20 Most Recent Craftsman 17.5 hp 42 in. Deck Lawn Tractor - CA Model - Page 3 Questions & Answers

Look at the attached photo. It's #57.

When the key is turned to the off position it grounds out the ignition coil to stop the spark plug from firing and also it interrupts the 12 volt signal to the Carburetor solenoid which will shut off the gas supply to the main jet. For both of these to not happen it would most likely be the key switch as it is the only thing they have in common .

Easy way to set that is to put a piece of electrical tape over the magnet on the fly wheel and rotate the fly wheel till it is under the magneto and then loosen the magneto bolts till you can slide the magneto up against the tape, Tighten the bolts, rotate the flywheel out of position and remove the tape. Rotate the fly wheel by hand to check for free clearance all the way around.

Download the owners manual from sears parts. Wiring diagram is on page 31. http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/part-model/Craftsman-Parts/Riding-Mower-Tractor-Parts/user-manuals/manual-downloads/Model-917273634/0247/1509200?modelNumber=917273634&diagramPageId=&documentId=

Did you change the oil there maybe gas in it if float stuck on carb. also if rocker was off the valve maybe sticking in the valve guide sometimes you can clean with out taking all apart with carb cleaner

kill switch is on? which would be the case when: mower perhaps engaged? or not sitting in seat? clutch not depressed fully?

Make sure it is not vapor locking. My mower gets dust in the vent hole of the gas cap

The transmission belt is probably loose or the clutch is faulty.

There is a instruction decal,on how the belt is installed,around the pulleys. This decal can be found under the left foot rest,on most Craftsman tractors. Didn't find on left footrest,try right footrest. Hope this help answering your question. Sincerely,Brad Locke 11/23/15

Look under tractor frame,there you will find a plate. Remove the four bolts (two on cache side of tractor). Drop this plate down enough to be able to reach the interlock switch,it wii be in plain sight. Do not try to replace the new switch,with out first dropping the plate,there isn't enough room between the plate and the tractor frame. I have seen tractors,that someone making this repair,not dropping the plate,and they distroyed the new switch by trying to squeeze the interlock switch between the plate and the frame (the frame will be in the way). Well i hope this information helps. Sincerely,Brad Locke

You deffinately have a loose wire or connection coming off that switch,youll have to investigate to find out where it is.

When you move the lever and engage the blades you are also engaging the belt that drives the blades and sits on top of the mowing deck. Chances are that belt either came off one or more rollers, or broke. The only way to check it out is to get down and look on the top of the mowing deck. Get back and let me know what you find.

Next time it quits check to see if power is reaching the starter motor. If it is then check /replace the brushes and springs. If no power to starter replace the solenoid or relay.

take it in it should be fixxed & ask them if its covered under warrenty

Check the oil level. Sounds like it is to full.

Use heat... get yourself a handheld propane torch and have at it... rust is a pain but not impossible

Off the cuff, I'd guess the carburetor is gummed up. Gasoline is not good stuff. If left in a mower tank, it can evaporate over a year's time, and leave a gummy mess. It can also "sour" and lose it's volatility. It is a good idea to run the tank dry at the end of the mowing season, (if you have one,) and start fresh the next year. Car parts stores sell cans, (about a pint), of carburetor cleaner you can add to the gas tank. Try just a little of it, about a few ounces, see if that helps. If not, try a new spark plug, before you go to the expense of a carburetor rebuild, which can cost up to $ 100. God bless your efforts.

Take a paperclip and clean out the small hole on your gas cap. And yes I am being serious.

be sure you are sitting on the mower with the clutch pedal pushed down,blade engagement in off position,
there may be a safety switch bad or a wire pulled off of one or more of them or a bad starter solenoid which is a high failure item.
Check safety seat switch wires under seat,look under mower for clutch pedal switch wires located under mower near clutch pedal, check the blade safety switch if its a manual blade engagement? The (starter solenoid) you will need to find the red wire on your battery and follow it until you find it or from the starters red wire back towards battery.
Once you find it inspect the solenoid to be sure wires are in tact,then find a dc volt meter and check to see if you have voltage(12volts dc min.) to the small red wire hooked to the solenoids coil (near the bottom) when the the ignition key is turned to start position(one of your meters wire to the coil wire and one to a good ground,,if your meter goes backwards reverse the meter leads)Note:lock the clutch pedal down before you do this) If you have voltage to this wire when key is turned to start position? solenoid is most likely bad or if you dont have voltage trace that wire backwards until you find voltage then you may have found your culprit.

Check power at solnoid on cable coming from battery. 12-13V. With key turn to start should have 12-13v