Craftsman lawn tractor won't start
#1
08-16-16, 08:34 AM
Join Date: Apr 2007
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Craftsman lawn tractor won't start
Hello,
Craftsman Model # 917271021 Serial #022598B008106
I got spark, fuel, air and all it does is turn over even though I got it to fire for a couple of seconds yesterday. I watched youtube about valve adjustment but for whatever reason the model I have doesn't seem to have an adjustment locknut on it. The valves seem to be super tight. Also in every video the pushrods and springs are on the opposite side-on my model pushrods on left, springs on right when standing in front of it. I'm stumped. Thanks
Craftsman Model # 917271021 Serial #022598B008106
I got spark, fuel, air and all it does is turn over even though I got it to fire for a couple of seconds yesterday. I watched youtube about valve adjustment but for whatever reason the model I have doesn't seem to have an adjustment locknut on it. The valves seem to be super tight. Also in every video the pushrods and springs are on the opposite side-on my model pushrods on left, springs on right when standing in front of it. I'm stumped. Thanks
#2
08-16-16, 08:52 AM
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Ok it seems that it needs no adjustment because of having hydraulic lifters. Kohler Command 15.5 HP
Any ideas about why it won't run?
Thanks again.
Any ideas about why it won't run?
Thanks again.
#4
08-16-16, 09:06 AM
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It was running then quit and has been sitting for a year. I replaced the flywheel key as it got sheared. I've cleaned the carb, fresh gas, battery, etc. I spray starting fluid into carb no fire just turns over. Carb solenoid maybe?
#5
08-16-16, 12:11 PM
The original quitting would have been the flywheel key. The present is likely old fuel residue in the combustion chamber.
Use a new plug, shutoff the gas to the carb, and drain the carb bowl. Spin the engine over a few times with full throttle and no choke. Then put a spoon of gas directly into the plug hole and with half throttle, no choke see if it will fire.
Use a new plug, shutoff the gas to the carb, and drain the carb bowl. Spin the engine over a few times with full throttle and no choke. Then put a spoon of gas directly into the plug hole and with half throttle, no choke see if it will fire.
#6
08-22-16, 04:58 PM
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I did what you told me and still backfires out the carb. Shoots flames. Taken me days to get flywheel off and sure enough shear pin broke. Put new one on today and broke again due to backfire. So put on another one. Took lifters off to check pushrods and they are straight. Exhaust valve? Thanks
#7
08-22-16, 07:10 PM
Make sure the crankshaft and flywheel are clean when you reinstall a new key, clean them with brake parts cleaner it doesn't leave any residue and be sure to tighten the flywheel nut to spec or you will be replacing flywheel keys every time it backfires. Have a good one. Geo
#8
08-22-16, 11:58 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
Correct, the crankshaft needs to be clean, no oil or grease and the part of the flywheel that contacts it too. Then make sure the bolt is tight enough or it will shear again. They key doesn't hold anything, it's just there to make sure you put the flywheel on in the right place.
#9
08-23-16, 04:00 AM
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Yes I made sure it was all clean before I put the second one in. Any ideas about the extreme backfire problem? I'm about ready to take the head off.
#10
08-23-16, 10:04 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
The sheared key will CAUSE the backfire, so until we are certain that problem is fixed, we can't be sure which came first, the chicken or the egg 
.
.
#11
08-23-16, 05:23 PM
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#13
08-25-16, 01:07 PM
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I got tired of messing with the craftsman so I bought a JD LA 135 100 series 22HP for $200. It hadn't ran in over a year. Two inner tubes, clean carb, runs like new.
