Seriously saved my bacon. I was pulling my damn hair out trying to figure out why it wasn’t cranking. This was beautifully described and concise. Thank you
This saved me from using a larger hammer! I have tested everything and nothing worked. This fix took me less than 15 minutes and now it starts right up! Thank you Man!
Thank you! I just picked up a Craftsman GT5000 with the Kohler 25hp v twin, same happened to it, the previous owner replaced the battery, then tried jump starting the starter (which I later found it blew a fuse) but for that reason they thought to replace the ignition switch!?? hahaha!! so then they said they put in a new starter and after that gave up and gave it to me for free, I know how to adjust valves on cars and atv's and small engines etc but when I saw you posted this it was helpful knowing the valve clearances, I mean 4k sounds fine its just a lawnmower, obviously for full size equipment an cars you'd want to get exact clearances
I am mechanically inclined when it comes to motorcycles and cars but do not have much experience with lawn mowers. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and helping people out. I was ready to buy another lawnmower or set mine on fire, lol. I am subscribing to your channel to support you. I plan on getting to work on mine in the am, thanks for this.
This was exactly the same problem I was having with my craftsman T 2400. The bottom valve was tight so I gap the top valve and still that didn’t fix it. Cranking it with the spark plug off it turns over easy and with my hand in front of the spark plug hole, alsoI had a lot of air blowing out of the spark plug hole while cranking it over. Not sure if this is normal. Any ideas what else could be the problem thanks. John.
I would gap both regardless. Then, rotate the engine by hand a couple of times. Get it back to top dead center and recheck the gap. Neither valve should be tight at top dead center( both valves are closed). You should be able to easily wiggle both rocker arms by hand . If that doesn't do it, another possibility could be a faulty ACR(automatic compression release), but I would not think that machine has one.
@@JLafix Ok I actually did gap both valves but didn’t rotate afterwards, i’ll recheck. Thanks for the info. I appreciate your help and your videos are great. Thank you.
Great info. This summer i replaced everything including cables with automotive sized battery cables. New starter helped but still have this little grunt stall at the first crank. Ill try this adjustment. So is it too much compression in cylinder?....
Is .008 or .010 tomuch it turns over hard and pull got to the plug when I take the plug out and turn it over gas blows out the plug hole haven get the valve yet but would that be fine
That sounds more like your carburetor needle and seat is not sealing correctly and allowing gas to flow back into your engine. Check your oil level, if it too high and smells like gas is mixed in then that's the problem.
Could you help me know what to check. A guy gave me a mower said he had to rebuild the engine cos it blew a spark plug out. When I turn the key, it makes a clunk/locking sound, but doesn’t start, but if I keep holding the key in the on position, it will go ahead and fire up just fine. I got a new battery on it. I checked the valves and adjusted. It didn’t help, any ideas what else I should check? Thanks so much.
I just got a riding lawn mower not to experience and having one or driving one I ran out of gas. After getting gas, I had a hard time trying to get started so I checked to see did I have the wrong gas I thought I did but I had to write gas unleaded, after messing around with the blade engagement I got it the crank it started smoking, and it wouldn't stay crank the little while that it did run all it did was smoke but he black or came out in front where the spark plugs and the points are what is my problem is the gasket going bad or something else???? Please help
Just curious, could this issue also cause stuttering or loss of power when going up hills? I’ve had that issue but also have this issue (I think). Anyways, thanks for the info and I’ll have to try this out.
It's tough to answer that question with so many variables. It could be valves out of adjustment, low compression from worn piston rings, or as simple as a spark plug change, or even a carb adjustment for an engine running rough or lack of power...
It could be a fuel pump going out or the level of gas in the tank and the fuel line an filter just make sure the line and filter are level going to the carburetor and not to close to the hot engines oil case If it sputters aiming up hill but idles fine aimed down hill then its a problem in your carburetor bowl and float i had that problem
Good vid man I might try this. I got new spark plugs and a new battery and it cranks but will not turn over UNLESS I jump it? That’s the part that’s confusing me.
OK I can see if they had too much clearance and the compression release on the intake not actuating but not enough I would think it would crank over easy as pie, I just redone my head set them at .004 had it running popped off pretty easy shut it off and now it acts like this one did but I think it may be my battery as it is 4 years old so I am scratching my head now LOL
Those engines with the fuel pump on them and old unset carburetor just lets the fuel loadup in the piston and that makes it not wanna do a full turn over My other engine just like it the gas is gravity fed to the carburetor no pump and no problems with it it gets the right amount of gas I've not messed with my valves on the gravity fed engine at all since i bought it used 4 years ago and haven't had to clean the carburetor or change the gas filter but im going to change the gas filter just so I'll know it'll always have clean gas and a little bit of stp treatment in it and i never change the oil filter cause it doesn't really collect much gunk i do change the oil though one time each year an clean the old spark plug i use reset fuses in my stuff if something shorts out it will click off instead of blowing out the fuse
Does this happen often? I just BOUGHT a used craftsman with a 19HP B & S Engine in cut all day yesterday and nnow this is happening.... many have told me to stay away from B&S engines.. Whatsa the deal. My engine is doing the same exact thing!
Valves can get out of tolerance no matter who the manufacturer is. When Valves have several hours on them, they wear down, which prompts the adjustment
It could be your coil or maybe your ignition solenoid or even a ignition relay I know a failing coil will do that i had that problem and the new coil fixed it and gap your spark plug to 030.
I guess the first thing I would do is rotate the top of engine by hand to rule out a Seized engine. Then I would turn the key on and then jump the mower at the starter by placing the negative lead to chassis ground and the positive lead the post with large red wire at the base of the starter. If engine turns over then it's most likely a bad solenoid switch but also could be a bad safety switch, i.e seat, clutch, etc.
Great video, thank you. What can I do if my flywheel is locked? Got a zero turn that won’t turn over at all, just makes a “clunk” sound when you turn the key, can’t move flywheel by hand at all. I’ve sprayed Free All in the spark plug holes and still no luck. Sure would appreciate any help. Thanks.
Im gonna keep mine at the factory settings and thats what mine will get cause i believe they have it like that for a good reason but before i go messing with that im gonna put the new carburetor on and convert my to gravity fed carburetor so no more fuel pump and run all new gas line
Dirty, greasy sleeves with a hat of same. And a guy who knows what's what he's doing. Great job! Thank you for helping me!
Good lord! 95% of help videos are crap. Yours are a breath of fresh air. Stay safe.
Really it’s best to adjust values once a year or two
That’s the way to prevent the compression release from breaking
Seriously saved my bacon. I was pulling my damn hair out trying to figure out why it wasn’t cranking. This was beautifully described and concise. Thank you
This saved me from using a larger hammer! I have tested everything and nothing worked. This fix took me less than 15 minutes and now it starts right up! Thank you Man!
I have the exact mower and it's driving me nuts. thanks for the video I'll give it a shot
Did it work?
Wow...exactly what my mower is doing... can't wait to try this!
Thank you! I just picked up a Craftsman GT5000 with the Kohler 25hp v twin, same happened to it, the previous owner replaced the battery, then tried jump starting the starter (which I later found it blew a fuse) but for that reason they thought to replace the ignition switch!?? hahaha!! so then they said they put in a new starter and after that gave up and gave it to me for free, I know how to adjust valves on cars and atv's and small engines etc but when I saw you posted this it was helpful knowing the valve clearances, I mean 4k sounds fine its just a lawnmower, obviously for full size equipment an cars you'd want to get exact clearances
I am mechanically inclined when it comes to motorcycles and cars but do not have much experience with lawn mowers. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and helping people out. I was ready to buy another lawnmower or set mine on fire, lol. I am subscribing to your channel to support you. I plan on getting to work on mine in the am, thanks for this.
Very informative and straight to the point. Excellent video. Now it's time to see if this is what's going on with my mower!
Excellent video. I need to adjust my Craftsman LT1000 valves.
I didn't have .004 of an inch either. That's for the help.
Cola can aluminum works great and I set them the same
I’ve watched quite a few vids on getting the settings sorted and man ..your it! Easy and no muck around.cheers bud
Thanks, you just helped me turn a 20-dollar yardbird into a working machine.
Thanks! I'm sure this is what I need, same symptoms.
SPECIAL TOOL: Feeler gauge 0.004" 8:47
This was exactly the same problem I was having with my craftsman T 2400. The bottom valve was tight so I gap the top valve and still that didn’t fix it. Cranking it with the spark plug off it turns over easy and with my hand in front of the spark plug hole, alsoI had a lot of air blowing out of the spark plug hole while cranking it over. Not sure if this is normal. Any ideas what else could be the problem thanks.
John.
I would gap both regardless. Then, rotate the engine by hand a couple of times. Get it back to top dead center and recheck the gap. Neither valve should be tight at top dead center( both valves are closed). You should be able to easily wiggle both rocker arms by hand . If that doesn't do it, another possibility could be a faulty ACR(automatic compression release), but I would not think that machine has one.
@@JLafix Ok I actually did gap both valves but didn’t rotate afterwards, i’ll recheck. Thanks for the info. I appreciate your help and your videos are great. Thank you.
I have sprayed everything that moves on my mower with wd40 and now i found your video will try it out asap
Great info. This summer i replaced everything including cables with automotive sized battery cables. New starter helped but still have this little grunt stall at the first crank. Ill try this adjustment. So is it too much compression in cylinder?....
The valves are trying to open and close at the wrong time.. too much compression at the wrong timing
@@JLafixmost likely compression release on the camshaft tho.
Seen them get loose over time but never tighten up. Someone must of been in there not knowing what they were doing. Surprised they didn't mention it.
Is .008 or .010 tomuch it turns over hard and pull got to the plug when I take the plug out and turn it over gas blows out the plug hole haven get the valve yet but would that be fine
That sounds more like your carburetor needle and seat is not sealing correctly and allowing gas to flow back into your engine. Check your oil level, if it too high and smells like gas is mixed in then that's the problem.
Could you help me know what to check. A guy gave me a mower said he had to rebuild the engine cos it blew a spark plug out. When I turn the key, it makes a clunk/locking sound, but doesn’t start, but if I keep holding the key in the on position, it will go ahead and fire up just fine. I got a new battery on it. I checked the valves and adjusted. It didn’t help, any ideas what else I should check? Thanks so much.
I just got a riding lawn mower not to experience and having one or driving one I ran out of gas. After getting gas, I had a hard time trying to get started so I checked to see did I have the wrong gas I thought I did but I had to write gas unleaded, after messing around with the blade engagement I got it the crank it started smoking, and it wouldn't stay crank the little while that it did run all it did was smoke but he black or came out in front where the spark plugs and the points are what is my problem is the gasket going bad or something else???? Please help
Just curious, could this issue also cause stuttering or loss of power when going up hills? I’ve had that issue but also have this issue (I think).
Anyways, thanks for the info and I’ll have to try this out.
It's tough to answer that question with so many variables. It could be valves out of adjustment, low compression from worn piston rings, or as simple as a spark plug change, or even a carb adjustment for an engine running rough or lack of power...
It could be a fuel pump going out or the level of gas in the tank and the fuel line an filter just make sure the line and filter are level going to the carburetor and not to close to the hot engines oil case
If it sputters aiming up hill but idles fine aimed down hill then its a problem in your carburetor bowl and float i had that problem
Great video !! Thanks so much. I'll give it a try tomorrow
Love your style man, no messing, well done.
Good vid man I might try this. I got new spark plugs and a new battery and it cranks but will not turn over UNLESS I jump it? That’s the part that’s confusing me.
Same LTX 1042 Cub Cadet it wants to start but it just quite can't fire up
What if it doesn’t want to move when I’m trying to line them up? It’s not moving at all 4:08
OK I can see if they had too much clearance and the compression release on the intake not actuating but not enough I would think it would crank over easy as pie, I just redone my head set them at .004 had it running popped off pretty easy shut it off and now it acts like this one did but I think it may be my battery as it is 4 years old so I am scratching my head now LOL
I have the same problem, did you find a fix for it?
Those engines with the fuel pump on them and old unset carburetor just lets the fuel loadup in the piston and that makes it not wanna do a full turn over
My other engine just like it the gas is gravity fed to the carburetor no pump and no problems with it it gets the right amount of gas
I've not messed with my valves on the gravity fed engine at all since i bought it used 4 years ago and haven't had to clean the carburetor or change the gas filter but im going to change the gas filter just so I'll know it'll always have clean gas and a little bit of stp treatment in it and i never change the oil filter cause it doesn't really collect much gunk i do change the oil though one time each year an clean the old spark plug i use reset fuses in my stuff if something shorts out it will click off instead of blowing out the fuse
Did you fix your problem yet
Does this happen often? I just BOUGHT a used craftsman with a 19HP B & S Engine in cut all day yesterday and nnow this is happening.... many have told me to stay away from B&S engines.. Whatsa the deal. My engine is doing the same exact thing!
Valves can get out of tolerance no matter who the manufacturer is. When Valves have several hours on them, they wear down, which prompts the adjustment
I have a lawn machine that starts when cold just fine. Then won't restart when shut off like dead battery. Any suggestions?
That might be a starter issue, guessing, of course, but sometimes when a starter gets hot, it has this dead battery like effect
It could be your coil or maybe your ignition solenoid or even a ignition relay
I know a failing coil will do that i had that problem and the new coil fixed it and gap your spark plug to 030.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks a lot
Thank you sir! You are a legend!
Man best video got right to it and helped me i was wondering i got 2 doing this last yr one was fine but thank you
Good video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
My issue is...new battery on my craftsman T240... headlights come on...but won't turn over...new battery...any ideas...thanks
I guess the first thing I would do is rotate the top of engine by hand to rule out a Seized engine. Then I would turn the key on and then jump the mower at the starter by placing the negative lead to chassis ground and the positive lead the post with large red wire at the base of the starter. If engine turns over then it's most likely a bad solenoid switch but also could be a bad safety switch, i.e seat, clutch, etc.
THIS SAVES ME FROM RIDING OFF A CLIFF WITH ME ON MOWER !! 😂😂😂😂 KIDDING , L0L!!😂😅😮😢
great video man!!!!!
Great video, thank you. What can I do if my flywheel is locked? Got a zero turn that won’t turn over at all, just makes a “clunk” sound when you turn the key, can’t move flywheel by hand at all. I’ve sprayed Free All in the spark plug holes and still no luck. Sure would appreciate any help. Thanks.
If you can't turn the flywheel with the plugs out, then the motor is damaged. (broken rod)
What if my mower has 2 spark plugs which one do I tdc?
Do both individually
set at .006 IN and .008 EX
Thank you very much!!
thank you for making this video !!!!
Muchas gracias excellente video ,God bless you...
Thanks for sharing, I had the same problem... 👌👌👌
Wow thank you for this.
Thank you
Showed me something great video
I love It. Thanks
Been there and done that. No 4
great job and great work, my turn to do it
I had to replace the magnetic coil
Said goodbye and I laughed
Didn't work for me ...
Im gonna keep mine at the factory settings and thats what mine will get cause i believe they have it like that for a good reason but before i go messing with that im gonna put the new carburetor on and convert my to gravity fed carburetor so no more fuel pump and run all new gas line
test fix
Hell Ya.....!!
Very great video 📹 👍
Thank you thank you very much!