Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman lawn tractor cranks but wont start, air filter foam, craftsman lawn tractor

Question
Hi John,
I have a Craftsman lawn tractor model 917.271022 that I purchased in mid-1999.  It has the 15.5 hp Kohler engine.  For the past couple of years it has given me a great deal of trouble of one sort or another.  The latest event happened this weekend.  I used the mower about 10 days ago without issue.  I went to start it on Saturday and it didn't turn over very well.  It has seemed to lose its battery charge every 3rd or 4th time I use it despite having a new battery.  I cranked it until it ran the battery down.  I charged the battery, cleaned the air filter foam element, checked the fuel line for obstructions and filter quality, and replaced the spark plug.  It cranks extremely well now but won't actually start.  From what I can tell, it has spark and it has gas getting to the carb.  That leads me to believe it is either the carb or some sort of electrical interlock/relay issue.  I have scheduled a service call for July 9th but I had rather fix it myself.  The carb solenoid and carb repair kits run about $65 in total.  If I were to buy that and fix it then great.  But if I were to buy it and find out it was a relay or something, I would feel pretty stupid.  Many more problems and I will be looking for a new ride.  I cut 1.5 acres of Bermuda about every 10 days with this mower.  Thanks for your help.  

With best regards,
Frank

Answer
Hello Frank:

Can you Recheck the Model Numbers, Please. I Can Not Locate them in My Manuals or Online. I Use Online Breakdowns for the Questioner to Look at the COmponents While Performing the Reppairs and for Reference When I Answer the Questions. However, If you are Sure the Plugs are Firing, then Pour a Small Amont of Gas Into the Carburetor Throat. Try to Start the Engine. Does it Start and Quit. If Yes, then Remove the Shut Off Solenoid. Wrap a Wire Around the Threads and Ground the Solenoid. Turn the Ignition Switch On and Watch the Solenoid. DOes it Move.Approximately 1/8" Into the Solenoid Housing? If Yes, the the Solenoid May Be Good. Replace the Solenoid Into the Carburetor, BUT only Go 2 Turns. Try to Start the Engine. Does it Start and Operate Properly? If Yes, then The Solenoid is Bad and Require Replacing. If No, then Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl, Float Pin, Float and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidential Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Parts if Required. Once we Get the Engine Running Properly, we can Check the Charging System and Locate the Battery Drain/Loss. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. 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 you Question at or Just After 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then.