QuestionQUESTION: Hi. I have a Craftsman Model 917.272660, 17HP 42" riding mower that won't start. When I put the key in and turn it, the fan blade spins a little and makes a little noise but it doesn't start. Like it doesn't turn over I guess the mechanical term is. I changed the oil in the spring and air filter.
Thanks!
ANSWER: Hello Chantal:
Have you Checked the Battery and Ensured it has a Full Charge. Your Local Automotive Parts Retailer will Usually Check Batteries for Free. If the Battery has a Full Charge, then the Next Step in the Diagnostic Process is to Make Sure the Crankcase Oil is Not Overfilled or has a Gas Smell to it. If the Oil Level is Correct and is Not Contaminated with Gas, then the Next Step is to Check the Valve Clearances. 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 .006in - .008in. 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. From your Description it Sounds like the Valve Require Adjusting. 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. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/manual_and_more/doclist.aspx?categ and Enter the Model Numbers (31C707) and the First 4 Type Numbers (0230) in the Appropriate Boxes and Click GO. Then Select Download PDF. 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. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi, John. Thanks for the response. I think it's the battery as you suggested. I used my car and jumper cables to charge the battery, and it took a very long time to turn over, even with the jumper cables attached. I left the cables attached for some time, 15 minutes, and it finally charged the battery enough to turn over. Just to be sure, I left the mower running to ensure a good charge. I shut it off and restarted it again to make sure it would hold the charge, but I found I had to turn and hold the key all the way to the right for four seconds before it would "catch" and start. Then the next day I came back to cut the grass and it would not turn over again, doing the same thing I mentioned in my first e-mail. HELP!
AnswerHello Chantal:
Check the Charging System First. For Testing the Electrical (Charging) System on Mowers you can Use this Site Addy; http://faqs.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/faqs.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=3438&p and Use the Link for AC Volts/DC Amps Meter Setting Chart. This is for Briggs Engines and Works Well for Kohler and Other Engine OEMs. 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. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
