Craftsman 247.288851 only starts up sometimes - help

[serviator]

Hi guys,

My Craftsman lawn tractor model #247288851 has trouble starting. I have put the gear in neutral and enabled the brake. Also, the battery is new.

When I turn the ignition I either hear a "whirrr" noise or a "click, click, click" noise from the compartment below the seat (sometimes proceeded by what sounds like a slow rotational movement), and it doesn't engage and turn on the engine.

Rarely after trying quite a few times it does turn on the engine and when I turn it off I can turn it on again right after - however if I wait a couple of hours, it at first won't make a sound, but if I keep having the ignition key turned it will start going "click, click, click" again.

I'm a novice at this, so I am not sure what could be causing this behaviour - do any of you have advice on what my next step should be?

I have uploaded a video of my attempt to start the motor at https://vid.me/cuV.

Thanks!
Michael

 

[mechanic mark]

Check all ground cables and straps making sure they're free from corrosion, rust, & making sure they are tight and secure.

Manual Craftsman Tractor 247288851 | SearsPartsDirect your manual & go to page 28 troubleshooting, check fuses first.

Results your engine manual

https://www.briggsandstratton.com/u...manuals/repair-manual-for-single-cylinder-ohv in case you're interested this is repair manual for your engine.
Key off, rotate top of engine with both hands clockwise just past hard spot, try starting with key. If it starts you need to adjust your valves per manual specs.https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=b&s adjusting valves

 

[serviator]

Thank you very much for your detailed reply! I went out and checked all the connections like you suggested and the tractor starts up again. I am glad it was that simple to fix :thumbsup:.