Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman front wheel drive mower, craftsman model, drive gears

Question
It appears to be the gearcase. Everything else works. I don't think I'll invest $80 for a gearcase. I can use the mower as is and just buy a new one instead. Thanks for the help!

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Followup To
Question -
Thanks Eric-
The belt is turning when I engage the lever. I took off the cover and saw that the lever moves under the spinning pulley when I engage, but the wheels don't turn.
Lou G



Followup To
Question -
My Craftsman model 917.377300 front wheel drive has stopped driving. I would like to know what troubleshooting I can do to determine the cause.
The wheels turn freely when disengaged, the lever engages, but the wheels won't turn automatically when engaged. They still turn freely.
Thanks.
Answer -
Have you checked the belt?

A couple of tips:  Remove the spark plug so the engine can't be started...safety first!

Second, if you need to look under the mower deck to check the belt, make sure the engine spark plug faces up.  This prevents engine oil from entering the cylinder.


Let me know what you find.
Eric
Answer -
If the belt is turning, and the lever appears to be engaging, then the next step is to check the gears and wheels.

I usually just remove one side at a time, this way I don't get the parts mixed up.  Look for wear on the drive gear and the wheel.  The plastic teeth on the wheels are probalby wore, at least some wear.

If the drive gears and wheels are good, then the problem has to be in the transmission.  Most manuafactures no longer sell individual parts, you have to buy the whole transmission.  Fortunately, transmissions rarely fail...it is usually the belt or the wheels.

Check the wheels and drive gears.
Let me know what you find.
Eric

Answer
On a final note, I would double check the engaging lever on the gearcase.  I have had a couple of mowers that I was able to clean and lubricate the arm and got the gear case working.  An air compressor and WD-40 works well.

I notice the problem by using a pair of plyers to move the engagine arm...not the safest method, but it helped narrow down the problem.

I've even taken some of the Murray gearcases apart and sort of fix them...at least the worked, but not as well as when they were new.  There were a couple of metal cones that engaged to turn the axles, these cones got too hot and glazed over.  Some 100 grit sandpaper remove the glaze with no problem.

Let me know if the arm trick works.
Eric