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Craftsman Starter

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Mark S.

06-15-1999 08:57:46




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Got a Craftsman 18HP heavy duty Garden Tractor w/ a 2 cylinder V-Twin B/S IC engine. The starter seems very weak, even with a new battery. Sometimes it won't even turn over? If I take out the plugs, it turns over fine with no compression.
As soon as the plugs are back in, it won't even turn over once, like it can't fight the compression. Any suggestions? It looks like a real pain to get the starter off.

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Ken

07-05-1999 15:42:57




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 Re: Craftsman Starter in reply to Mark S., 06-15-1999 08:57:46  
Another reason (forgot to include in last answer) for tight compression when starting, is "carbon" buildup. A clogged air filter and dirty plugs will allow the build up to occur in the combustion chamber, reduce the size of the chamber and therefore, higher compression occurs. One way to fix is with an "Italian Tune-up", which is to trickle transmission fluid into the Carb throat while running at a very fast idle. This should be done carefully..only trickle the trans. fluid, and don't let the engine bog down to a stall. Note that you will get clouds of white smoke while doing this. 1 pint should do the trick. A better idea is to add "Marvelous Mystery Oil" per can specs to the gas each fill up. Over time, this will help reduce buildup. Marvelous comes in a red can, and is available at any Garden-Automotive-Discount hardware store.

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marks

07-07-1999 06:17:56




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 Re: Re: Craftsman Starter in reply to Ken, 07-05-1999 15:42:57  
Ken,
thanks for the tips. I ended up pulling the flywheel off the top of the engine and taking off the starter anyway because it kept getting worse and worse. The throwout gear pinion teeth were worn beyond use and the shaft of the starter wouldn't even turn by hand!!!!! Took the starter motor apart and the lead wire to 2 of the 4 brushes had broken off and were shorting against the inside of the case. Got replacement parts from a B/S engine dealer, $14.00 for the brushes and 2.49 for the pinion gear (which is plastic for goodness sakes. Put it all back together last night and starts great. The plugs were fouled with carbon buildup, so I'll try you trick with the tranny fluid in the carg. Thanks for the help.

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Ken

07-07-1999 18:07:32




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 Re: Re: Re: Craftsman Starter in reply to marks, 07-07-1999 06:17:56  
You took it a few steps farther than I did, and I'm glad you were able to fix the problem with modest expense. When time and courage permit, I will investigate mine further armed with your information. You wound up helping me! Thanx for posting a re-reply.



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LADONNA ZERBE

08-12-1999 08:32:43




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: Craftsman Starter in reply to Ken, 07-07-1999 18:07:32  
HI KEN, I AM HAVING THE WORST PROBLEM EVER. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET THIS STARTER PIECE FOR MY CRAFTSMAN RIDING LAWN MOWER FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS, AND YOU WOULD THINK I COULD GET IT THROUGH SEARS. WRONG!!!! THEY KEEP SENDING ME THE WRONG PIECE. CAN YOU POSSIBLY HELP ME??? I NEED THE RETAINER AND PIN THAT ATTACHES TO THE ALTERNATOR ON THE STARTER. THEY HAVE SENT ME EVERYTHING BUT. I AM DESPERATE TO FIND THIS PIECE. ANY HELP WILL BE APPRECIATED. THE MODEL # IS 917.256220. THE PIECE # IS 490476 IN MY MANUEL. I GIVE THEM THAT # AND THEY DON'T HAVE IT, AND JUST SEND ME ANYTHING. THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE ME. LADONNA ZERBE

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Danny Mcelroy

08-06-2003 08:02:15




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Craftsman Starter in reply to LADONNA ZERBE, 08-12-1999 08:32:43  
Hi i got the same mower.Can you tell me what year it is???Also i need the part # for both belts.



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Ken

07-04-1999 10:41:02




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 Re: Craftsman Starter in reply to Mark S., 06-15-1999 08:57:46  
I've got the same problem. You are correct..the starter is a pain. You will have to remove the engine if you want to replace it. I helped, but did not solve the turnover problem by doing the following: 1.Replace the battery and make sure connections are solid. Tickle charge the Battery between uses. Cables should be new or excellent condition.
2. Pull the connector off the back of the starter switch, (key switch) and clean the lugs on the switch with emery cloth.(lugs should shine). Blow out the connector with air and spray a contact cleaner inside. Scrape inside with small tool and blow out again. 3. Remove connections to solenoid (end of positive bat. cable) and emery cloth to a shine, all connections. 4. If this does not help, you can get a generic Ford Solenoid (fits 65 mustangs etc.) at the parts store and easily install in place of original. A friend did this and says all problems were solved. 5. When cold starting the engine, do not use the choke at first. Set the throttle wide open. This will help the engine "breathe" for the first few turns and reduce resistance. Pull the choke out only after the starter starts spinning the engine properly, and pull the throttle back to half or less so you don't overrev when it fires off. Hope this helps.

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