Lawn tractor wont go into gear
#1
04-10-13, 10:48 AM
Lawn tractor wont go into gear
I have a Craftsman lawn tractor model 917.271031 that when running, either in reverse or forward gear , wont move, and the pully on the trans is always turning. it was doing fine, I put it in neutral got off, put it in gear and wouldn't move..Any suggestions on whats wrong and how to fix it.
#3
04-10-13, 11:15 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
You did nothing other than get off and back on? (didn't remove a wheel?) Is the transmission shifter handle actually moving the shifter in the top of the tranny, or could it be loose where the shifter handle bolts to the linkage under the fender and the handle is just moving?
#4
08-15-14, 05:26 PM
I have close to the same issue. I can not shift to any gear when the motor is running. It is a manual transmission 6-speed. I undid the linkage at the transmission to see if there was a way to adjust it there, hoping it was just out of adjustment. I adjusted the clutch/brake spring to the 1 1/2" that is specified in the manual, because one of the first symptoms was that the mower would not stop as it should have. I don't know if the transmission pulley continues to turn or not (it is dark here and I will have to check tomorrow.) Any ideas of what the problem could be?
#7
08-18-14, 08:29 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
Usually this problem is caused by the belt trying to spin, pulling on the transmission pulley just a little. This tension keeps the shift keys from being able to slide back and forth to select the other gears. Usually when the belt tension is the issue, it doesn't shift when the engine is running, but shifts fine when the engine is off.
#8
08-19-14, 10:17 AM
That does happen. I can't shift when the engine is running but can shift when the engine is off. I've looked at the clutch pulley(?) and it seems to have full range of motion, it doesn't seem to be getting hung up at all creating that tension. What is the fix? Do I take that pulley off and try to grease that mechanism, replace the belt, or both? Any other ideas?
#9
08-19-14, 02:24 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
If the belt is old and worn, the cloth covering may be shot and not allowing the pulley to slip well. I'd think about changing the belt if the clutch is making the belt loose as it should.
#10
08-29-14, 02:56 PM
So, I changed the belt. I can now shift while the engine is running, and everything seems to be working good. One thing is that it seems that the shifting is tight. It's been so long since it was a new mower that I don't remember if that is what it felt like to shift the gears when it was new. Anyways, that's a minor point and I will get used to it. I'm just glad it works. Thanks for the help Cheese!
#11
08-29-14, 05:17 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
Sure, glad to help! Sometimes when a mower is stored outside, water runs down the shift linkage into the top case of the transmission and rusts the shifter shaft. Spraying PBlaster at the point where it enters the transmission while working the shifter back and forth often makes it shift more freely again.
