[taylor152007]

I have just recently picked up a Craftsman 6.75hp Self-propelled lawn mower model #917.376583 for free. It doesn't start and I thought if it put a little time into it I could get it running and would have a nice cheap lawn mower. Now I have run fuel stabilizer though it and also took the carb apart and cleaned it still won't start. What it is doing is pulling and would turn over once then the next time nothing it will smoke but just a little bit as I pull on the string. I have put fresh gas in it tried starting it with air filter off and with it on tried dumping fresh gas straight into the carb and everything I could think of. Any help would be appreciated. Also I can not find a primer on it do they have them do I need one what is up with that. also does anybody know what year it is it doesn't look to me more than a couple of years old but I can't find that info any where. Thanks you for all of your help will be looking forward to seeing what you all have to say on the matter. I don't mind putting some money into it just don't want to put a small fortune into it thanks.

 

[Brad]

From what you are describing it sounds like it may have a sheared flywheel key, making the ignition out of time with the crankshaft. That would be the first place I'd check. Then, if it doesn't seem to be the problem we'll help dig in further.

 

[taylor152007]

how would you start to fix that?

 

[Mark / Ohio]

how would you start to fix that?

You'd need to pull off the engine top cover and the nut holding the flywheel to see the key.

I was going to look up on Sears Parts your model number for a diagram. But they are down for maintenance tonight.

 

[Mark / Ohio]

Sears parts is working tonight. Here's a photo of the flywheel and you can see the slot for the key where it sets on the crankshaft.

 

[taylor152007]

thank you I will go rip that mower apart the next free day that I have a report back thanks

 

[taylor152007]

I did examine the flywheel key it was not sheared but I went ahead and replaced it anyway I also cleaned up the housing and lubed it up all nice and good but it still doesn't start I am going to go ahead and replace the spark plug because it is dirty and from what I can tell it may not be sparking all the time but I am not sure. can anybody else think of anything?

 

[taylor152007]

just changed the spark plug and still doesn't start I am at a loss if any advice please give thanks

 

[Mark / Ohio]

First does it feel like it has normal compression when you pull the rope? Might compare how easy it pulls with the spark plug removed compared to when it is in place. Next I would make sure your getting a strong blue spark at the plug.

If compression seems about normal and the spark is good then your back to the carburetor as the likely culprit. Does the spark plug get wet with gas after several pulls of the rope?

They have removed the primer bulb from at least some of the newer models. I think in doing so they are using instead some variation of the automatic type choke of years past. Works good in my experience on my pressure washer from a cold start. But once in a great while can flood an engine when it's hot. That's one thing I don't like about a fixed throttle speed on some models. Sometimes when that happened on the old engines (or ones with variable throttle) you could set it to idle or just above and get it to start easier when hot.

Don't know if it will be of any help but here's a link to Briggs' FAQ:

http://www.briggsandstratton.com/engines/support/frequently-asked-questions/Engine%20problem%20solving%20tips/

 

[BOSMECH]

Make sure the magneto black wire is not grounding out if it is it wont let you have a spark. Remember keep it simple you need spark, fuel and compression to make it run so narrow it down to 1 of the 3 then go from there.