Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman 917.256544 Clutch Stuck, craftsman 917, clutch lever

Question
John:

Followed the diagram & could find nothing wrong.  Was down with a bad knee for a week and got tired of trying to repair, called out a service tech who found rust on the pivot assembly you mentioned.  Will know what to do the next time around.  Thanks!-------------------------

Followup To

Question -
Our Craftsman riding mower's Attachment Clutch Lever is stuck and won't budge.  Have OM and diagrams.  Were told WD40 on Arm/Suspension/Rear on the Mower Deck might help, it did not.  Any suggestions on why lever might be stuck?  Engine won't start, clutch will not disengage, blades will not lower.

Answer -
 Hello Rose:

 You need to Follow the Linkage from the Clutch Handle to the Deck. The Linkage is in a Bind or is Bent. The Piviot Idler on the Cutter Deck that the Lever Moves to Engage the Blades May be Frozen. Check the Piviot Idler on the Deck First. Can you Move the Piviot Assembly by Hand when the Linkage is Disconnected from it? Hope this Helps. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John

Answer
 Hello Rose:

 Glad it is Going Again. Sorry to Hear about your Knee. I have the Same Problem and my Back Included. Hope you are Feeling Better. Thanks for the Email. May All Your Mechanical Problems Be SMALL ONES. Happy Mowing.

 Respectfully

 John