one.

So, is that vent tube on the top or side of the transmission? Is it directly under the seat? If you have a picture I'd appreciate it.

I kind of figured the battery would be fine but when we started having issues with the starter I began to question the battery.

Thanks again.

Thanks for the picture and the part number confirmation. I'm pretty sure that vent tube is gone from my Dad's tractor but I'll have to take another look. I assume I'll have to look at scrapped/parts tractors to find that vent tube.

@Tookjunkie - Thanks for the info on the fuses. That was going to be my fix. Didn't even occur to me that, that might have been the original design.

@Daren - Thanks for that part number. I was having trouble finding it in the parts manual.

It's not looking like the L175 (or possibly just mine) had the transmission vent. Anyone able to confirm this? If so, what should I look at next to solve my leak around the shifters.

Thanks.

Now, there we go. I wouldn't have thought of the cap. Thanks.