Please post the full model number of this tractor. It can usually be found under the tilting seat on a decal. It will begin like 917.xxxxxx. I am curious (and concerned) about that cold start solenoid. Post the Craftsman model # and we will find a Kohler manual online.

I'm replacing the star spindles on a 42" right now. They come with the bearings and cost $97 for the pair shipped.

If the blades are clean on the mounting surface and properly bolted, they will not wear out the star on the arbor. At least, not for a long time.

The stars get grinched when the blade gets tightened down w/ the center out of position most times. You can replace the shaft kits rather than the whole spindle for some savings. If you go this route, leave the spindle bolted to the deck to install the kit. I've seen too where people grind the mushroon part of the star down too. Obviously, the star is there to locate the blade, but many manufactures don't.

Another problem I see is Usually the star get grinched for the blade mount bolt working loose from under torqued or dirt between the blade and spindle causing a false torque. This IMO alows the blade to move alittle when the engaged and usually cause the star on the spindle to get dicked up. My stars and blade looks like a new born babies butt after a dipper change when ever I do blade removal maintenance.

Model No. 917.273143..
Engine ser no 3328010831
Sounds like I need to replace the spindles and blade.
Thanks

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action

I replaced the spindles and that cured that problem. Thanks for the input.The residual fuel which I originally attributed to the solenoid valve on the carburator... I am not so sure about that problem now. On cold start-up the engine locks up which leads me to believe the piston is full of fuel after a few tries the engine starts and blows about 3 ounces out the muffler????? Any suggestions are appreciated.

from what you describe, there is a good chance that raw fuel has found it's way into your crankcase oil. Check for fuel smell on the dipstick. If present, DO NOT RUN that engine until oil and oil filter have been changed, Diluted oil will not lubricate the engine well enough and may cause serious damage.
Then look for carb float needle seat leakage problems - fix. Also buy/install/use an inexpensive manual inline fuel shutoff valve.

I must emphasize the importance of rcbe's mention to install a manual inline fuel shutoff valve and learn to shut off the fuel when the engine is not running.
The fuel leaking into the engine happens while the tractor is in storage, not when you do a "cold start". And the solenoid you called a "cold start solenoid" is not that.
That solenoid is to minimize the occurance of "afterfire" (aka backfire) when you shut the engine down.
If you do not address the fuel leakage problem, you could do serious and expensive harm to the engine.

Installed in line valve. All is well. Thanks

Just as easy t oclean the carb and replace the inlet needle and seat, which is most likely the problem. The solenoid doesn't control how much fuel gets into the carb, it just shuts the fuel off t oprevent backfire on shutdown. The needle/seat/float control flooding.