Crafstman LT1000 B&S 17.5

Hello,

I have B&S 17.5 in Craftsman LT1000 last week it started with some issues, would run for about 30 min then just die and would not start. This week it did the something again this time it would not start at all. I replaced the carburetor thinking it was an issues with the carb or the solenoid after replacing the carb and about an hour of trying to get it start it did finally but it is running ruff and smoking a little bit, it start once now it won't start at all, just turns over.

Any suggestions?

 

It kinda sounds like the choke may be sticking closed. Have you verified that it isn't? Next step, smell the oil... does it smell like gas? If so, the carb has leaked gas into the oil and contaminated it, causing the smoke and rich running condition.

 

Had some better luck with today for a little while it actually started and ran for a good 10 minutes but was still running pretty ruff. I am now seeing gas spitting out of the front exhaust.

However after it ran for that 10 minutes it would not really start up again like it should, I think it is getting worse. The gas spitting from the front exhaust really worries me. Must be something completely out of adjustment.

When it was running it would rev up and slow down rev up and slow down. I'm totally stumped Sears wants a $105 bucks just to come and look at it.

I don't have a trailer or truck to take it anywhere so I am in a world of hurt. I purchased it because I have a bad back can't use a push mower and can't rake up leaves so the riding mower was a big help to get those things done.

 

Cheese has some good advice,, check the choke & adjust the cable,, especially since you just replaced the carb...Just for a Goof,, can you check for spark @ the plugs when it dies?? Have you tried new plugs??? If the coil is breaking down,, It'll give you all kinds of headaches... Even a valve adjustment,,but that is usually a hard/slow to crank condition.. Can you post the engine numbers?? The guys here will get you going soon !!! Roger

 

Here is all the info on the mower:

Engine model number 31C707,

TYPE NUMBER 0230-E1

code 030724ZD

Craftsman 917-272681

Is there a diagram or instructions on how to adjust the choke and the idle settings. I have been out to the B&S site and found some carburetor adjustments instructions but they are kinda vague.

 

Do need to change the oil then?

 

Ok so I finally got it running, but now after about 35 minutes of mowing it dies and will not start back up, like it's too hot or something.

Any suggestions?

 

Have you checked for spark when it quits yet??? Also try it with the gas cap loose in case it's not venting..Answer to your last post,, Yes if the oil smells like gas you need to change it & fix the problem causing gas to get into the oil.( carb or fuel pump if equipped) ... Did you dheck the choke??? Pull the cable & the choke closes & when you push it in the choke should be open all the way... You'll have to try some of the diagnostic stuff posted here so we can help you fix this....Roger

 

"Any suggestions", you ask? I'm trying to help, but you haven't answered a question yet.

 

Sorry cheese your right.

I checked the choke it seems to moving freely. I replaced the carb so unless I goofed something up with the linkage the choke seems to be operating normally.

Yes there was gas in the oil, I changed the oil.

Here is what I have done so far.

I originally thought that the cab was the problem also I thought that the fuel solenoid was bad.

Carb rebuild kit 40 bucks fuel solenoid 60 bucks.

I just a order a new carb, if the carb and or solenoid is still good I have spare parts.

I remove the gas tank cleaned it with carb cleaner let it set and dry.

Since I did not do that before I replaced the carb, I took the the carb back off, cleaned with carb cleaner and let set and dry.

After some adjusting of the carb a finally got it start up and it is running good, was able to mow about half my lawn, when it died. I disengaged the blades try to start it again and it did start and ran for about five more minutes it died again and then would not start back up.

Also I think that I have worn down the battery because it is not turning like normal it's acting like the battery is dead.

I checked for spark after it died and was getting a week spark very small and yellow.

Could the armature magneto be bad since I am getting a weak spark, it seems like it is dieing on me only when the engine is hot.

 

Ok, the gas in the oil was a sign of carburetor problems. The new carb should have solved that though, so one problem down. Since you changed the oil, I assume it ran well after that? (until it got hot and quit). If it ran, but not well, it could be one thing, but if it ran well up to the point it stopped, could be another. If it runs well, immediately when it stops, check for spark. If it has no spark, the coil could be the culprit. If it does have spark, post back and we'll go from there.

 

Yes, it ran well for a good 35 minutes or so, then it died I disengaged the blades started it back up it seem to hesitate for a few seconds then picked back up and ran for about another 5-10 minutes. It died and then it would not start back up, I checked for spark right away, and was getting a weak faint looking spark. So it is running well until it gets hot.

 

Ok, next time you get it to stall, try applying the choke and see if it helps it run a little longer. If so, loosen the gas cap a bit... could be vapor lock in the tank. Post back with the results and well go from there.