Craftsman 18HP riding mower cannot remove wheels
zoulas
16 years ago
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rcmoser
16 years agoharold14370
16 years agoRelated Discussions
Riding mower flooded, gas in oil, gas in exhaust etc.
Comments (3)well searching the web provided this response... The solenoid of which you speak basically blocks a circuit in the carb to lessen backfire/ emissions when shut off. If you feel a tic or hear a click when the the key is turned to run- it is working. You can remove it and watch it actuate too. It will not however prevent the condition you are having. You may have a touch of debris between the float valve and seat which is allowing the fuel through. If there is a worn "ring" pattern in the valve- replace it for sure or do it anyway. Clean the tank and bowl, flush the lines and thru the float valve w/ fresh fuel, replace the fuel filter, change the oil (plus oil filter if equipped). Hook the spark plug wire over the torx headed bolt and crank the engine to expel more of the fuel.Reinstall the spark plug and wire and expect more emissions for the first few minutes. remember that the muffler may have oil, fuel washed down inside of it and tho possibility of fire is slight, prepare for it none the less. The condition may still reoccur. An inline shut off valve kit is a great thing to install and use. That way, if a failure happen whilst it is sitting- the engine and muffler won't flood. I think I'll be checking the operation of this solenoid when I get home.......See MoreCraftsman Riding Mower - Slowing Down
Comments (2)Your tractor has a hydrostatic transmission. While the drive belt could be the cause of your problems, I tend to doubt. However, since it's relatively cheap, I'd change it first and then proceed to more complex repairs. In all probability, the hydro is beginning to fail. Have you consistently kept the transmission cooling fan and fins clean of debris? Overheating is the kiss of death for small consumer hydros. Have you been towing or used any ground engaging attachments? As for the brake, it is adjustable, even though the owners manual from Sears tells you to have it serviced. The brake is on the right side of the transaxle, just below the cooling fan. You can get access by jacking the tractor up, and removing the right side wheel. The brake consists of a small wheel or rotor mounted to a stub shaft. A moveable brake arm connected to pedal linkage cams against two pins which in turn push the brake pucks against the rotor. To adjust, there is a castellated nut mounted on a stud of the brake housing. Remove the cotter pin and turn the nut clockwise to take up some of the slack. Dry fit the wheel and let it down to the ground to check braking action. Tractor should roll easily with no brake (and with freewheel or bypass disengaged), yet when brake is applied should cause wheels to lock up and skid. You may have to repeat several times to get it right. Then replace cotter pin on castellated nut and permanently fit the wheel with the appropriate washers and snap rings. Make sure you're not too tight, causing brake to drag. This will cause premature wear, reduce power and performance to rear wheels, and create a possibly damaging load on the hydro....See MoreNeed expert advice on purchasing used riding mowers
Comments (25)Hi, guys. Thanks to every one of you for taking the time to give me your advice and explain some stuff in such detail, esp. Kompressor. And I appreciate James' advice on the Sears Craftsman. You didn't hear back from me because the day after my sister and I purchased a lawn tractor, my sister had a double heart bypass. She's coming home today and is in for a long recovery. I'm sure you're all wondering what I finally decided to do and if I took your advice to heart. Well, what you said about buying used ones made sense so I decided not to buy a used one. I felt more comfortable knowing it was new and didn't buy someone else's problem. Sears was having their Family and Friends sale and I was considering the Craftsman YT4000 (James really liked that one) but as it turned out, the YT3000 (Model 28822) had a lot of really good reviews and there was very little difference between it and the YT4000 (28928). YT3000 is 21hp, 4000 is 24 hp 3000 deck is 42", 4000 is 46" 3000 had 3-1/2 star rating, 4000 had 3 3000 was $300 cheaper (+tax) Both have hydrostatic B&S engines The oil can on the 3000 much more easily accessible than on the 4000. 3000 has only 1 cylinder, 4000 has 2 (don't know if that was important or what it means); no hour meter on the 3000 It was on sale from $1750 for $1299 and an additional $130 off - bottom line I paid $1169.00 and saved $600 w/tax so I think I got a really good deal. I've used it twice and so far I love it. Wish the deck were a little bigger, oh well. It cut some very high wet weeds very well (I know I should avoid wet but didn't have a choice unless I wanted to go out there with a scissors...NOT). Its got a lot of power. Now maybe I won't get fined or thrown out of the neighborhood! One of the cons that was mentioned was the position of the gas tank - very close to the engine. Very stupid design. rustyj14, my next project will be to get some fill dirt and remove the stumps (when I get some money) but in the meantime, I put out tons of bright flags from HD and didn't hit any stumps. James, I didn't get to ask about the fuel shutoff valve. What's involved in installing one? One last question - I have 2 weeks to decide whether to buy their $300 3-year warranty. It would start from day 1, not after the mfr's warranty, and it covers in-home service....See MoreCraftsman riding mower issues
Comments (45)You say "The engine ran smooth etc." And WHEN was the last time that engine RAN smooth" 2 days prior to swapping? Or, last year? You really ought to start a new thread to cover this issue. It might be helpful to some of us if you will provide the engine model number and type number you find stamped or listed on a decal ON THE ENGINE. And you need to give the numbers for both engines and tell us which one you took out and which one is the replacement. What about the fuel hoses you are using? Are they new? If the Yardman tractor had sat for a long time in an inoperable condition, the inevitable varnish that will form inside the hoses may be breaking loose and migrating into the carb....See Moretom_k_de
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