Have a Craftsman riding mower model 917.256530. Won't start - due to following I think. Attachment clutch lever which engages and disengages blades is stuck about half way between engaged and disengaged position. I can move it up to the engaged position. I can not move it down to the disengaged position which is where it needs to be to be able to start mower. Have looked it over to see if there are twigs or other obstructions blocking mechanism and don't see anything. Don't see any obvious breaks, missing cotter pins, etc. Have cleaned out area on top of deck and under seat around battery terminals too. Still no luck. Suggestions?

Hi,
Look beneath the dash and behind the engine for the problem. This where the mechanism and switch are. Your manual does not even have the parts breakdown but is here:
http://www.managemyhome.com/mmh/lis_pdf/OWNM/L0807092.pdf
Peace,
Clarke

Here's what I do to get it going again. After turning off the engine with the clutch still stuck. On the deck just past the grass cover is a pulley with a bar against it. With 2 hands I pull the bar away from the pulley and it releases the clutch.

Hi,
Look for the place where the bar pivots, remove the fasteners(bols, nut, etc.) and one should be a shoulder washer or spacer. Clean it with sandpaper, emory cloth, a wire wheel or by some other means, lightly lube with abit of grease, or better still, anti-seize. Reassemble and test to see if this solves the problem.
Peace,
Clarke