Can you help me fix my lawn mower

[pinpointdan]

I've got a craftsman lawn mower my neighbor gave me. It has run fine for 2 years and when I went to start it for the first time this year the starter turned the engine but slowly then that stopped and nothing happened.

I thought it was the starter but my father in law helped me figure out that the starter will turn if it gets power. there is hefty red wire going from battery to solenoid then solenoid to starter. If i touch wires together starter turns. Replaced solenoid and problem not fixed. Lights come on when I turn key but i replaced ignition switch anyway, nope. I found one fuse and checked for continuity and it seems good. I tried just jumping the starter off the battery but it would turn and turn but never fire up. Any ideas?

 

["Red"]

Clean the carb. Gas that sits to long turns to turpentine and glazes the internal passages. A tiny spray of starter fluid should confirm it's a fuel issue.

 

[pinpointdan]

Thanks but shouldnt the starter turn either way. Doesnt turn by way of key turning

 

["Red"]

Tried a new battery? Checked all connections for corrosion or broken wires? Tried to bypass the solenoid (battery directly to starter)?

 

[Solopressure washer]

Those have safety switches on them, under the seat the brake or clutch pedal. If they do not close there is an open circuit and will do what you described. Check them and go from there.

 

[pinpointdan]

I agree it acts like it would if the safety switch wasnt engaged but lights dont come on when seat is up/brake is up and I get lights so thats not it.

I have tried jumping off car battery and it does same thing.

Yes, I have bypassed solenoid and it turns but wont fire up.

 

[pinpointdan]

Oops. Forgot to plug in spark plug wire. Tarts when i jump from battery to starter but still no key response.

 

[Solopressure washer]

Hard to diag without beging there. You might try you tube and see if that is any help.

 

[Rapid HotClean]

Is the plug sparking?

 

["Red"]

Oops. Forgot to plug in spark plug wire. Tarts when i jump from battery to starter but still no key response.

How long will it run?

 

[GrassButler]

What us a craftsman mower? I don't own a mower that doesn't have a Kawaski Engine.

 

[Rapid HotClean]

What us a craftsman mower? I don't own a mower that doesn't have a Kawaski Engine.

Wonder why Kaws haven't become more mainstream in the PW industry?

 

[GrassButler]

I was just thinking the same thing. I'd assume due to their set up. Shaft on the bottom. I know guys have good luck washing with koehlers. But Kawis are the workhorse in the green industry.

 

[Rapid HotClean]

I was just thinking the same thing. I'd assume due to their set up. Shaft on the bottom. I know guys have good luck washing with koehlers. But Kawis are the workhorse in the green industry.

I think Landa offers them on a few of their models. Are they priced similar to Honda? How's their parts network?

 

[GrassButler]

Idk price. Idk parts ( they are all still on there. ). Ok so a few fuel filters are different

 

[Rapid HotClean]

Speaking of Koehlers, I have one on my Ariens mower. They're both pieces of crap!

The first year it was fine, but last year it'd start but die as soon as you put a load on it. Took it in and they put a new carb on it under a recall. They're allergic to blended E gas. It then ran just ok for the rest of the year.

This year, same thing. So I was going to junk it and buy a Honda. Nothing to lose so I pulled off the air cleaner, started it and sprayed brake clean onto the carb. Runs great! lol

 

[Kiloman]

Kohlor is a great engine the command series

 

[Rapid HotClean]

Kohlor is a great engine the command series

I know that a lot guys love them.

My mower engine is beyond cheap. Doesn't have a fuel filter or shutoff. As the saying goes, I got what I paid for. lol

 

[pinpointdan]

How long will it run?

Hopefully long enough to cut the grass tomorrow lol