Sears Craftsman Lawn Tractor

[wander2039]

This thing has me debating if I want to save it. Won't scrap it but might throw it back under a tarp. This might be one of the last good lawn tractor, non-hydrostat. Maybe this is a just rant.. but I've never seen a Briggs do this.

The long story.. This Craftsman was my grandparents neighbors who passed, grandpa got it but it leaked oil so bad he didn't use it. He gave it to dad and the same story. It was setting under a topper for many years where I drug it out last weekend. I don't remember all the years but the neighbor had it for as long as I can remember. To me looks like a 87 .. Model: 917.254272 SN: 2437S11133 Still has Sears tires on it! I had the cover off to clean out the mouse house but didn't think to looks at the Briggs date code.

I've had it started once but had to hook to a car and it even drew it down, and it did run pretty good for a couple minutes. Only died when I tried the trans. It will turn over quick with the plug out. But with the plug it in the compression is high that starter really needs alot of amps to turn it over. Thinking it has alot of carbon buildup. Mostly just want to start it to see where the leak might be. Appears to be either around the dipstick or the crank seal just based on the buildup. It sure isn't making it easy!

 

[fantastic]

Those were nothing special but they are a neat story if you can get it back in shape. I agree that crank seals are one of those leak areas that put mowers out to the curb eventually if no one fixes them. The starter probably needs another new one. Corrosion can get them bound up. Perhaps a rebuild kit if you care to mess with that option. BUT first I would make sure the intake & exhaust valves are in spec then try to crank it to see if any changes. That pic does show it is still preserved fairly well for it's vintage. Look at those metal sliders in the front of the deck instead of wheels. Keep at it & it'll be skiing in no time.

 

[eljefino]

Eleven horsepower or eleven Sears horsepower? LOL

Agree on the starter; they get worse and worse with age and bind up.

I have an MTD where the trans is a pair of belts and a spring loaded sheave to change ratios, is yours like that? Cheap to fix, a slight hassle to get apart though. Could have a belt that welded itself to a pulley over time.

 

[dvblanch]

Rubber bushing at bottom of dipstick leaks on those. New ones are available and they actually thread into sump and the tube pushle into them sometimes you can tighten them a littel.

 

[wander2039]

Eleven horsepower or eleven Sears horsepower? LOL

Agree on the starter; they get worse and worse with age and bind up.

I have an MTD where the trans is a pair of belts and a spring loaded sheave to change ratios, is yours like that? Cheap to fix, a slight hassle to get apart though. Could have a belt that welded itself to a pulley over time.

Not sure on the trans haven’t got that far. Two votes for the starter so maybe that is the issue. Seems to rotate freely though.

 

[wander2039]

Rubber bushing at bottom of dipstick leaks on those. New ones are available and they actually thread into sump and the tube pushle into them sometimes you can tighten them a littel.

Thats what I was thinking haven’t looked at the parts so good to know they’re still available.

 

[Nukeman7]

I dealt with a similar cranking issue several years ago on a MTD riding mower with a single cylinder Briggs & Stratton engine. It would barely crank when using a large 12 volt car battery, but it would spin fast with the spark plug removed. Turned out that both valve clearances were so loose that the valves were barely opening at all, resulting in massive back pressure. A quick adjustment with proper gap gauges and it was purring like new.

 

[wander2039]

I dealt with a similar cranking issue several years ago on a MTD riding mower with a single cylinder Briggs & Stratton engine. It would barely crank when using a large 12 volt car battery, but it would spin fast with the spark plug removed. Turned out that both valve clearances were so loose that the valves were barely opening at all, resulting in massive back pressure. A quick adjustment with proper gap gauges and it was purring like new.

Hmm I’ll try that.. have to take the front part though to access that plate.

 

[chemman]

Lots of cheap aftermarket starters are available from Amazon, e-bay and other OPE parts websites. My advice is to stay away from them. I have purchased a couple and they were junk. Stick with Genuine B&S starters if at all possible.

I've had good luck with aftermarket parts (switches, ignition parts, belts, air filters, etc.) branded Stens, Rotary, and Oregon.

Be sure to comparison shop because many times, the OEM parts (your mower was built by AYP/Husquvarna) are less expensive than the aftermarket parts.

 

[wander2039]

Got it started and ran it for 15 minutes or so tonight. The breather tube is non-existant but not seeing any leaks. Also the hold down for the dipstick tube doesn't hold it all the way down. Safe bet to to replace it though. Most likely that's where all the oil is coming from. So far the list... breather tube, oil seal, starter relay, 4 tires, one spindle .. not sure on starter yet. This might just be long term project. Probably pick up another mower that needs less work as a back up.

 

[Donald]

This thing has me debating if I want to save it. Won't scrap it but might throw it back under a tarp. This might be one of the last good lawn tractor, non-hydrostat. Maybe this is a just rant.. but I've never seen a Briggs do this.

The long story.. This Craftsman was my grandparents neighbors who passed, grandpa got it but it leaked oil so bad he didn't use it. He gave it to dad and the same story. It was setting under a topper for many years where I drug it out last weekend. I don't remember all the years but the neighbor had it for as long as I can remember. To me looks like a 87 .. Model: 917.254272 SN: 2437S11133 Still has Sears tires on it! I had the cover off to clean out the mouse house but didn't think to looks at the Briggs date code.

I've had it started once but had to hook to a car and it even drew it down, and it did run pretty good for a couple minutes. Only died when I tried the trans. It will turn over quick with the plug out. But with the plug it in the compression is high that starter really needs alot of amps to turn it over. Thinking it has alot of carbon buildup. Mostly just want to start it to see where the leak might be. Appears to be either around the dipstick or the crank seal just based on the buildup. It sure isn't making it easy!

View attachment 283023

If I remember 917 is a Husqvarna. Much better than an Craftsman MTD.

 

[wander2039]

If I remember 917 is a Husqvarna. Much better than an Craftsman MTD.

All the parts say Husqvarna so seems like you remember correctly.

 

[Donald]

All the parts say Husqvarna so seems like you remember correctly.

I bought a used Husqvarna riding lawn tractor several years ago. It had a Craftsman steering wheel and seat. Probably a few other parts I never realized. It ran fine for several years until I sold it.

If you look outside Home Depot or Lowe's probably 75% are zero turn. Few want the old style riding lawn tractor.

 

[vwmaniaman]

I for one will not use the new style mowers. I had Toro and gave it to my son. When you have.a.lot of trees or a child that wants to ride with Grandpa , the you can't use the new style. Old ones for me.

 

[Donald]

I for one will not use the new style mowers. I had Toro and gave it to my son. When you have.a.lot of trees or a child that wants to ride with Grandpa , the you can't use the new style. Old ones for me.

Hopefully the ride with Grandpa is just a ride and not mowing with the blades running.