I looked up the cap on messicks website and by the part number they list it as a 5406-c-08 cap, which is 1/2'' npt. So if the website is correct, I would say 1/2'' npt.
I would think the newer model should burn even cleaner. It was around 40 when I tested the L2502 and I was very surprised how much it missed and smoked on start up. I have't been able to find any specs on the L2502 engine.
I test drove a L2502 this week and it started and smoked very close to what you have. I have a L2501 and it starts and runs better cold than the L2502 did, I don't know what they did different on the new model. My 2501 will start fine without the glowplugs unless very cold out.
Looking at a L2502 gear drive, really like it but I would need run a finish mower on it, anyone have a opinion on how bad that is going to be? Have always had live pto tractors.
Looks normal, it will float a little, if it was tight it would much harder to mount. Not a pivot point so no grease needed. I put a little oil on pin to keep from rusting.
Does anybody have any details about the new engine in the L2502? Looking at the parts diagrams, it shares very few parts with the L2501, most of the tractor is different than the L2501.
If you want a live pto on a gear drive you are going to have to jump up to a L3902. The kioti CK2620 does have a live pto. I really wanted a gear drive when I bought my L2501 but wanted a live pto.
Yes it seems to work fine, I did find a video that WR long put out that says if the are reversed it can cause the spool to creep open? So not sure why landpride just didn't just hook it up the normal way. They did change suppliers on the valve so maybe that changed something.