17.5 hp 42 in. Deck Lawn Tractor – CA Model

Runs good, when I engaged the blade the engine died…tractor was in neutral while I was trying to engage the blades…now it will not turn over at all….just had a new coil wire put in it.
Experienced gardeners share their insights in answering this question :
Push the clutch all the way down and try to start, does it crank over?
Let me know.
Regards,

How to Identify and Fix Common Gardening Problems ?

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If the engine dies when the blades engage, it could be the result of a damaged safety switch. The first step in assessing the safety switch is to make sure it is plugged in securely. The switch is located underneath the seat, and you may have to remove the seat to reach it.
An object or obstruction (such as an ant hill, clump of matted grass clippings or large tree branch) is jammed underneath the cutting deck or in the cutting deck drive system preventing the moving parts from engaging properly. Inspect for obstructions and carefully remove if necessary.
A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the lawn mower for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and cause the engine to stall.
Top Reasons why your blades will not engage on your riding mower or tractor: Belt-the number one cause for your blades not to engage is that your belt is either stretched or loose causing it to slip or fall off completely. Belt could have snapped also.
Loose, Dirty or Disconnected Spark Plug in Your Lawn Mower: Check it out, clean off debris, re-connect and tighten. Dirty Air Filter: Clean or replace. Fuel Not Reaching the Engine: Tap the side of the carburetor to help the flow of gas. If this doesn`t work, you might need a new fuel filter.
The spark plugs are worn or damaged

If you find that your lawnmower keeps dying, or keeps stalling while cutting grass, then inspect the spark plugs. Look for signs of damage or wear. Something as simple as a cracked porcelain insulator can mean an electrode has been damaged or burned away.

If the blades are engaged and you shift to reverse the mower is designed to either shut off the blades or the engine. Some units have ROS, this is an additional position on the key switch that can be activated if the operator feels the need to mow in reverse.
Your lawn mower runs for 30 minutes then dies if you are having issues such as a bad spark plug, air problems, a malfunctioning carburetor, or a faulty gas cap. You may even encounter the issue that your lawn mower runs for 5 minutes then dies.
As the fuel level drops, a vacuum begins to form in the fuel tank because air can get in to fill the space the consumed fuel occupied. After about 10 or 15 minutes, the vacuum will become strong enough that fuel will stop flowing to the carburetor and the lawnmower will die.
Worn or broken blade drive belt – If the riding mower blades are not spinning, the blade drive belt may be worn or broken and unable to engage the blades. If the belt is intact, inspect it to see if it`s loose or slipping on the pulleys then replace it with a new one if necessary.
On average, a mower blade should be sharpened after every 20 to 25 hours of use time.
A good rule of thumb for the average homeowner is to replace your mower blades annually. You may also think about replacing them if they become damaged. Dig up that product manual if you want a more clear-cut answer. Always make sure to take protective measures whenever sharpening your mower blades at home.
If your lawnmower will start and run with the choke on but dies when the choke is turned off, it may have a problem with the carburetor. The carburetor brings air and fuel together and mixes them in the perfect ratio for combustion before they enter the engine.

Discover Relevant Questions and Answers for Your Specific Issue

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Blades wont ingage on my craftsman lawn tractor #917.274811?
ANSWER : After hitting a tree root, blades will not cut when I press to engage

Read Full Q/A … : 17.5 hp 42 in. Deck Lawn Tractor – CA Model

Mower runs for about 5 min, than dies won’t restart . When cool start up ( craftsman 42 in deck 19.5 hp lawn tractor )
ANSWER : Check for spark when it dies you could have a bad coil

Read Full Q/A … : 17.5 hp 42 in. Deck Lawn Tractor – CA Model

Depress clutch, start mower, let out on clutch mower dies. Will run if parking brake is set. Turn blade on dies, put in gear dies. Could it be the switch on the seat?
ANSWER : Almost certainly it is the park break switch,i would start there.

Read Full Q/A … : 17.5 hp 42 in. Deck Lawn Tractor – CA Model

What type of oil for 17.5 42 500 cc – Craftsman 17.5 hp 42 in. Deck Lawn Tractor – CA Model
ANSWER : I use straight 30wt.

Read Full Q/A … : 17.5 hp 42 in. Deck Lawn Tractor – CA Model

Craftsman lt 1000 dies when i try to engage the mower deck
ANSWER : Hello,Check the seat switch. If it is out of alignment/loose, the machine logic thinks that the operator is not present (on the seat), and will die.Best regards, –W/D–

Read Full Q/A … : 17.5 hp 42 in. Deck Lawn Tractor – CA Model

2000 white lawn tractor battery runs dead when mower deck is running
ANSWER : Has to be your stater or magneto going bad or had rust on it…

Read Full Q/A … : 17.5 hp 42 in. Deck Lawn Tractor – CA Model

I have a Crafstman Riding mower model #917.273643. That ran fine one second, I shut it off for five minutes. When I went to start it back up it wouldn’t start. Cranks fine, checked the wires, fuse, and spark plug. The plug was dirty so I cleaned it. But I am not getting any spark. I bought a new plug still no spark. I also checked the plug on another motor and I had spark so the plug wasn’t bad. Any suggestions on how to troubleshoot this or what may be wrong?
ANSWER : Sounds like your coil went bad

Read Full Q/A … : 17.5 hp 42 in. Deck Lawn Tractor – CA Model

Mower blade on one side spins free and will not cut grass
ANSWER : Check the bearings in that spindle.

Read Full Q/A … : 17.5 hp 42 in. Deck Lawn Tractor – CA Model

My name is June Strandberg, and I am a florist and gardener in San Francisco. I have been working in the industry for five years, and I love helping people find the perfect floral arrangement for their special occasions. I am also skilled in troubleshooting and fixing gardening tools, so if you are ever having trouble with your tools, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.