Question
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The text above is a follow-up to ...
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Hello, I have a DYT 4000 Craftsman mower. I read another post that has the exact same problem as I have. The post has been copied and pasted below as a reminder.
You are here: Experts > Real Estate > Home Improvement/Repair > Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.) > Craftsman DYT 4000
Topic: Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.)
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Expert: John C. Bridgers Sr.
Date: 9/30/2006
Subject: Craftsman DYT 4000
Question
i have a craftsman DYT 4000 riding lawnmower, it has been running fine, i went to use it today and it started up just fine but when i let off the clutch it dies, i have tried several times to let off the clutch in nuetral and in gear and it wont stay running. the motor is a Briggs & Straton 18.5 Intek OHV. do you know how fix this, if you need more info let me know
Answer
Hello Nate:
Jumper the Seat Safety Switch. Send me the Model Numbers Off of the Mower, Please. With these I can Locate a Breakdown of the Mower and Better Assist you. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
First, let me give you the model and serial number off of the tractor. Craftsman DYT 4000 18.5 OHV 42" cut Model # 917.2736401 Serial # 052804b002788.
I have jumpered the seat switch and it still does the same. I ohmed out the seat switch to made sure it makes and breaks the switch it does fine each time. What I was surprised to see is the switch reads open when you are on the seat. The switch makes contact when off the seat. I guess it makes since because it will act as a kill switch to the motor if you get off the seat. One wire goes to ground the other up front. I followed that wire to the brake pedal switch which is on the opposite side of the pedal. It has numerous wires going to it. I can feel the opening and closing of the switch when I reach under the tractor and operate it by hand. I have not ohmed this switch out yet. These are the only two interloc switches I can think of on this tractor. I feel that since the tractor is dying when I let off the brake pedal, the switch is working properly. Something else on the tractor is not where its supposed to be. Its possible it could be a poor connection from something else to the brake pedal switch. Any advice on this would greatly be appreciated.
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Hello Al:
Have Someone Operate the Clutch/Brake Pedal and Watch the Linkage. Is the Linkage Rubbing the Harness Anywhere? If the Harness Looks Good and the Clutch/Brake Linkage Isn't Rubbing the Harness and the Seat Switch is Good, then Recheck the Clutch/Brake Switch. Check All the Connections for Good Contact. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. You can View a Breakdown/IPL at this Addy http://www3.sears.com/ and Click the Lawn Equipment Box. Then Follow the Instructions to the View Diagram/View Parts List Page. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
It seems the problem went away after I reseated connectors on both seat switch and foot pedal switch. I also fully depressed the switches with my fingers making and breaking the contacts inside. There must have been oxide build up or other contaminate. Either way I'm glad its running. No parts needed replacement just yet, if it does it again. I will replace both switches.
Answer Hello Al:
Great!!! I'm Glad it's Going Again. If you Suspect Contact Problems, Purchase some Contact Cleaner at Radio Shack and Spray it where the Plunger Goes Into the Switch. Work the Plunger While you Are Spraying. Usually this will Eliminate the Contact Corrosion Problem within a Few Days. Thanks for the E-Mail Update. May all your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas. Till Next Time. Be Safe.
Best Wishes and Good Luck
Respectfully
John
