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Craftman riding lawn mower

9 years ago

Craftsman model 917.259567
I ran over a small rug & the lawn mower immediately stopped. Now it won't do anything when you turn the key.
My husband removed the cutting deck. He bypassed the ignition by crossing over the solenoid, allowing the engine to turn over (yeah!) But it won't start. Checked the spark to the spark plugs, and there is not spark.
What next?
Thanks!

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Comments (6)

bill_kapaun
9 years ago
By "won't do anything", I assume that it won't even click?
IF SO-
1. Check the fuse even though there's no reason it should have blown.
2. It sounds like the attachment switch might have gotten knocked awry?
If you look at the schematic in the owners manual (page 29/56), trace the WHITE wire from the S terminal of the key switch.
It goes through the clutch brake switch, then the attachment switch to the SMALL terminal of the starter solenoid.

As a quick test, simply jumper 12V to the small terminal of the solenoid. IF it cranks, the problem is in the circuit I described.

IF you don't have an OM, click the link.

Here is a link that might be useful: OM
Floridaguy32
Original Author
9 years ago
Hi,
Thanks for your quick response!! I sure hope this can be fixed without taking it somewhere. Yes, by "not doing anything" I meant that it doesn't even click.
He had already done the solenoid test you suggested, soooo that means it's in the circuit you described. He has just looked at it in the schematic & tomorrow he will make sure it's right. He's wondering why jamming the blades would cause that....could it have fried the ignition switch?
Anything else it could be, while you're thinking?
:)
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the model number indicates this was made by AYP. The transaxle was furnished by HYDROGEAR. https://hydrodrives.com/products/400506-integrated-hydrostatic-transaxle?variant=819312591&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&network=g&device=c&keyword=&campaign=1582881967&adgroup=pla-529886327640&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIirCEy_HC6gIVjsDACh2o9wmMEAQYASABEgKaCPD_BwE Many of these were not designed for climbing hills and towing accessories. Sears even advised against climbing hills and towing. Equipment manufactures installed light duty parts in many of these to keep the price low. Also, Sears specified how they wanted the tractor equipped. The garden tractors were sold for the hills and towing. not an expert on these transaxles. Most dealers will probably not attempt a repair unless they replace the axle. Does the tractor back up? there may be a problem with the adjustment of the control linkage not moving the transaxle valve all the way to the forward position. Look for signs of leakage. With 10 years of service, the transaxle may be worn and the original oil is no longer heavy enough to generate the oil pressure required. Changing to a heavier oil may help. On these forums, I see comments about the use of 20W50 oil. I don't know if this is equipped with drain plugs and fill caps.
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bill_kapaun
9 years ago
Are you SURE he tested the solenoid that way?
Usually, people just jump the 2 LARGE terminals together.
The only difference is, that method doesn't test the solenoid.
Using both methods can pinpoint a bad solenoid though.
Floridaguy32
Original Author
9 years ago
Yes, he jumped it using the 2 large terminals, you're right. So tomorrow he's going to check the other method.
Thanks again!
PeterA57
9 years ago
Can anyone help? I have a Craftsman riding mower 42 inch mowing deck. I last used he mower a week or so ago and when I tried to use it today, the engine started, but the clutch would not engage. I put the gear shift into forward, release the clutch/brake and nothing happens. The engines runs fine. What could be the problem?
mownie
9 years ago
Pete, please start a new thread of your own so we may address your problem.
In your thread be sure you state the Sears technical model number of the tractor (find it in the cavity under the seat).
The number usually is 917.xxxxxx (x being unknown numeral).
Nothing happens in the real world without critical numbers.

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