Mower caught a hidden rope and we didn't realize until the mower shut off on its on its own. Rope had partially melted on but as far as we can tell, we've removed it all and blades spin freely by hand. The mower then would not start without starter fluid sprayed into carb intake (which has been need in the past but not regularly) but then it sputtered, backfired, and stopped. Unfortunately, every time we try to start it it makes different sounds. We bought this used several years ago and admit we've not been doing routine maintenance but everything we can check with basic knowledge and research seems to be fine.
Craftsman YTS3000 Mower caught hidden rope now won't start
- Thread starter a2kelley
- Start date
You have to pull the flywheel. If you post the mower model#, someone may be able to point you to documentation. There's usually a plate or sticker with model and serial numbers. It's usually different from the model it's sold as. There's usually a cover on top that has to come off, then you can get to the flywheel. A normal socket set should work, though you have to stop the blade while you turn the nut. Here's a starter, but probably doesn't cover this. https://www.manualslib.com/products/Craftsman-Yts3000-6027247.html
When we were trying to see if the issue was the fuel filter, we discovered there seems to be conflicting information on different parts of the mower. The fuel filter that's listed on the sticker on the mower hood doesn't look anything like what's currently on it and is much smaller. We did buy this used, so maybe parts were put on it that aren't the right ones? First picture that posted is the sticker underneath the seat. Last one is the one on the hood of the tractor. The extra serial number is on the side of the engine, though you can't quite read it.
Attachments
Last edited:
That's great, but we need the engine model number. Craftsman didn't make the engines, and there may have been multiple engines in that model mower. There should be a label on the engine with model and type.
If you've needed starting fluid in the past, fuel system is suspect. Check the fuel line from tank to fuel pump. It needs to flow freely. Crud in the tank can cause occasional trouble until it blocks up good. If it doesn't flow freely, you can blow into the line, which can free it up. If that works, the tank needs to be cleaned. Hook that back up. If you can crank the engine over, remove fuel line from carb, crank the engine, and the pump should move fuel. Catch it in a fuel can or something. If both of those tests flow freely, it may be carb. I like to remove the bowl from carb, and put a new/clean fuel line, on the carb, and blow in the line. Move the float up and down, and it should stop flowing when you raise the float. When you take off the bowl, look in it. Is there gunk in there? There often is. Past that, pull the carb, remove float and needle, and blow all passages clean. I use carb cleaner, others may recommend something else. The main jet runs up the center of the carb, and often clogs. You can often remove it, by unscrewing it with a slotted screwdriver.
If you've needed starting fluid in the past, fuel system is suspect. Check the fuel line from tank to fuel pump. It needs to flow freely. Crud in the tank can cause occasional trouble until it blocks up good. If it doesn't flow freely, you can blow into the line, which can free it up. If that works, the tank needs to be cleaned. Hook that back up. If you can crank the engine over, remove fuel line from carb, crank the engine, and the pump should move fuel. Catch it in a fuel can or something. If both of those tests flow freely, it may be carb. I like to remove the bowl from carb, and put a new/clean fuel line, on the carb, and blow in the line. Move the float up and down, and it should stop flowing when you raise the float. When you take off the bowl, look in it. Is there gunk in there? There often is. Past that, pull the carb, remove float and needle, and blow all passages clean. I use carb cleaner, others may recommend something else. The main jet runs up the center of the carb, and often clogs. You can often remove it, by unscrewing it with a slotted screwdriver.
My husband said what he can see of the fuel seems to run properly but engine will not crank. We were unable to work on it for a couple weeks after catching the rope and after removing the rope and making sure the blades spin freely, when he first started it is when it has backfiring and and a tiny bit of black smoke, It was at that point he decided to try changing the fuel filter in case that was the problem and that's when it got worse. The one we thought was correct had same a shape as the one on it but the inside was different. He changed back to the original fuel filter after seeing it looked ok but now won't start or even crank. I have a couple short videos I took this morning of the latest sounds but it won't let me upload them here. I am uploading a couple of pictures in case they may help.
Help on this forum is greatly appreciated. I don't want to end up paying someone to come get it and work on it just to the me its a loss, especially after we put new more aggressive tires on it shortly after getting it to help with traction when pulling the garden cart up hills to shed and gardens.
Help on this forum is greatly appreciated. I don't want to end up paying someone to come get it and work on it just to the me its a loss, especially after we put new more aggressive tires on it shortly after getting it to help with traction when pulling the garden cart up hills to shed and gardens.
Attachments
Last edited: