Comments on: Garden Tractor Troubleshooting

By: Jim and Bonnie

Jim and Bonnie — Thu, 31 May 2007 03:31:00 +0000

Hi Joe,

Glad you like our site, thanks. The lawnmower mechanic is correct, the first thing you need to do is fix that plastic knob. I’m pretty sure you can’t find it because it is missing. You will need to order that part and install it.

Thanks,
Jim

By: Jim and Bonnie

Jim and Bonnie — Thu, 31 May 2007 03:17:16 +0000

You should take a compression test. The difference between the 2 cylinders should be less than 10%.

Thanks,
Jim

By: OldManJoe

OldManJoe — Sun, 27 May 2007 06:10:55 +0000

I just replaced the PTO clutch on a Bolens QT17 with a Kohler KT17 engine and now it won’t start. When I crank it over it backfires as thought the timing is off. Could changing the from pulley affect the timing in any way? I don’t see how that’s possible, but nothing else makes sense. I’ve looked at the the plugs and one cylinder is fouling while the other is dry. Spark is good and points are OK.

Thanks

By: Joe

Joe — Sat, 26 May 2007 20:31:19 +0000

Jim & Bonnie,

Great site. Glad I found it. I’m new at this and just bought a 1973 140 hydro John Deere Lawn Tractor. The trouble I’m having is, I’m sure, a relatively basic one. I’m seeking to remove my 48 inch deck in order to change the blades but I’m not sure how to lossen and retighten the belt. A lawnmower mechanic told me that there should be a knob below the front end that would do the trick but I couldn’t find any. I’m without any owner’s manual and at my wits end for what probably is a simple task. Thanks in advance for any help offered.

Joe Z

By: Jim and Bonnie

Jim and Bonnie — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 00:39:38 +0000

It sounds like your magneto ground wire is disconnected.

Thanks,
Jim

By: pamandt

pamandt — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 23:32:25 +0000

I was given an older model Craftsman riding mower that my son and I just finished rebuilding. The problem is we can’t get it to shut off unless we pull the spark plug wire. Can someone pleas help?
Thanks!