Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman hyrdrostat, expansion tank, tractor model

Question
QUESTION: My 10 year old son was just finishing the lawn when the Craftsman tractor stopped moving. The engine runs fine. The PTO engages fine and turns the blades. hen you move the drive select lever forward and backward there is no effect on the tractor. The lever itself feels sluggish when you move it where it used to move easily and smoothly. What do you suggest that we look at first, second, third...?

Thank you very much,

Randy


ANSWER: Hello Randy:

Send me the Model Numbers (Sears #s XXX.XXXXXX) Off the Mower, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. However, Check the Shifter Linkage and the Motion Drive Belt First. Thanks.

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: John,

The tractor model number is: 917.272462, and the serial number is: 042402c003997.

What does the shift lever move when you move it?

Thanks,

Randy


Answer
Hello Again Randy:

Go to this Site Addy, http://www3.sears.com/ and Enter the Model Numbers (917.272462) in the Upper Left Search Box and Click Go. Then Visually Verify the Equipment and Click Continue. From this Page you can View Diagrams or Parts Lists for you Equipment. Select the Ground Drive File and Look at the Diagram. The Shifter Moves the Diagram # 165 Shifter Pivot Bracket. If the Belt is Good and the Linkage is Moving the Transaxle Shift Lever Properly, then Check the Expansion Tank. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Hydro Transaxle at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select the H. Then Select Hydro-Gear. Then Select Don't have Part Numbers. Then Enter the Model Numbers (314-0510). Then Select your Model (166768) and Download the File for Online Viewing. Is there Oil Showing in the Expansion Tank? If No, then Try Adding a 1/2 Quart of 20W50 Engine Oil to the Expansion Tank or Add the Oil Through the Pipe Plug Access (109) and Add the Oil Here. Usually the Belt, the Linkage or Low Oil is the Primary Causes for this Problem. 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. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. 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