20 Most Recent Craftsman 42 in. Deck 19.5hp Lawn Tractor Questions & Answers

Disconnect the wire harness to the engine. If the short goes away look for damage at or near the alternator rectifier diode.

Normally the belt diagrams are in the owners manual. Seeing this is a 12 year old machine the diagram stickers are possibly gone, but the drive belt diagram is normally on the bottom side of the foot rest, and the mower belt is on the top of the mow deck. Both are typically on the left side of the tractor as you sit on it. Please vote 4 thumbs up. Thank you.

Here is the link to a typical 42" Craftsman mow deck belt:
http://www.askmehelpdesk.com/attachments/tools-power-equipment/21777d1247094945-craftsman-lawnmower-belt-diagram-aypwobrk.gif

If you guys can get me the make, model & serial number of your machines....I can get you a diagram for free and help you through it. www.nnyparts.com

check for spark when it dies you could have a bad coil

You need to unplug the 6 PRONGED CONNECTOR down by the foot rest plate on the right hand side. When you remove it, you may notice that 2 prongs are missing. That is because there is only supposed to be 4 connectors, so don't worry and think 2 connectors broke off. Just leave that disconnected and the brake/clutch will be disengaged from the engine to allow it to continue running AFTER YOU RELEASE THE BRAKE! :) Which is what you had a problem with, just like alot of us. I have a PT9000 series Craftsman with the 28 HP Kohler engine. I wish I could upload a pic, but you'll see it when you look at it. It is easy to get to, and you shouldn't need any tools unless it is seized on REAL good!. After I disconnected it, I started it, took off the brake, fired up the snow thrower attachment and was able to move it forwards and backwards.... Another issue that these are prone to is being able to run the engine, but the mower will not move forward or backwards (And YES it is NOT in Neutral! :-P) maybe another connector issue... LOL Soon nothing will be left connected except the starter switch at this rate!.. Anyways, Theres your fix!

contact Sears Parts Direct .com they can help you may be able to download a manual

try PartsTreeRepairClinic yhey may have a video

sounds like the cable may be binding up. or there is an obstruction under it. take it off clean it good and spray some lubricant on all the moving parts. that usually gets the moving again.

PartsTreeRepairClinic will help

Ask a "Mahindra" dealer. Look one up on your computer.

Trace the red wire from the ignition switch, the fuse should be connected to the cowl assembly.

Looks to be a 1993 model

Sounds like a loose belt check the tension spring if they ok check and see if belt is strectched

I would suspect the issue you are having is the belt. I would raise the front of the tractor not tip it on its side. The belt is pretty straightforward on install.

sounds like valves are out of adjustment. but since you just put a cable on it be sure it is on correctly and the belt releases the blades because if the belt is to tight it will not allow the engine to turn over past the compression stroke as you are saying.

Here's a link I found Doug on your belts. https://www.shopyourway.com/questions/1126482

Maybe one of the pressure switches is bad

white smoke is more than likely a water issue. Oil usually has a bluish tinge to it but is some cases, it could be white. Drain the gas a fill with fresh to try and eliminate the possibility of water in the gas. Watch the oil level to see if it changes after using the mower. it may take a few times but if it is burning oil, the spark plug will look "wet" and oil soaked, with possible black soot type build up.

You need to check the compression on the engine and also the timing. It could be a head gasket or valve that is bad.