skip to main content

Craftsman Mower Won't start

Jonas Ensminger

8 years ago

OK, I consider myself somewhat handy but I'm baffled now. I own a Craftsman model 917.385127 mower. Last year it stopped starting. It started then ran for 10 seconds, died, and wouldn't restart for a day. This spring, same thing. So I searched around online and did a few things. I took the tank and carb off, cleaned everything. Diaphragm looked fine. I put a cleaner I bought in the tank, primed it good and let it sit, supposedly that would clean everything. Changed the plug (didn't need to but when I was buying the cleaner, I bought a plug too). Now I can't get it to even start. I so bad want to trash it, buy a decent mower and be done with it. But I can mow my lawn in less than 10 minutes and hate doing it so spending a ton a new mower is not my next option (electric mower would be my choice though).

Any thoughts?

Also, should the choke on the carb open or close when the operator bar is pushed to the handle or does that operate on its own? I'm just looking at the entire thing now and trying to troubleshoot!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

tomplum
8 years ago
You may want to provide an engine model number. it has been decades since there has been a diaphragm type carb built with a choke. You said "primed it good"- so if you meant you used a primer bulb it doesn't have a choke. That would be the throttle plate then. If that is the case remove the carb, clean everything out of the tank, throw the cleaner away and install a new diaphragm kit. Prime several times to get the cleaner out and keep away from the diaphragm. The diaphragm goes against the tank and the gasket above.When it is assembled and back on the engine, be sure the small governor spring is hooked up to the control or tab and fill with fresh fuel. It should prime and run. If it leaks when to prime , post back.
Jonas Ensminger
Original Author
8 years ago
Yeah I wasn't sure what that "valve" is in the carb, assumed it was a choke, but I guess it's a throttle plate. In any case, I guess I already did everything you said except buy a new diaphragm. Guess I can try that but I'm close to walking away from it and hiring a neighborhood kid.
Related Discussions
Craftsman Mower won't start
Q
Comments (1)
If briefly jumping the two large solenoid leads causes the starter to bump, it could be the safety switches, keyswitch or solenoid. Use battery jumper cables. Touch for a split second, just to see if starter bumps.
...See More
Craftsman riding mower won't start
Q
Comments (1)
Yeah, one suggestion: Post the engine model and type numbers. Don't know whether you're talking about Briggs, Tecumseh, or Kohler.
...See More
Craftsman riding mower won't start
Q
Comments (9)
Pull the valve cover and check the valve clearances. The engine not wanting to crank over may be due to valves needing adjustment to restore function of compression release. Don't worry about the flywheel key shearing, that is not something likely to occur on a mower that has a belt driven deck, The concern over shearing a flywheel key by hitting something and stopping the blades is only true in push mowers where the blade mounts directly to the crankshaft. Belt driven blades can't stop the crankshaft quick enough to shear a flywheel key. The puzzling part of the description is how the exhaust seems to have gotten louder just prior to backfiring. Start with the valves.
...See More
Help! Craftsman mower won't start Mystery!!!
Q
Comments (13)
Tomplum is spot on there. I have repaired "worst case" problems (where plastic connector melts or breaks) by replacing the connector assembly with individual, insulated wire spade terminals. But using the individual terminals means you have to be absolutely certain you understand exactly where each wire is supposed to go. To release a spade terminal from the connector body, insert a small screwdriver into the business end of the connector (in the direction indicated by red arrow) to depress the locking tab that secures the terminal to a lock notch in the plastic. While holding the locking tab down with the release tool (screwdriver), gently pull on the wire at the back end of the connector. If the release tool is in place properly, and the connector is not melted, the wire and terminal will slip easily out of the connector. I have also had success with just cleaning and tightening the terminal by ever so slightly closing the gap of the terminal with a small pair of pliers. Cleaning can be done using a small, stiff sliver of sand paper inserted into the open end of the terminal, but it requires patience.If the terminal has a dark or blackish appearance, don't even try to clean it.....it has been hot and is no good now. Replace it.
...See More

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES You Won't Believe What These Homeowners Found in Their Walls

By Mitchell Parker

From the banal to the downright bizarre, these uncovered artifacts may get you wondering what may be hidden in your own home

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: New Love and a Fresh Start in a Midcentury Ranch House

By Mitchell Parker

A Nashville couple, both interior designers, fall for a neglected 1960 home. Their renovation story has a happy ending

CONTRACTOR TIPS 10 Things to Discuss With Your Contractor Before Work Starts

By Ventana Construction LLC

Have a meeting a week before hammers and shovels fly to make sure everyone’s on the same page

GARDENING GUIDES 10 Tips to Start a Garden — Can-Do Ideas for Beginners

By Alison Hodgson

Green up your landscape even if you're short on time, money and knowledge, with these manageable steps for first-time gardeners

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: It All Started With a Rug

By Nanette Wong

One floor covering from Kazakhstan inspires a whole global vibe in a traveler’s San Francisco apartment

REMODELING GUIDES What to Consider Before Starting Construction

By Incite Design

Reduce building hassles by learning how to vet general contractors and compare bids

REMODELING GUIDES Houzz Tour: Turning a ’50s Ranch Into a Craftsman Bungalow

With a new second story and remodeled rooms, this Maryland home has plenty of space for family and friends

BATHROOM DESIGN 7 Elements of Craftsman-Style Bathrooms

By Mitchell Parker

If you like a handmade look and simple materials, this style is tailor made for your bath

ARCHITECTURE Roots of Style: See What Defines a Craftsman Home

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Charming features and intimate proportions have made Craftsman houses an American favorite. See their common details and variations

CRAFTSMAN DESIGN Craftsman Front Doors Make an Entrance

By Rachel Grace

For curb appeal, warmth and natural light, consider a classic Craftsman-style door for your home's entryway

Sponsored

Dream Baths by Kitchen Kraft

12 Reviews

Your Custom Bath Designers & Remodelers in Columbus I 10X Best Houzz

More Discussions

Fall into Cleanliness: Join the Discussion on Fall Cleaning Services

0

can anyone identify these bugs?

1

Custom zero turn mower bag attachment

0

Looking for cordless walk behind trimmer

2

Looking for edger with blade

0