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Trouble Possible Cause Remedy
Belt comes off 1. Belt too loose; stretched 1. Readjust belt. Replace if needed.
2. Broken or weak idler spring 2. Replace. Order with correct part number
from Parts List in this manual.
Belt shreds 1. Belt guides or guards incorrectly adjusted 1.
2. Pulleys not aligned
3.
Pulley rusted or in otherwise bad condition;
frozen bearing
Engine will not crank 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Engine cranks but will 1.
not start
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Engine smokes 1.
2.
Blade engagement pedal engaged and/or brake
pedal not engaged
Battery installed incorrectly
Battery dead or weak.
Blown fuse or circuit breaker
Engine ground wire loose.
Throttle/choke not in starting position.
No fuel to the carburetor
Fuel line or in-line fuel filter plugged
No spark to spark plug
Faulty spark plug
Dirty air cleaner
Engine oil has been overfilled
Dipstick not seated or broken
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
1.
2.
Adjust belt guides and guards so that these
are approximately 1/16 to 1/8 inch from belt
when engaged.
Realign pulleys to be within approximately
1/16 inch of each other. Check with straight
edge. Make sure fastening hardware is
tight.
Replace pulleys. Order with correct part
number from the Parts List in this manual.
Adjust new pulleys to 1/16 ".
Brake pedal must be depressed and blade
engagement pedal disengaged.
Install the battery with negative terminal
attached to the black ground wire. Attach
the positive terminal to the red wire which
goes to the solenoid. Charge the battery
fully before installation.
Check fluid level in battery. If fluid level is
low, fill to just below split rings with water.
Charge with 6 Amp. charger until fully
charged. If this does not work, replace
battery.
Replace fuse following instructions on
page 19.
Make sure the black ground wire runs from
engine to frame or mounting bolt.
Place throttle control/choke in correct
position.
Gasoline tank empty. Fill with gasoline.
Remove and clean fuel line. Replace filter if
necessary.
Spark plug lead disconnected. Connect
lead. Hold spark plug lead away from
engine block about 1/8". Crank engine.
There should be a spark. If not, have
engine repaired at Sears or other qualified
service centers.
To test, remove spark plug. Attach spark
plug lead to spark plug. Ground the spark
plug body against the engine block. Crank
the engine. The spark plug should fire at
the electrode. Replace if it does not.
If the air cleaner is dirty, the engine may
not start. Clean or replace as needed.
Check oil level.
Replace defective part.
NOTE: If you need further assistance, call the Craftsman Help line at 1-800-659-5917.
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