20 Most Recent Craftsman 17.5 hp 42 in. Deck Lawn Tractor - CA Model - Page 4 Questions & Answers

What are you torquing the bolts on the bottom that hold the blades? If it's the bolt on the blade that fits under the deck on the hub it's 65lbs don't over tighten or you will break off the bolt. Sorry if that was not the answer to your question maybe be more specific. MJ

If this is a manual transmission, check the drive belt from the engine back to the transmission. With the clutch pedal up (engaged) there should be no slack in the belt.

If it is a hydrostatic drive, check the drive belt and make sure it is tight. Check the transmission fluid level and make sure it is full. Refer to your owners manual as it will describe the fluid check proceedure.
Good luck, let me know.
Regards,

The belt may not be the problem. When you engage the blade, the engine is doing more, thus needing more gas, your problem is the carburetor.

http://www.briggsandstratton.com/us/en/~/media/Frequently%20Asked%20Questions/Engine/PDFs/Engine%20Specifications%20Chart_ms3992.pdf

Push the clutch all the way down and try to start, does it crank over?
Let me know.
Regards,

check battery and terminals including the earth wire to the motor

Your fuel solenoid may not working. I put a fuel shut-off in. Not in use turn off

Hi Paul It sounds like the belt is worn, stretched, or possibly just two long for your machine. Save yourself a lot of aggrivation by checking your operator manual and getting exactly the right belt for your mower.

You don't say how old your machine is but if it has been mowing for many, many hours, the tensioning spring may need to be replaced. If that is the case you can order a new one at Sears.com

there are 3 safety switches,clutch,deck and seat, Craftsman 247288810 Lawn Tractor Parts take the cover off so u can access the coil,unhook the black wire from the coil,not spark plug cable,try to start it,if it starts then a safety switch is bad,if it doesnt,then jump the solenoid,if it starts then it is the seat or clutch switch,if you want to bypass safety switches,connect a switch to the ground and coil

When was your valves adjusted last? If valves are out adjustment the compression doesn't release

The gear lever...move it to the forward position only slightly....not all the way forward...it'll move slower...
give it a try... worked on mine yesterday.
K

bad spot on drive belt

sounds like the stator under the flywheel is bad that is what charges the battery

if it is still under warranty and it was from normal wear they will replace it but if not under warranty you'll have to buy a new one,and they can be costly.

Deck no. is 144959 from Sears.

Replaced mine yesterday RH thread, so counter clockwise to remove, There should be enough thread exposed for you to confirm that. I find that the air impact wrench is a lot easier than by hand for removing these.

On left side by clutch is a knob. Should have a arrow on it Turn that

Float is either not connected right or the needle fell out because of the float not being hooked up right. You'll need to disassemble the carb and fix it.