Earlier this year I was given a Craftsman 15.5 HP riding mower model 917271011. It was not running when I got it and I have no idea whats wrong with it. When I try and start it I get nothing other then some solenoid or relay clicks. It came with a new starter relay I believe ( the thing on the right side that connects directly to the battery then to the starter) that I replaced and it did nothing.
I can jump aforementioned relay with 2 screwdrivers and the engine will crank but will not start. It does have spark but I don't think its getting fuel. I think I read somewhere that the deal on the bottom of the carb. can fail and not let it get fuel?
I dunno. I'd like to get this thing going but don't want to throw a whole lot of money at it.
Your ignition looks to be the same as my Craftsman Riding Mower (model 917.27078). I've had the exact same problem in the past. I've replaced the ignition switch and the connector that the switch plugs into. If it's not the fuse, the problem might be between these two things. The terminals inside the connector that the switch plugs into can get oxidized or brittle/break. You can lift the hood on your mower and reach around to the back of the connector and wiggle to see if it starts spinning the engine. In the past, this has occasionally allowed me to start it and then it will keep running, but might not start again when you shut it off without a little "help". The ignition switch did not fix the problem, but the new connector encouraged me to inspect and clean the terminals on the leads which finally fixed the problem.
Thanks for the reply. I went out and messed with it for a minute today and for whatever reason the ignition worked, for a while. Unfortunately while it was working the mower still would not start. I sprayed some starting fluid into the carb and it would run very slowly and there was no change no matter where I put the throttle so I guess its not getting fuel.
