20 Most Recent Craftsman 42 in. Deck 19.5hp Lawn Tractor - Page 3 Questions & Answers

Hello B-N-L:

>>I Suggest you Check the Ign Module First and then the Safety Switches if the Ign Module (Coil) is Good. Remember that the Ign Module May Check Good, but if the Safety Switches Check Good, then Most likely the Coil is in the Early Stages of Breaking Down and will Cause this Problem.
>>You can Check the Ign Module (Coil) by Using the Following Instruction File.
The Following is an Instruction File I Made for Checking and Repairing this Problem.
>>Run the Engine Until it Quits, then Remove the Spark Plug. Wrap a Wire Around the Threads and Attach the Other End of the Wire to the Engine Block Turn the Engine and See if the Plug Fires.
>>If No, then Disconnect the Shut Off Wire at the Control Bracket First, Check for Fire at the Plug. If Still No Fire at the Plug; Then Disconnect the Shut Off Wire at the Coil (usually requires removal of the blower housing) and Check for Fire at the Plug.
>>If No Fire at the Plug , then the Coil/Ign Module is Bad. The Coil/Ign Module to Flywheel Gap is .020in.
>>On Some Model JD Engines, there is a Igniter that Goes Bad and Not the Coil. The Igniter is the Same as an Ignition Module. If the Plug Fires at Anytime During these 2 Checks, then a Safety Switch or Wire May be the Problem. Yes the Engine will Turn Even with a Bad Seat Safety Safety Switch. Usually if the Engine will Not Turn with the Ign Switch; the Blade Safety or Neutral/Clutch Safety Switch is Usually the Cause of this.
>>The Starter Turns and the Engine Doesn't Fire is an Indication of a Bad Coil/Ign Module or a Faulty Blade Safety Switch.
>>The Blade and Clutch Safety Switches Prevent the Starter from Engaging so the Blades or the Mower Does Not Move when the Starter Turns the Engine.
>>The Seat Safety is Designed to Stop the Engine if the Blades are Engaged or the Clutch Safety is Not Engaged when you Leave the Seat.
>>The Following is an Instruction File for the Safety Switch System. Any Input is Appreciated.
>>The Color Code of the Wires May be Different than those I Use as a Reference in the Instruction File.
>>**PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHECKING THE SAFETY SWITCHES IS JUST THAT!!! FOR CHECKING ONLY.
>>I NEVER Suggest a Mower be Operated with a Safety Device or Switch Disconnected or Bypassed.
>>**Now. On Some Model Mowers you can Simply Unplug the Safety Switch from the Harness. On Other Models you have to Place a Jumper Wire Between the Harness Terminals (on the 4 Post Switch (Clutch/Brake) Jumper from Same Color Wire (Example: White to White) First and then Check for Fire, Now Include the Black to Black Wires if No Fire.
>>Check the Clutch/Brake and the Blade/PTO Safety Switches First.
>>Check the Seat Safety Last. Usually the Seat Safety is Not in the System for Starting the Engine. Just to Ensure Someone is in the Seat when Engaging the Transaxle and/or Blades. Use a Paper Clip or a Short Wire to Make a Jumper.**
>>Use a Volt/OHM/Continuity Meter and Check the Continuity of the Switch. The Meter should Show when the Contacts are Closed and Open. The Meter will Swing All the Way Over when the Switch Contacts are Closed and Swing Back to the Rest Point when the Switch Contacts are Open.
>>If the Safety Switches Check Good, then Check the Ign Module (Coil).
>>Thanks.

Respectfully

John

Raise the wheels on one side?

search for your model number and the word manual. There should be a wiring diagram in the owners manual that included ignition.

TRANSAXLE COOLING
The fan and cooling fins of transmission should be kept
clean to assure proper cooling.
Do not attempt to clean fan or transmission while engine is
running or while the transmission is hot. To prevent
possible damage to seals, no not use high pressure water
or steam to clean transaxle.
, Inspect cooling fan to be sure fan blades are intact and
clean.
o inspect cooling fins for dirt, grass clippings and other
materials° To prevent damage to seals, do not use
compressed air or high pressure sprayer.
TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID
The transaxle was sealed at the factory and fluid maintenance
is not required for the life of the transaxle. Should
the transaxle ever leak or require servicing, contact your
nearest authorized service center/department.

Did you check the spindle assembly. I had one that cracked on my mower and had to replace it.It could be broken at one of the corners and this makes the blade spin off balance or not turn at all.Or a pulley could be worn or bent and the belt makes it rotate against the other metal parts.This happened because I hit some stones. They can damage other parts of the mower deck as well as ruin the cutting blades.You can do an online chat with SEARS parts too and their tech may have more info which may hepl diagnose the problem. Good luck,Jean

Adjust it by the nut on the arm going to the rear end

Uh oh! No choice but to rewire. Here is a helpful video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTAUupMxT1U

Try Smith and sons farm equip. in Clyde texas, 915-893-4242. They handle ford factory replacement parts for the old ford model tractors. Good Luck

seat switch should be checked...

opposed twin carb mounted fuel pump... ??? is it a three or four screw pump ??? it's been a while but I think it's a single hose to the pump. the three bolt pump has a pulse hose on the bottom of it...

if its belt driven its probably the belt tention pully or the spring that pulls it back that is broken

You might try putting an inline valve in the fuel line feeding the carburetor or simply clamp the line shut to see if that works.It sounds like hydro lock due to fuel getting into the cylinder when the engine is not running, Briggs had an issue with it along with others, some (like Honda) have a solenoid in the float bowl to stop the fuel flow. If this works install the valve, shut it off and let the tractor idle a minute before shutting down the engine

.30 is usually a good standard if you can't find the manualHave you tried manuals on line ?

Wheels are to straigten. Best to replace.

You can search on amazon for belts... take a look: Amazon com Craftsman 42 in belt. I hope this was helpful. Cheers

adjust valves. compression release for start is set in valve adjustment.

search for your engine model number

safety switch in the seat and in the brake. if one of those is open, engine will die when you engage the blades. Owners manual should have wiring diagram so you can bypass switches to test (if you have brake applied and are sitting in the seat and that is when it is dying).