Need help getting a Craftsman tractor running

15 years ago

Hello! We inherited a 10hp 30" Craftsman rear engine lawn tractor (model 536270111) that had been sitting unused for at least 3 years. I believe that most things don't just stop working for no reason, so we set out to find the problem (that and the fact that we have no money to replace it!) I should preface this by saying that we have no engine/equipment repair experience, but we aren't afraid to learn.

So far, here's what we've done:

*replaced the battery

*changed the oil

*filled with new gas (thankfully, the old was drained the last time it was used)

*replaced the spark plug

*replaced the air filter

*filled all the tires with air

After the above was done, it did start, but sputtered loudly. So, I used a spray cleaner and got the choke to slide (which it had not been doing). After this, the tractor ran for several passes around the yard, with the blades engaged. Unfortunately, as my husband was using it, it died several times. After about the 6th time dying, it refused to start again, and he pushed it back to the shed. Poor guy.

That's where we are so far. If anyone has the time to tell us what to try next, we'll do it. Keep in mind that if you mention a specific part, the first thing I will likely do is look up the part on the Sears parts list to see exactly what it is. Then I'll locate it on the tractor and check it out. And just because I can find it, and even fix or replace it, doesn't mean I know what it does. So, feel free to educate me along the way.

As I say to my 9 year old son who has been our helping hand during this project... Where there's a will, there's a way! Right?!

Thanks to all,

JenniferQ

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Comments (3)

bill_kapaun
15 years ago
I can't find an owners manual, but I think the one at the link will be the same thing?
Engine is a -
143.981002, which is a Tecumseh TVM220-157272G.

Often, after sitting that long a lot of crud is in the fuel tank.
Chances are, that a fuel filter has "re-clogged", even though it was new. Just to much crud to handle.
I think there is a little "screen" inside the fuel tank on this engine.

Try dribbling a couple teaspoons worth of gas into the carb and see if it will run for a few seconds on that.
IF so, that means you have a fuel delivery issue.

ALSO, the high speed jet could be clogged (high probability)
It's part # 40 on page 53/60 in the manual.
Clean the TINY little HOLE(s) in it.

Be sure to clamp the fuel line first to prevent gas spillage in case the fuel filter isn't clogged.

Here is a link that might be useful: 536270112
bluemower
15 years ago
your comment:
"*filled with new gas (thankfully, the old was drained the last time it was used)"

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Adding to Bill's comments, when a fuel system is drained, there is always some residual fuel remaining in the engine carburetor. This is a problem when storing equipment for several years. The residual fuel dries up leaving a crusty crud in the carburetor passages. Sometimes it can be cleaned by disassembling the carburetor and spraying with the spray carburetor cleaner. Sometimes, a new carburetor is required. Tecumseh carburetors are sometimes difficult to find since Tecumseh is no longer an engine manufacturer.
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rcmoser
15 years ago
usually it's in the carb. as suggested. I have had good luck with just cleaning tec carb.

Ok I go at these things AB. when it dies I would immediately remove the plug, reconnect it lay it on the head crank/turn/spin/motor the engine over see if it's got spark.

Now that you know it got spark I would start at the tank remove and clean it out. inspect or replace the fuel hoses all the way to the engine especially if they are hard, dry rotted, or cracked. then go after the carb.

WHY? cause anything left dirty may cause the same problem when it reaches the carb. or a fire when the fuel hose starts leaking around hot or friction area of the mower