I have an older (86-87) 18 HP Craftsman lawn tractor (917.2559101) that turns over really nicely but will not catch and start. In fact it sounds like the starter is just turning freely without any load on it. Someone told me they thought I needed to replace the solenoid? I know this is an old mower but it still mows well. I'm good at reading manuals and following directions, but the Owner's Manual for this mower does not go into the necessary detail. I've read many Q&A on this site but haven't seen my exact problem. How can I check the solenoid? What does the solenoid look like and where located? What else might I check also? This was my husband's lawn tractor but he died unexpectedly last Feb and I'm trying to get this thing going to use to mow. Any help appreciated. Thanks for your time. Lynnie

Lynnie, your solenoid is fine if your starter is turning. Now, the engine turns also, correct?
If so, remove the carb bowl and see if there is moisture or debris in the bowl. If so, remove the fuel lines, clean the tank, lines, and replace the fuel filter. Then add fresh fuel. But what concerns me is that you say it sounds like there is no resistance when turning. That could be a broken rod, or stuck valves. Has the mower set since last Feb?

Thank you Mowerman for your reply. Yes the mower has set since Feb. (Well, I pushed it around in the barn to get it out of my way, but I doubt that counts :) How do I tell if the engine is turning over? When I try to start it that starter is whirling around there and sounds like faster than it used to. And I remember my husband saying that there was something wrong with the thing but I can't remember the details of what he said. I just didn't pay attention but I know he was planning to fix it. Anyway I appreciate the help. Lynnie

How can I tell if the engine is turning over or not? Could something on the starter be broken and not 'connecting' with engine? Thanks in advance. Lynnie

Ok the first thing to check is if when you try to start it there should be a flywheel, it looks like a big round circle, with mesh on it. It should be turning when you try to start it. If not then the gear on your starter is not pushing out before it turns like it should, one thing to try if this is the case, "your not suppose to try this cause you could hurt the starter" but... try to find a rubber headed hammer and give the starter a whack, this may jar loose the gear and it may pop out and engage to the motor and then turn the motor. If this doesn't help the initial problem then there is a good chance that your starter gear is still just stuck inside the starter housing. To fix that is a bit more difficult cause you have to remove the starter and then take it apart.

Do not whack the starter with a hammer! Doing so can crack the magnets inside the starter rendering it useless. Starters aren't cheap. If the starter spins freely, it's working. The pinion gear/assy that engages the starter gear to the flywheel probably needs to be replaced. You will need to remove the starter to perform this repair. Kits to repair should be available locally or try sears.com to order.

Forgive me if I'm taking advantage of this forum but we recently purchased the 917.2559101 lawn tractor without the mower but with a pull behind tiller (eroded model number) and I'm looking for the user manual. I could get it to start and now I can't. Can anyone help? Thanks

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Hi I have the same mower and it was working fine. Turn it off went in the house. When I came back out the tractor did not crank. It made a clicking noise at the solenoid. So I 1) serviced the battery in case I was out of juice. 2) I cleaned the posts with wire brush, 3) I banged softly on the starter in case it was stuck.

Still nothing. Any suggestions? Please help