I am repairing a craftsman 12.5 hp tractor.. I have installed a new battery,spark plug,drained gas tank, put on a new fuel filter, and cleaned the carburater... still won't start... please help me out... by the way this tractor is 12 yr. old

After you drained the tank and replaced the filter - did you put gas back in it?

Sooner, I have moved your post from the Introductions board, as it is a place to introduce yourself, to the Lawn and Garden board, where it is more appropriate and may get you better answers.

When you say "wont start" does it crank? Have you checked to see if it has spark? Please advise to any diagnostics or level of expertise.

Don

I have taken the carburater to an expert... it has been cleaned and reinstalled... still won't start but turns over real good... expert thinks it may be the valve... What do you think and is there anything I can do myself to fix.. It's really hard for me to get this tractor to a specialist and I think if informed properly I can fix the problem.. appreciate any help..

You really need to check if you have spark at plugs, check for compression by hand cranking engine for resistance on stroke, prime the system with a little fuel down carburetor. It never ceases to amaze me that a shop would rebuild the carb and not ask you what symptoms you had.

It may be that you are not experienced enough in this type of diagnostics, we can give it a try.
Please respond to the above and let me know if more complete info is needed

Don

Where is the freewheel control on a 17.5 craftsman lawn tractor

If it is a Hydro drive you will find the release lever in the back. Look real close even under if necessary

Don

Quote:

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Originally Posted by newaukumdon

You really need to check if you have spark at plugs, check for compression by hand cranking engine for resistance on stroke, prime the system with a little fuel down carburetor. It never ceases to amaze me that a shop would rebuild the carb and not ask you what symptoms you had.

It may be that you are not experienced enough in this type of diagnostics, we can give it a try.
Please respond to the above and let me know if more complete info is needed

Don

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Don
Don`t know if you still have the mower... but I stumbled onto this sight. Its possible that you got the fuel filter on wrong... there is only one way the filter will let the fuel flow.
racer1