Craftsman 42 in. Deck 19.5hp Lawn Tractor - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

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

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.

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.

Check your tire pressure first, uneven tore pressure will cause this problem.On the rear of cutting deck on both sides there are height adjustments, if your deck has a rear roller this also can be adjusted to compensate,If your a stout person sitting on tractor can cause unevenes.

Try this,follow the positive battery to the part it's attached to,that's what is bad,remove it and take to Lowe's,they have one and it's not expensive.

check the spark on the L plug. might have a bad coil . I do not think it's an actual turbocharged motor. it might be cooling or transmission " turbo'''' you could also switch plugs from side to side. also, these BS motors had bad cams. so if you remove a valve cover on the L side ad turn the motor over and see a little valve movement. bummer. can be fixed but is spendy and a pain. if you see a turbo on it please add a picture. in this case, I would definitely fix it as it is probably one of a kind. and I'm sure a real treat to cut heavy grass with ! as it would be a 30-40 hp motor . weeee

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

I am hoping that you use only premium fuel (no corn) to keep the carb clean. Also, it helps to pour a half can of anti-fogging agent into the fuel tank to help remove moisture and give an octane boost, plus it will clean carb ports. Any fuel that includes ethanol can kill the engine.