
How to Repair a Craftsman Lawn Mower Step 1. Lift the mower deck up. Check the mower blade arbor for any clogs. If the arbor is clogged, the mower will not... Step 2. Locate the spark plug on the side of the motor. If the plug is dirty or broken, the mower will not start. Step 3. Remove the oil ...
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How can I troubleshoot Craftsman lawn mower problems?
Troubleshooting a Sears Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower
- Does Not Start. Fill the fuel tank. ...
- Engine Does Not Turn Over. Press the clutch/brake pedal with your foot while starting the mower. ...
- Power Loss. Raise the cutting height or reduce your speed. ...
- Vibrations or Uneven Cutting. Turn the lawn mower on its side and clean the bottom of the deck to remove built-up leaves or grass.
- Grass Does Not Discharge Properly. ...
How to fix a lawn mower that won't start?
- Pull up the mower's hood to access the ignition switch.
- Remove its cable harness.
- Remove the tabs to pull the ignition switch out of its slot.
- Turn the key to the start position and set the multi-meter to measure resistance, not voltage.
- Connect the black multi-meter probe to the B prong and the other to the S prong. These terminals are along each other's diagonal at the bottom of the switch.
- Use the key to turn the ignition switch and start the engine. The resistance should display on the multi-meter when you do this.
How to repair Craftsman self propelled lawn mowers?
Some things that you have to check before working on your lanwmower:
- Safety gloves: Use safety gloves when you work with sharp or hot lawnmower parts. You also protect your hands from grease and oil spills.
- Use quality parts: Try to use quality parts. This can mean good OEM parts or genuine parts that the company recommends.
- Disconnect the battery: Disconnect the battery before working on your lawnmower. ...
How to fix a lawn mower with no compression?
- By reducing the cylinder diameter (to increase the compression ratio).
- By increasing the cylinder diameter (to decrease the compression ratio).
- By reducing the cylinder length/stroke length (to increase the compression ratio).
- By increasing the cylinder length/stroke length (to increase the compression ratio).

What would cause a Craftsman lawn mower not to start?
A Craftsman lawn mower won't start when the engine is not getting air, fuel or spark due to a plugged air filter, bad fuel, faulty switches, bad battery, bad spark plug, fuel blockages or dirty carburetor. Keep reading for my complete list of items that can prevent your Craftsman lawn mower from starting.
Why won't my mower move forward or backwards?
A blocked fuel filter can keep gasoline from flowing to your mower's engine in adequate supply, resulting in a lawn mower that isn't drivable. Damaged or clogged air filters also can prevent your lawn mower from going forward or in reverse simply because the engine will overheat quickly.
How do you fix a Craftsman riding lawn mower that won't start?
1:145:56Lawn Tractor Won't Start? Try This Easy Free Fix! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen just tilt the hood forward a bit lift it up now. Here's where the problem lies. This is theMoreThen just tilt the hood forward a bit lift it up now. Here's where the problem lies. This is the choke lever over here you can see it's loose.
Why does my Craftsman riding mower not move?
If your riding lawn mower won't move, the problem could be a broken ground drive belt. If the riding mower is slow and sluggish, the ground drive belt could be so worn that it slips. Either way, follow the steps in this repair guide and video to replace the ground drive belt on your lawn tractor.
How do I know if my lawnmower transmission is bad?
To check the transmission, carefully watch the transmission when the engine is running. If the pulley is spinning, and the wheels aren't turning, the transmission is bad. Unfortunately, if this is broken, it may be time to buy a new mower because this part is generally unreplaceable.
How do you fix a transmission on a riding lawn mower?
0:014:03Riding Lawnmower Transmission Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is called a peerless transmission there's label right there and this is common in all theseMoreThis is called a peerless transmission there's label right there and this is common in all these mowers. And it's mounted with one two bolts there one two there and then a couple in the back.
When I turn the key on my lawn mower and nothing happens?
If your riding lawn mower doesn't do anything when you turn the key to start the engine, it could be a variety of things. This video shows you how to pinpoint the cause by checking the riding mower's battery, solenoid posts and coil, fuse, ignition switch, brake switch and blade switch.
Why is my lawn mower cranking but not starting?
Dirty Air Filter An air filter that's not letting enough air into the motor can inhibit combustion. Locate the air filter on your mower and remove the plastic cover. If the filter is covered in dirt, grass, or some other contaminant, this may be the reason for your lawn mower turning over but not starting.
Why does my riding lawn mower clicks but wont start?
If your riding lawn mower engine clicks when you turn the key but won't turn over, there's a pretty good chance your mower could have a bad starter solenoid. Other problems, though not as frequent, include a bad starter motor, a wiring failure, a weak battery or a locked-up engine.
Why is my hydrostatic mower not moving?
A hydrostatic lawn mower may not move because of a bad drive belt; bad tensioner pulley; broke tensioner spring; old or low hydraulic fluid; hot hydraulic fluid; air in the hydraulic system; or the drive release handles are in the “released” position.
How do you manually move a Craftsman riding lawn mower?
0:181:58How to Manually Move a Hydrostatic Lawnmower Automatic - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut all you have to do is pull that out like. This. And by pulling that out what you've done is you'MoreBut all you have to do is pull that out like. This. And by pulling that out what you've done is you've moved a lever.
How do you check the transmission fluid on a Craftsman lawn tractor?
0:232:57Craftsman Tractor Transmission Fluid Change How To DIY - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then squeeze in these tabs that hold the battery box into the tractor. So. I have the batteryMoreAnd then squeeze in these tabs that hold the battery box into the tractor. So. I have the battery box removed. And put off to the side. Here.
How do you troubleshoot a hydrostatic transmission?
Troubleshooting Hydrostatic Drives If the system is overheating, check the oil level in the tank, inspect the heat exchanger, check the inline pressure filters, inspect the crossport relief valves, and check the pump and motor case drains for excessive bypassing.
How do you release a hydrostatic transmission?
6:509:25How To Disengage Your Hydrostatic Drive on a Lawn Tractor/Ride On ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo pull it. Out. Take your brake off some of them got foot brakes some we've got handbrake thisMoreSo pull it. Out. Take your brake off some of them got foot brakes some we've got handbrake this one's got a handbrake. And now you can now push. And pull your mower. Put the brake back. On.
What kind of fluid goes in a hydrostatic transmission?
The fluid recommended for Hydro-Gear transmissions and pumps is a 20W-50 motor oil or 15W-50 synthetic motor oil. If the machine has oil reservoirs, they are mounted to the frame behind the seat, for easy access and oil level check accessibility.
How do you fill a hydrostatic transmission?
Fill the hydrostatic transmission oil filter reservoirs with new hydrostatic transmission oil. Pour the transmission oil into the reservoirs by hand. Fill the oil reservoir to the full line that is embossed on the side of the reservoir tank.
Step 1: Gather Tools & Supplies to Service Craftsman Lawn Mower
It is best to get all of the materials together before you start servicing your riding mower.
Step 2: Prepare Your Craftsman Riding Mower for Maintenance
Park the mower on a flat level surface. Lay cardboard or newspaper on the ground to protect the surface from oil drips. Allow your Craftsman for run for a few minutes to warm up your engine oil. Warm oil flows better than cold oil for draining. Shut off mower.
Step 3: Change Your Craftsman Mower Engine Oil & Filter
Your engine oil and filter should be changed every 50 hours or annually to keep your engine lubricated with clean oil. Not changing your engine oil regularly can have damaging effects to the engine. Note: If your engine is new, you need to change the oil after the initial 5 hour break-in period.
Step 4: Replace Spark Plug (s) on Your Craftsman Riding Mower
Replace your spark plug (s) annually. Make sure the plug is gapped according to the engine manufacturer’s specification.
Step 5: Remove Dirt and Debris from Exhaust, Engine & Transmission Areas in Your Craftsman Riding Mower
Dirt and debris that builds up around the engine and in the engine cooling fins restricts air movement around the engine to keep it cool to prevent overheating. Remove the engine shroud and remove dirt and debris around the engine and exhaust areas.
Step 6: Clean Battery Terminals on Your Craftsman Mower
Make sure the battery terminals are clean and making a good connection. If they are showing signs of corrosion, clean them with a baking soda and water solution consisting of 2 cups of water and 3 heaping tablespoons of baking soda. Use a wire brush to clean your terminals.
Step 7: Remove Debris Around Electrical Components & Wiring on Craftsman Mower
Check your electrical components and wiring for debris. Remove any debris you find. Debris can hold moisture and cause your electrical components to prematurely corrode and fail.
How Does a Hydrostatic Transmission Work?
A hydraulic drive system works by combining a hydraulic engine with a hydraulic pump. The pump uses pressurized oil to move the system’s pistons. Through their movement, the pistons transfer power to the engine that will engage the drive wheels.
Always Keep Your Lawn Mower Maintained
Maintenance is key to keeping your riding lawn mower in good operating order. Daily, bi-annually, and annually planned maintenance can help you detect potential problems before they arise or fix existing issues before they become bigger problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
A seized brake or faulty drive belt are the most common reasons why you can’t push your riding lawn mower.
