Trying to fix a Craftsman mower with electric key start.
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Thanks for watching. This Free Craftsman Lawn mower was given away for free, but the key start didn't work. After taking a look at it, I'm not sure if it's worth fixing.
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Keep going. Many people with back issues would highly value access to an electric start self propelled mower. Not everyone can afford the silly things. Even electric self propelled are priced out of reach for most. Great video!
I curb picked one 5 or 6 years ago. The parts hoard came in handy. Converted it to auto choke, new battery, lots of parts. About $65.00 all in with a new battery and charger. Still runs fine.
:0 get the flyers
@@Jim-ie6uf - That is awesome! I am saving for one. I watch, but never find any. My back won't let me hand start or even push a mower for long. They are really nice.
Great point!
I'm thinking that you want to repair the starting system. From watching your videos I believe your a man who does things rite. Also it will increase the value of the mower. Or maybe after your fix it maybe a nice lady or an elderly person needs a mower and the electric starting would make it betfor that person.
Love your videos. Great job as always. Thank you for sharing
thank you Tracy Hanson, I do plan on fixing the staring system.
I curb picked one 5 or 6 years ago. The parts hoard came in handy. Converted it to auto choke, new battery, lots of parts. About $65.00 all in with a new battery and charger. Still runs fine.
nice work, and very resourceful .
I'm going to fix a friend's mower and I thank you.
In my opinion fixing the electric start is 100% worth it because its a lot better than a normal pullrope.
that's what I was thinking too.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE If the pull rope ever breaks then you would want to start the lanw mower with electric start, I have a push mower with a push button electric start it needs a battery just out of curiousoity would you know off hand what type of size battery lawn mowers use for the electric start?
as far as physical size no, because I have seen them use several different sizes, But as far a voltage, and amps, 12 volts with at least 5 a/h.
Hi thank you for answering my question, I enjoy your repair videos please keep up the great work, I also looked up free lawn mowers near my area and nothing came up, I hope to see more lawn mowers in your future videos really enjoy them.
no problem
I have one of these and it's definitively worth fixing!!!!
thank you Lori Knutson
I got one of these from bulk trash last week - definitely fix the key start - it makes a world of difference if you want to put this on a bike, trike or go-cart - the engine is plenty powerful enough and since you will have to put your own clutch or cvt on it having the key start (or converted to button start) is very helpful
thanks for the tip
can i ask what kind of bike trike or gocart your going to make withe vertical shaft engine ? dont need a horizontal shaft engine tomake those go ? its going to be a transmission nightmare otherwise ..
I would say fix it if the the price of the battery and cover are within the budget. Sofar everything else seems to be ok. The brake cable can be adjusted. Just un thread the housing end caps to make the housing longer.
ah , I see you've done that before, thank you Aldo Clausi.
The person who gave this mower read your mind you like Free stuff I n the gas powered lawn care equipment yeah buddy 😎
very true!
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE hopefully it will be that most of the time for you
Great vid mate. Its a yes from me for fixing the starter. Anything that saves you wretching your back or arm . Save that stuff for the gym. Cheers
I appreciate that. thank you Aussie nebula
I love this mower
it's okay, the self propel is going to be an issue in the future.
Would be interesting to see you fix it, specially that I have the exactly same problem with mine and have some health conditions. Please do another video and fix it. Good job!!!!
thank you Carlos Sojo.
Keep on going!
thank yo Marko Vehmaa.
Keep going looks like a pretty good mower
thank you Martin LeBlanc.
It would be worth fixing. I've had problems with my shoulders and sometimes i can pull start them and sometimes the electric start comes in handy
I see your point.
Also would be interesting to see you fixing the cable issue in detail, due to the fact that I have exactly the same problem. Would you do a video? As I said before...Good job!!!
I understand your predicament.
Financially it’s probably not worth fixing the electrics but, it would make another great video! Great work 👍🏻
you make a great point. expect to see a follow up in a month or so.
Great video!!!!!
Thanks!!
yes i would get that electrical start function working again and yes your not wasting your time as it,s totally worth it even our Victa 2 stroke,s with the key start ones are a easy fix too.
thank you Patrick Stapleton,
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE my pleasure mate.
Definitely a cool feature either cheap brackets under that handle or on the body (on the body would require less cabling and allow for better amp transfer to the starter). I'd do away with that loom and simply use an inexpensive start relay from your local parts store, pick a thicker ground/start wires and just use the key to excite the relay. I'm certain a small lightweight motorcycle battery (even a lithium if you were looking to keep and resale isn't an issue) would be adequate for the job.
Hope this helps mate 👍
I appreciate the information, thank you Gavman's Workshop
Would be interesting to see you fix it. 👍
You and me both!
I have been where you are.
I fixed the elec start short of buying a new battery as the mower was for my own use and it started first pull every time.
thank you Rhian Taylor.
You live in the best 15 minute radius in the world I'd say all the freebies that are in your area...here in Ireland no one gives away anything at all they'd rather take it to the local dump and throw it in the scrap metal bin rather than letting someone use it for parts or a project or repair...
that's a real shame.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE different societies unfortunately
NIce job: If it is small money to fix it, I would do it. Otherwise use the pull start. Thanks for a nice video.
thank you Waterman one.
That’s a beautiful one. I have early the same one in black
thank you DWoods
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE Did you finish this mower? It’s definitely worth a good 200$ at least. These Briggs quantum engines are extremely reliable I’ve had 3 or 4 of them. I have the MRS 6.75 and it starts with one light pull everytime
I don't recall, But more than likely, it's gone as far as I want to. The electric start is something most people don't want to deal with.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE I never understood the point of adding an electric start to a tool that will probably be left out in the rain and snow by most unsmart consumers
I know right?
I have the same mower. It appears your primer is working so pull-start is good enough. The battery/electric parts are a bit pricey, but then again an electric start push mower is rare and pretty cool. Mine has always had starting issues due to the small pin sized hole in the carburetor that is supposed to blow gas into the carb to assist cold starts. Usually I just pull the airbox cover back (one 8mm screw) and shoot a couple sprays of starting fluid and it always starts right up.
nothing wrong with your method, I would do it too, if i didn't want to fix it. Thank you Paul Henreid
Update: The well known primer bulb issue that relates to a tiny hole in the carburetor is fixed. Some people double up the gaskets to prevent air from escaping after pressing the bulb. I just tape the bottom of the gasket. It is also important to not overtighten the three bolts for the plastic air filter cover. I also picked up another Craftsman electric start that runs even better and am about finished figuring the wiring out and charging the new 12 volt battery. I agree it is strange more interests does not exist, but I love when professional landscapers hear me crank up a push mower with a key lol. This is the best instructional video for the electric start Craftsman lawn mowers. Some parts are discontinued by with a little effort and money it can be done. Thank you!@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE
for a video fixing it would be interesting as it would be slightly different from what you normally do, going a bit out your comfort zone and fixing electrical parts
very true.
Leave it alone but seeing another video on how to fix it would be interesting..
thank you Ed Rodrigues.
Nice score! That elec start is a godsend for older folks who might not be able to pull the starter rope: shoulder injury, heart surgery, etc.
that's my take on it as well. I'm still able, but Who knows what might happen in a few years. thank you The Lawnmower Lady.
Keep going .
thank you Doug Baker
Good vid
thank you
I would leave it alone but for you it would probably make a good video for someone else.
you know how I think
I would do a compression test on the engine to see if the lack of oil did damage the motor and if there’s lots of compression and the way the lawnmower looks, I would keep going.
you make a great point.
I saw the worn treads on the front left wheel right away when the camera was on the front of the mower. I'm not at all surprised to see that it's teeth were in better condition, since that wheel clearly did more work. Shame the self propel is acting up, I would recommend taking a look at it sooner than later. You might also consider using some long bolts, washers, nuts, and a metal plate to hold a small battery underneath the original tray. It won't be pretty, it may take some fiddling to get it secure, but it seems to me that's the cheapest way to get the mower to hold a battery again. Think of it like the battery retainer in an older car, but upside down and with a wider plate. Preferably, it would have a lip on the edges to support the battery against gravity due to the weird angle it would sit at.
thank you for the tips Danny Boy.
I would test the starter operation and sell it as working but needs a battery. If it is important to the buyer they pay the cost of the battery and you can also sell to someone who doesn't care about it without being out the battery cost.
thank you Al's Repair and Restoration
I to have found them with elitric start but by the time you pay for the battery cover an other odds an ends it out ways the repair or what u can get but it is a nice mower
you make a great point. Might to much money by then.
You already know that the starter motor works so I don't think that there's much to fixing it,I think go for it !
thank you Russell Booth.
Leave the key start alone unless you have a donor mower.
If the self propelled system isn’t up to scratch just remove the turning cogs especially with that slackness damaging the plastic inner wheel.
In my mower line up have a Victa (Australian Mower now owned by Briggs) with the Briggs IS 750 engine no pull start.
Battery just clicks in great way to start.
It’s like having electric windows in a 30 year + car, it’s a luxury.
very nice Rick Thelian.
I wanted to ask you, what is the best starter kit of tools to fix small engines or anything for that matter, i know harbor freight sells some cheep tool kits, and Walmart as well, but what do you think. Or does it all come down to preference
I have no interest in buying expensive tools, so a cheap set of tools, 85 to 100 piece sets, should do the trick. I would then top that off with some power tools, and the same applies here, harbor freight should get the job done, after that, it's up to you, to use the tools.
I’m surprised you didn’t take the other lawnmower you could of used parts off it It’s amazing how rough people are with their lawnmowers i wouldn’t even fix the electric start Cost to much to fix but the engine sounds healthy on this lawnmower
Oh guess I didn't make myself clear but I took everything, the other mower, was the one in the video about how many times you can press a primer bulb.
I was given the exact same mower with the same issue. I just removed the starter and the system. lubed the cable and switch. sold it for 100$. then recently I was given a very new Honda with a key start that was just missing the key and had bad wheels. replaced the wheels and key for about 40$. hoping to get 200$ for it now.
very nice!
does that mower feature an alternator of some kind to replenish the battery charge?
my Snapper walk behind came with key start option, but it also had a charger kit to top off the battery.
If you cannot locate that re-charger kit, & there's no alternator windings, may be a lost cause.
My Snapper still lives happily without it though. It's lighter too minus starter/Bendix/battery/harness!
More grass clippings capacity.
as far as I know, every electric start mower, has an alternator. And as for the charger, I didn't come with it, but it's a very generic type, So I might have to repurpose a different one.
go for it...
thank you Lee Holzmann.
The battery is small and needs to be hooked up to trickle charge it with consistency. So often the battery dies and people get tired of charging it. It is a cool feature, but pull starting A self propelled mower is not difficult as long as it is running right.
you are absolutely right about the neglect on the battery.
It’s probably best just to repair the most important parts, it is possible that a buyer might fix the electric start themselves if their willing to spend the extra money
you make a very good point
You should keep going
thank you Michael Fowler
That interlock can be temperamental. I picked one 5 or 6 years ago.
thank you Jim S.
You can use a substitute battery for the electric start to see if the starter motor works. If it's seized, jump the wire harness at the charging plug using a wire grill brush. You should get a few sparks from reversing the polarity. Then see if it'll crank. If it's good, go ahead and invest in the repairs. And find a grass bag. All serviced, you'll be looking at $300 in resale value.
that as the plan.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE Well, I might have spoiled the next video on this mower.
nah, not at all.
It’s all or nothing! Fix it! At the very least find out what the needed parts total is. I have an electric start mower and am quite happy with it.
I wish I had an electric start hand mower, I would definitely enjoy it.
Hey bro wats up? If it was up to me I wouldn't bother with the electric start but like you said if you have a bad shoulder it would come in handy.
I see what you're saying.
I would go through it & fix it. My thoughts are the original problem was most likely the battery.
I think you might be right.
Hello so I just found a 650 craftsman mower for free . It came with no key or charger for the battery on the electric start . My question is do I unhook the key start to be able to just pull cord start .
no, the key start works by tuning on an electric motor, that will kick a gear UP, to the flywheel. So normally there is no engagement, of the electric starting system, so you can start it, without the key, battery, or any other component for the key start.
Fix the electric start feature of this mower. It was an expencive option, if not for anything else, it sure makes for the "cool" factor.
The starter motor already works, just try to find a cheap battery on the internet.
thank you Jeffrey K.
Y’all please check to see if the engine is seized before you start adding fluids
That beake spring is on top of the muffler. Over time that spring is too stiff.
thank you for letting me know
Electric start,on a push mower,I don't care for.The brake cable ends are adjustable,you turn the plastic ends out to make the outer cable longer to shorten the inter cable and it will pull the lever further away to start the mower.
thank you Jerry Southerland.
What made you finally say the word "ebay" instead of just vague, confusing "online marketplace"?
not sure, most often I don't plug them, but I guess I wanted to direct my comment toward that direction. I've have to look at the script and see why. thanks for pointing that out.
Getting rid of the electric start wouldn't be a problem for me . I would guess the cost for the hardware and battery is more that what the mower is worth, but when someone eliminates the self-propel thats where I dont agree because the mower on most becomes way to heavy to push especially on upgrades. I speak from experience when my sell propelled rear wheel drive broke and i tried to use it before i fixed it and way to much to push up hill
Not to mention complexity and extra weight
I completely agree with you.
very true.
Where's the least expensive place to get these batteries? Seems like Amazon is quite expensive.
I haven't done any extensive searching so I don't know the answer.
I would leave it like it is by the time you buy a battery and the charger for it and you would have to build a mount for it just leave it as is
that makes sense.
Hi, what model of mower is this?
craftsman 917376681
I usually remove the starter motor, battery and harness if it does not work.
Yes I've considered doing the same thing too.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE Battery cost will reduce profit.
you are absolutely right.
Thx /
No problem
What's UP with the self propel
the wheels don't have a positive engagement with the drive gears, front arms are also loose.
I think yes you should keep going make money on the stuff
thank you Freedomfro Chaos7, I think I will.
If your able to source one maybe. yes a new battery but Maybe a mower similar to it that has the parts that you need that is to far gone to repair that won't be a cost effective on it. can't wait to see what route you go with this project.
I appreciate your enthusiasm Turning_wrenches85 , Yes the battery is the biggest hurdle.
I have had 4 or 5 of these and none of them worked. I didn't bother fixing them because all of them had dead batteries and missing chargers .
that's what I find to be the situation as well. Thank you Brian King.
I think it's worth fixing.. lots of old people or people with bad shoulders need the electronic Start.. and pay good money for it
Thank you Mick.
I would try to repair the electric start.
thank you Daniel Jones
My Toro mower self propel don't work
did you check the belt?
Keep going. Todays stuff is plastic junk.
That's the plan!
I'M here
nice,
If transmission is bad I take gears off and make it push mower.
I hope not to do that, this mower is not easy to use, without the self propel.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE If they need it bad enough they will buy it.
I also have an old mower with an electric start, its also a briggs and stratton quantum, but its from 1992, the wiring is good but the motor has a lack of power and isnt strong eneugh to spin the engine over, dispite it only having 60PSI of compression, im gonna save the parts and if i come across a mower with a good motor, ill have the whole set
Does it also have a pull start? There's a solid chance that the engine has a compression release which is deactivated when you use the electric start.
very good idea.
yes it's still has a pull start, and there's also a compression release.
@@cancelhandles the motor is just old and worn out
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE true, i also dont intend on selling it so ill use it untill it stops working due to wear and then ill be able to get some good parts off of it, especially the walbro carburetor
I don't waste my time with electric start on push mowers. I have yet to find one that charges it's own battery while it runs, So it's inconvenient to have to charge it manually, And nobody is going to do that. Just oil the pull starter and call it good.
Mine doesn’t self charge, but I only have to charge the battery once a year. Not a problem
thank you Eye Robot.
thank you Jim S.
for someone like my mom, she cant pull start so she would need to have lectric , bcause she cant start it otherwise.. on the other hand , craftsman shoved their batteries in a hiddent compartment with limited space so , u could do some retrofit deal because who wants to buy the special battery over $50 that barely lasts a season or 2 of mowing .. -- since u dont need it and the person you sell prob. wont , its prob not worth the hassle to fix the lectric start ...
ifts going to take many hours and more than you want to spend (anything more than prob$20 is usu more than ) .. dont deal with it .. ifcs its ez fix with thstuff u have around then do it ..
of course for resale it also has ta 'look nice' -- and thats hard to do with a hidden battery compartment ...
yes you make a good point. at some point I know I won't be able to pull a starter rope anymore too, so in that case, I'll have to go full electric. And yes the small battery compartments are really tough to deal with sometimes.
you Make a good point.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE i have the 24v, then the 40v and now the 80v and for the amount of yard i have i dont even need to spend a bunch on a big battery, just use it, take a break come back to it ... 1/3 acre and i dont very often do front and back at the same time .... still have a few gas mowers to sell to those who need the extra power (people let the lawn sit until they cant even do it becaus its too thick or they got a harrasment letter)
yes I know someone that only mows once they get a letter from the city
I’ve had several mower projects with electric start. I test it and if it doesn’t work. I don’t go any further. I suppose if you did fix it you could get more money out of it
that is a real possibility but as I mentioned earlier, most people don't want them, and that means they're not going to pay the extra money for them either.
@@INSIDEHOUSEGARAGE agreed, I respect whatever decision you make
Well that is no fun, it cranked right up
I know right
I'd say that if your in part of the country that requires you to mow the lawn for most or all of the year, then yes fix it. If your seasonal use, No.
very good advice, thank you jct300m
If I wanted electric start and a propelled model, I'd rather buy a garden tractor
I see your point.
Don’t waste your time and money on that electric starter.
thank you Mark Phillips
Nope!
Man everyone I find I take it off and sell on EBay, Think I've sold atleast 3 harnesses and starters last season from mowers. I can't use the battery in Lawncare business to much off and on.
very good point.