20 Most Recent Craftsman 42 in. Deck 19.5hp Lawn Tractor - Page 9 Questions & Answers

Have the battery load tested. Autozone like stores do this for free. If the battery passes the load test, then check all of the electrical connections from the battery terminals tomtje starter (including the solenoid). the most likely problem os that you have a voltage drop on the circuit there. Google voltage drop test. If you are certain that your connections are ok, check again. Nothing loose or dirty/corroded/rusted/frayed. If it really is ok then get the started checked at the parts store. It is probably a poor connection somewhere.

The decompressor is a valve lifter usually on the exhaust valve, the only adjustment is to correctly set the the valve clearances, if they are too slack the lifter will not activate.

There is no easy way, other than removing engine as the tank is wedge shaped and lies under engine and battery. In a pinch get a boat fuel tank and re route your fuel lines.

yes this is correct that is called a " differential" it allows you to turn in circles without one wheel dragging in grass, larger 4wd drive tractors have what is called a "diff Lock" that can be engauged this pins both tires on same axle together and keeps them both turning in low traction surfaces, im unaware of any craftsman that is made with a "diff LOck"

take numbers to a dealer and they will be able to tell you

ok, since you have the points, I assume you have the B43g Onan
engine. Was it running before the new parts were installed?
Check your point gap and make sure it is .016, plugs ahould be gapped at .025 Make sure your plug wires are good too. Should be somewhere between 0 and 10,000 ohms per foot, when measured with an ohmmeter. Once everything is rechecked for gap distance, make sure there is no spark by pulling plug out, leaving wire on and ground the outside of plug to the chassis of the tractor.
Crank over and look for the spark. Coils are about $100, so you want to eliminate everything else first.
Diagnosing a points ignition for no spark is really simple. Do you have 12V at the coil? Do you get a spark when you connect and disconnect the negative terminal of the coil to ground? If not you have a bad coil.

ck and clean off the cooling fan on top of transaxle sometimes grass and leaves get up there and make funny noises also you can ck oil level in transaxle for proper fill level

Question how old is the mower? Drive belt may need to be replaced due to being streched . Also is the clutch fully engaging , are there any worn pulleys?

Probably a safety switch gone bad. Check the battery a functional yet weak battery will cause many weird electrical issues even if it has the juice to run the motor it can lack signal to smaller components making you scratch your head in confusion. That's a simple fix worth a try. If not that then check grounds, fuses, safety switches, wire condition and connections.

yes for the purpose of battery charging and all electric work

The model number needs posting so we can look up the transmission. This number is under the seat and should start with 917.

Need the engine numbers to better diagnosis the problem but most likely the carburetor needs a good ultrasonic cleaning and rebuild.

check that the cable isnt unhooked

they are real tightreg thread righty tighty lefty loosyget a cheater bar some good leverage or an impact wrench