Craftsman LTX 1000 starting issues

K

Kurt M

Forum Newbie
Hello all, new member hoping for some help...

Some details about the tractor:
2000 model year (I believe) LTX 1000
Model # 917.272430
Serial # 030801D005591
B&S Intek V-twin, 20 HP

I recently pulled this tractor from storage, was sitting for a number of years. When stored it was drained of fuel, battery disconnected, stored in an enclosed area.
I replaced the battery before I began to (attempt to) restore it to functionality. Added fresh fuel. Replaced dry-rotted fuel lines and verified the filter was clear. I was able to get it to run on starting fluid, but wouldn't stay running. I noted that the old plastic Mikuni fuel pump was leaking fuel, but the engine would still crank.

Now when I go to crank it won't turn over at all, when it was cranking to beat the band the other day. When I first tried, there was no sound of engagement at all, as if no power was getting to the starter, but lights were functional, so it's got juice. Went back and tried to crank again and heard the solenoid, sounded like it was engaging, but no engagement by the starter. I replaced the solenoid, tried again, no change. Now the solenoid isn't making any sound at all either. Confused and not sure what to try next.

Any and all help or insight is welcome! Thanks.
 
Clean and tighten all connections starting at the battery. Corrosion starts as a thin film and does not always look nasty and crusty. (Looks good is not a verification of clean metal to metal contact). Chase each wire and check connections for green corrosion.

If you have a basis multimeter and a test light that will help you track down the issue.

On an old unit that has been sitting, the ignition switch is suspect but be careful to get a matching replacement if it is suspect. This connector pins on the back of the switch have small letters near each pin for reference.
 
Brand new battery, all connections are clean. I removed the ignition switch earlier and cleaned all contacts as a matter of course. Just went out and got it to crank, but will not fire on its own, needs starting fluid.

Fuel pump is brand new, fuel lines are brand new, carburetor is as clean as brand new, with no evidence of old fuel or varnish buildup. Jets appear brand new. I pulled off fuel lines into and out of the fuel pump and fuel was present in both, so supply shouldn't be an issue.
 
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IF needs starting fluid then most likely the choke is not fully closing. Most time that is a simple cable adjustment.

BTW the ignition switch is a Delta 6900-47M can sub a 6900-47P.
 
You said fuel was present, but how does it flow? If there's a fuel pump, pull the line from tank to pump and see how it flows. Hook that back up, take it off the carb, crank the engine and see how it flows. If both are good, move on to carb, if not, fuel tank could be dirty, or fuel pump not working.
 
Mark H_NO said:
You said fuel was present, but how does it flow? If there's a fuel pump, pull the line from tank to pump and see how it flows. Hook that back up, take it off the carb, crank the engine and see how it flows. If both are good, move on to carb, if not, fuel tank could be dirty, or fuel pump not working.
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I did verify flow earlier from tank to pump, all is good. Filter is clear, tank is brand new. I will crank with the fuel line off between pump and carb and check flow. Thanks.
Auto Doc's said:
Is the pulse line split where it goes to the fuel pulse pump?

Can you take a picture of how the fuel pump is installed and connected?
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No idea what the pulse pump is, sorry. Three lines attached to the pump. One in from tank/filter side (left), another out to the carb (right), and a third line that runs down toward the engine (center), with no apparent cracks or tears.
 

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I've never seen one of these made with tan plastic. Unhook the line going to the carburetor and use a jar or similar catch device that can hold fuel. Crank engine and see if the pump pulses the fuel out while cranking. If it does you have good fuel delivery.

The next item to check would be the solenoid on the bottom of the carburetor bowl. Check the connector and listen for a light click at the solenoid when the key is turned to the on position (Not cranking position)
 
The pulse line is the 3rd line to the fuel pump. One to tank, one to carb, and one to engine, to supply pressure pulses from the engine to the pump.
 
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