Cable broke I have an older model (early 1990's) craftsman lawnmower. The throttle engage cable broke. I was told that they no longer make parts for this model & year. Are the cable's pretty similar? Could I purchase a new one and make it fit?

check to be sure all springs are in place

Hi Robert,
I'm not usually a Lawn Mower Expert, but I think I may have an answer for you. Assuming your craftsman rotary lawn mower is similar to this self propelled craftsman mower (they should have the same basic parts), this video should help!

Self-Propelled Craftsman Lawnmower Drive Cable Repair

Yes, longer/higher bar usually require longer cables, and depending on what length, and what they fit, sometimes they have to be ordered.

check to make sure your cable is in tact its called a pto clutch cable about 20 buck on ebay it may be broke inside

I would check out Sears Parts Direct:
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action

You will need your product number, should be on the warning sticker or near the main model sticker on the mower.

I am not real familar with this particular mower but I had the same problem with my craftsman mower a couple and if you have a little slack in the cable you can do what I did till you can get the right parts.If you have a couple of inches of slack you can get some small cable clamps from hardware store. Cut the cable and double it by taking up all the slack and wrap with electrical tape to make a snug fit to tighten clamps down on. I would use at least two clamps,more if you have the room. I got a new cable and did not install it until old cable broke again. I hope this helps you. Thanks.

Make sure the belt has not slipped off of the pulley on the engine output shaft just above the cutting blade. It is common with those type of drives for debris to make the belt hop off.

If you go to http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action
and put in your tractor number you should get a parts diagram.

Sounds like you PTO cable is broken. Part # 175067. It goes from the lever on the dash down to a deck mount and hooks to the idler pulley. When you lift the lever, it should pull the pulley and idler arm towards the rear of the deck to tighten the belt to engage the blades.

locate mod # on tractor may be under seat
go to sears.com click on parts direct and enter that number and it will take you to the parts section for that mower.