My old craftsman lawn tractor cranks just fine but when I let off the clutch it sputters and dies. As long as the clutch is down its fine. As soon as it gets any resistance its just dies. Any suggestions?

I assume you mean the engine runs and not just cranks, right? This is most frequently caused by a faulty safety switch. Try http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action?psid=26128436&sid=PSx20071217x00001a&OVMTC=Broad&site=&creative=3110329824&OVKEY=craftsman%20lawn%20mower%20parts to get a manual and then check all of the switches for correct operation. The seat switch is usually the first to break.

Hi! shpft, welcome to AMHD :)


my old craftsman lawn tractor cranks just fine but when i let off the clutch it sputters and dies. As long as the clutch is down its fine. as soon as it gets any resistance its just dies. Any suggestions?How old is it?
Not sure what year, but Sears has safety switches on their clutches.
You could have a bad relay.

Do you have a manual? You can look up the electrical schematic, and see what is hooked up to the schaft, then isolate it by runnning a jumper at the plug.
Go up sit on your tractor and see if it will keep running when you let the clutch out. If it does then you will need a new switch or relay.

Do not forget to pull the jumper, and recconect the switch or relay your replacing.

No manual? Get the number from the tractor. Then go to this site:
managemylife.com/owner_manuals/ (http://www.managemylife.com/mmh/owner_manuals/)
Enter your # in the search box and follow the prompts.


Here's what mine looks like:

Thanks for the guidance. The tractor is a 1996 and Im hoping to get through one more season. Motor is fine, deck is about shot. I've had the seat switch disconnected for years. Is there a way to by pass the clutch switch or is that a bad idea?

Thanks for the guidance. The tractor is a 1996 and Im hoping to get thru one more season. Motor is fine, deck is about shot. I've had the seat switch disconnected for years. Is there a way to by pass the clutch switch or is that a bad idea?You could by-pass it just like you did for the seat.
That is your call.


BUT......It is always a bad idea to dis-able any safety features one's power tools may have.

Just look at A-Rod the other day when he took his eye's off playing third base during batting practice.
He's lucky he only got hit in the shin. That line drive could have hit him in the head.

One never knows when the Good Lord is going to punch your ticket, either for a short haul or the final ride...

Your right. Disconnecting the seat switch is a bit safer than the clutch switch. I just don't know where that sucker is. Ill get the schematic on line and track it down.
I assume that will be the problem. Motor runs too good to be a fuel problem.

If yours is anything like mine the starter relay, and another switch below the relay are mounted on the inner driver's right console, under the battery tray.

That other switch only has a two prong female connector, pull that out, and jumper the connector to test.