reply by theodocus struck me as coming from the desk of the ad agency of MTD. No mention of the actual operation that involves rolling over uneven terrain and jarring action from bumps and uneven spots and the fragile fabricated axles that bend and crack easily. Oh, there is also the bushings used in place of ball bearings: bushing use requires higher horsepower to move the newer units. The Deere has points and condenser; cost $5.00 and 9.00 respectively and the sears is a solid state igntion. Newer technology is wonderful as long as it is coupled with quality assemblage in a product. I have a 1968 Sears GARDEN tractor with a 12HP Tecumseh Heavy duty cast iron engine with ball bearings and cut with a 42 inch deck and also have a 1976 John Deere GARDEN tractor with a cast iron 10 HP engine with ball bearings and cut with a 42" deck and use both alternately for mowing two acres and for tilling and moving earth, etc.. Each has cast iron axles and mutli-speed hi-lo transmissions and EACH is used for plowing, snowblowing, tilling earth, hauling 1100 lb loads in attached large carts. EACH will run circles around the new 20 plus HP light LAWN tractors made today. Spend 5,000.00 and you will have a comparable heavy duty GARDEN tractor. By the way, good luck on getting even 10 years of use with the new wonders.

It could be external, but it doesn't sound promising. If they toss a rod, many times the block behind the starter is broken. Otherwise look for loose flywheel magnets, a starter that may have stayed engaged and locked. Do some digging and maybe things will be alright.

Thanks, I checked and there is no freewheel bar at the back of mower. Though I did not capture a picture of the model, owner did. When I searched it is for a push mower so not sure what happened there (917.388200). Maybe it is just stuck in neutral or clutch having some issue. He is deaf so I was simply trying to help him out. I've suggested he follow up where previously serviced to see if they may be able to help him. When he finds resolution I'll repost. Thanks!

Last time I messed with a Craftsman tractor was over 30 years ago...and as far as I remember there a few things you can try is to spray starter fluid into engine cylinder. Take the air filter off and spray some starter fluid into the cylinder (not to much) through the carburetor air intake. If the engine starts and dies it would mean you have spark and compression. Next check the wire to the fuel solenoid, if the wire is lose or disconnected the solenoid wont open and you not getting gas to your carburetor. If that checks out, next check the fuel supply lines and filter and make sure there is no blockage and filter is clean because if not enough air going in, it will not start. Make sure you have fresh fuel (if it was sitting for a while). If everything checks out it could be the carburetor fuel mixing screw (if your model has it on carburetor) that needs adjustment (heck the manual they should have it in there how to adjust). If everything checks out could be that you need to repair the carburetor or get a rebuilt one, next it could be the timing for the spark is off or could be ignition coil, etc items that you need testing equipment and should take to a lawnmower shop unless you know what you doing.