Craftsman (Cub Cadet) tiller won't start

[RevB]

Worked fine last year at this time. Replaced the spark plug, drained all fuel and put in fresh non-ethanol fuel and it just won't start. It doesn't even try to start. I may as well just disconnect the spark plug because I'd get the same response to pulling on the rope. And ideas on what to check?

A new tiller similar to this one costs $1,000 now. This one was around $700 or so when new and Home Depot had the Cub Cadet branded version until last year but they don't seem to have it this year.

Time to replace the motor again? It got replaced once under warranty but the warranty has expired.

Worked fine last year at this time. Replaced the spark plug, drained all fuel and put in fresh non-ethanol fuel and it just won't start. It doesn't even try to start. I may as well just disconnect the spark plug because I'd get the same response to pulling on the rope. And ideas on what to check?

A new tiller similar to this one costs $1,000 now. This one was around $700 or so when new and Home Depot had the Cub Cadet branded version until last year but they don't seem to have it this year.

Time to replace the motor again? It got replaced once under warranty but the warranty has expired.

Pull plug check for spark. Drip a few drops of gas in the plug hole, insert plug and see if it tries to fire.

 

[tank1949]

Check compression to be within specs. Ground plug and have a friend crank motor while you check for spark between plug's gap. If OK, pour a spoon full of gas down carb's throat and crank. If all ok, then take it to a shop....

 

[Gord Baker]

But if you have no idea how the engine actually works component wise it best you just take the equipment to a shop as just guessing and throwing parts at it can get very expensive.

If it doesn't fire with Quick Start then it is an electrical issue. If it fires and quits, a fuel issue.

 

[mpqualdie]

Worked fine last year at this time. Replaced the spark plug, drained all fuel and put in fresh non-ethanol fuel and it just won't start. It doesn't even try to start. I may as well just disconnect the spark plug because I'd get the same response to pulling on the rope. And ideas on what to check?

A new tiller similar to this one costs $1,000 now. This one was around $700 or so when new and Home Depot had the Cub Cadet branded version until last year but they don't seem to have it this year.

Time to replace the motor again? It got replaced once under warranty but the warranty has expired.

I had a similar issue with mine. I just bought a brand new carburetor for it on Ebay. It was only like $28, never ran better. You said you put new non-ethanol fuel in it, did it have regular fuel in it before? I knew mine was the carb because I could prime it and it would run. if it won't run on starter fluid, the carb isn't the issue. I don't know what motor you have on it.

 

[Sandbuster]

I never saw where you said if it was a "cranking issue" or cranks but won't light off? Did you get it fixed yet - if yes tell us what was the issue. Also, if it happens to be a Kohler engine I have a very good idea what it might be - as far out as this may sound take your valve covers off and check for popped push rods - very common on these engines.

 

[Craftsman Garage]

@StarTech Me too. Its hard to work with some people.