Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman LT1000 wont start, craftsman lt1000, twin cylinder engines

Question
Hi Everybody, I am new to post here but have been lurking and learning. I have a LT1000 Model 917.271842 with a 21.0hp twin B&S I/C engine model#461707. My problem is the mower will not start. It makes no noise at all, nothing, no clicking just dead. I load tested my battery and it reads fine. I fully charged it also. For the past year or so it starts hard,makes a couple turn of the starter then stops and then catches and finally starts. Yesterday after cutting all day I shut it of to blow the dust off and it would not start again. I have taken apart and cleaned all connections. I have 12+ volts to one of the red wires and the black wires on the solenoid, not to the other red or the white wires at anytime while turning key. I used a new car battery and jumped direct from the positive to the starter and it turns over but still its kind of hard (turns then stops, turns and stops) I removed the 2 spark plugs and the starter turns over easier (pretty much like normal). I then jumped with a screw driver across the 2 large bolts on the solenoid and it turns over also. I then put the spark plugs back in and jumped the starter again and it turned hard again. Do I have 2 problems? It seemed like all the safety switches are working but how can I check? The solenoid? Do the valves need adjustment on this engine? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Answer
Hello Connie:

From your Description it Sounds like the Following are the Problems with this Mower: 1- The Valve Clearances Require Setting. This is the cause for the Uneven Cranking. The Slow Turn Stop and then Slow Turn. The Following is a Basic File I made for Setting the Valve Clearances. Any Input is Appreciated. **I Do Not Use the Setting Called for by the OEMs. I have Found that the Following Works Best. Remove the Valve Cover (on the Dead Cylinder for Twin Cylinder Engines). Set the Cylinder you are Setting the Valves on to Top Dead Center on the Compression Stroke When Setting the Valve Clearance. Now Loosen the Valve Adjuster Locks and Set the Intake Valve Clearance to .004in -.006in and the Exhaust to .007in - .009in. I have had Better Performance Out of the Mowers and Less Burnt Valves Using these Settings. Be Sure the Piston is at TDC on the Compression Stroke.** On Some Engines you can Us a Straightened Coat Hanger and Feel the Piston. Be Careful and Dont Jam the Wire in the Cylinder. Usually the Piston will Push the Wire Out of the Spark Plug Hole with No Problems. 2- The Safety System is Usually the Cause for No Noise or Any Response from the Engine when Turning the Key. The Following is an Instruction File for the Safety Switch System. Any Input is Appreciated. The Color Code of the Wires May be Different than those I Use as a Reference in the Instruction File. **PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHECKING THE SAFETY SWITCHES IS JUST THAT!!! FOR CHECKING ONLY. I NEVER Suggest a Mower be Operated with a Safety Device or Switch Disconnected or Bypassed. Now. On Some Model Mowers you can Simply Unplug the Safety Switch from the Harness. On Other Models you have to Place a Jumper Wire Between the Harness Terminals (on the 4 Post Switch (Clutch/Brake) Jumper from Same Color Wire white to White First and then Check for Fire, Now Include the Black to Black Wires if No Fire. Check the Clutch/Brake and the Blade/PTO Safety Switches First. Check the Seat Safety Last. Usually the Seat Safety is Not in the System for Starting the Engine. Just to Ensure Someone is in the Seat when Engaging the Transaxle and/or Blades. Use a Paper Clip or a Short Wire to Make a Jumper.**  Some Sears Model Mowers have a Trio of Relays Under the Seat. Switch 1 of the Outer Relays with the Center Relay. If the Mower Now Turns the Engine, then Replace the Bad Relay. To View a Breakdown of this Unit Go to this Site Addy, http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Search. From this Page you can View Diagrams and Parts Lists for you Equipment Using the "View Sub Components" Section Near the Bottom Left.  If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Ratings and Comments are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John