Craftsman 18.5hp lawn tractor model 917.270760, engine B&S 407777-0121-e3

I recently bought this mower off Craigslist, had a friend look at it and it seemed to be in good shape for its age. I have never owned a rider before, and I am a complete novice at repairs like this. That being said, I am a quick learner.

I knew when I bought it that it needed a new o-ring on the sole retainer in the float bowl, easy enough. When I started to get into it, most gaskets and o-rings and such were old, so I did a complete carb kit, cleaned it, replaced all the replaceable parts, reassembled, put it back in place.

But now when I turn the key, I get a faint click when it passes the first key position, and then nothing when I try to start it.

I know that the battery is good and connected properly, and all connections seem to be intact. Spark plugs are good, fuse is good. Anti-backfire solenoid is connected. Oil is new, filter is new. Air filter is new and clean. Fuel runs freely through all lines.

Being 15 years old, it seems like a pretty simple machine to work on compared to new stuff. I have the manual, parts lists, various system diagrams, but I am completely lost now. What should I try next? What am I missing?

 

Hello allyson81,


I'd be looking closer at the clutch/brake pedal safety switch, Test it with a multimeter to see if it's closing/opening when the pedal is depressed. If this switch passes testing move to the starter solenoid, Check for power and good ground on both the smaller wires when the key is in start position.....

Good Luck

 

I've had to replace starter solenoid a couple of times in the past on my Craftsman riders.

 

Thanks for the help!! Ok this may be two seperate problems. I haven't tested anything with the multimeter yet, I just skipped to testing the starter and solenoid. Tested them with a jumper cable direct from the battery, but instead of starting up like it should have, the starter spins, but doesn't engage to actually start the engine. But since this is different from what happens when I turn the key, I'm guessing that 1) there is still a problem with a safety somewhere between the ignition and the starter and 2) the starter isn't working properly either.

Any suggestions about the starter? Looks easy enough to replace if I have to, but is there a fix I could try first? I'll tackle the wiring with the multimeter tomorrow.

 

Hello allyson81,

Yes you still have a safety switch issue, For the starter you can remove the left hand (sitting in seat) cylinder head cover then look inside at the starter drive gear. Either the gear or the pinion is stripped causing no engagement, A new starter drive kit can be purchased instead of replacing the whole starter.....


Good Luck

 

You wouldn't possibly have the battery connected backwards, would you?

 

Just for what its worth and its probably the easiest to check. Lift up the seat and locate the kill switch there make sure its connected completely. Just for some info for you the kill switch issues Ive had prohibited the ignition turning so when you turn the key you get nothing.