Need Help Fixing the Manual Clutch of a Craftsman Lawnmower

[Griser12]

Hi,

I have a Craftsman Lawnmower 917.271552 and I still can't fix the clutch.

I can't get the gears to work unless I turn the engine off, but then when I start the engine the tractor starts moving and then none of the gears work.

I've watched videos and read the owner manual's instructions but nothing seems to work.

I adjusted the nut that moves the spring back and forth at different levels and this makes a difference on the brakes but not the clutch.

I checked all the parts and I'm not missing any.

When the tractor is cold, then I don't have any problems putting one of the gears but 2 minutes later the problem starts.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

I moved your thread to the Small Engine & Mower Repair Forum. :smile:

 

[Fish]

Just to clarify some terminology. The "clutch" on your mower is just a pedal/lever/pulley system that makes the drive belt loose or tight by using
the foot control. Your gears are working, you are just having trouble shifting while the engine is running.

Your problem is, that your belt keeps turning the transmission pulley even when the clutch pedal is fully depressed. Normally this is caused by having the wrong size belt on there, but a dragging idler pulley, or misrouted belt could be another cause, but I think this is your trouble area.

 

[Griser12]

Hi,

I really appreciate the quick reply

I purchased both belts (for blades and engine) about 3 months ago and replaced them. The tractor has been working fine until 2 weeks ago the metal part that presses the spring broke. I bought it from a guy who has a very similar tractor as mine.

I've been having problems with the gears since I replaced that metal piece.

You obviously have better knowledge of these tractors.

One question though: if the problem stems from the wrong belt or in the wrong position, how come it worked fine with the 2 belts for about 3 months?

Also, how can I determine if the belt(s) is not placed correctly?

I'll check them tomorrow.

Thanks again.

I moved your thread to the Small Engine & Mower Repair Forum. :smile:

 

[metz12]

Hi,

I really appreciate the quick reply

I purchased both belts (for blades and engine) about 3 months ago and replaced them. The tractor has been working fine until 2 weeks ago the metal part that presses the spring broke. I bought it from a guy who has a very similar tractor as mine.

I've been having problems with the gears since I replaced that metal piece.

You obviously have better knowledge of these tractors.

One question though: if the problem stems from the wrong belt or in the wrong position, how come it worked fine with the 2 belts for about 3 months?

Also, how can I determine if the belt(s) is not placed correctly?

I'll check them tomorrow.

Thanks again.

since you have a craftsman the belt routing should be in the manual and under one of the foot pads. just plug your model number into sears parts direct and you can find the manual.

 

[Fish]

Hi,



I've been having problems with the gears since I replaced that metal piece.

I would start by getting the correct "metal piece", since everything points to that.
Go to Searspartsdirect.com like I did and look at the parts blowups and get the correct part. They are not expensive from Sears or your local shop.

 

[Griser12]

Hi,

I called Sears and the belt they sold me is the correct drive belt for my tractor as well as the one for the blades. I also checked the routing of both belts and they are correct and both belts are within the guides around them.

The other possible problem you mentioned is the dragging idler pulley. What's that? and how do I fix it?

Thanks again.

Just to clarify some terminology. The "clutch" on your mower is just a pedal/lever/pulley system that makes the drive belt loose or tight by using
the foot control. Your gears are working, you are just having trouble shifting while the engine is running.

Your problem is, that your belt keeps turning the transmission pulley even when the clutch pedal is fully depressed. Normally this is caused by having the wrong size belt on there, but a dragging idler pulley, or misrouted belt could be another cause, but I think this is your trouble area.

 

[Fish]

I would start by getting the correct "metal piece", since everything points to that.

Just push the pedal in and lock the brake, and turn each pulley by hand, if one is bad you will know it, otherwise look at that "metal piece"...