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millerfamily020 · Jun 19, 2009, 04:06 PM

I just got a craftsman mower from my grandmother who moved. When I went to pick it up it cranked and I got it on the trailer and took it home. When I got it home and got the belt replaced for the deck I tried it and it won't do anything. You can hear a click when the key is turned but that is it. My grandmother said that sometimes it wouldn't crank and if she let it sit for a while it would start right up. We charged the battery put a new starter on and got a new air filter. NOTHING!! I'm at my wits end with what to do. We checked a bunch of little stuff but still nothing. It's a craftsman mower with a briggs and stratton 15.5hp engine model number 28N707 type: 1173-E1 if anyone can help me I would sure appreciate it. Got a lot of grass to mow and its getting high enough I won't let the kids go far from the house due to snakes.

mark19 · Jun 19, 2009, 07:01 PM

Good evening I I remember right some of the early 15.5 brigs engines have a compression release built into the head. They had a lot of problems with those compression releases. The best thing you can do is get a book on briggs engines at your local lawn and garden center. It will tell you how to fix the engine. If you don't want to try fixing it yourself , just take to a shop and have them check the compression release. Hope this helps you

Mark

ballengerb1 · Jun 19, 2009, 07:59 PM

I don't think your problem has anything to do with a compression release, more likely a safety switch. The one under the seat is the first to go, also make sure the blade is disengaged and the clutch/brake depressed

crigby · Jun 20, 2009, 05:43 AM

Hi,
The "click" is most probably the solenoid; on with burnt contacts. Check the positive cable at the battery for corrosion, connection and voltage. Corrosion will definitely reduce the viability of the connection.
Once all connections are checked and it still only clicks; replace solenoid. It is a mechanical part that is subject to failure at any given moment because of its construction. That is one of the largest selling service parts a power equipment dealer will have, excluding preventative maintenance parts like plug, oil and filters.
Peace,
Clarke

george kolessar · Jun 20, 2009, 05:53 AM

I agree w/ Clarke, try jumping the solenoid w a screw driver from post to post. Open the hood , it should be mounted on backside of dash on right side.

Good luck.
g.k.

millerfamily020 · Jun 20, 2009, 01:03 PM

Latest update... we have put on a new start, solenoid, and ignition switch, still not wanting to turn over. All the connections are clean so we are baffled. If the safety switch under the seat did go bad, would that make it so it won't even attempt to turn over? No clicking noise or nothing other than the battery indicator registering that the battery is good.

crigby · Jun 20, 2009, 04:35 PM

Hi,
If nothing happens at all then the wiring harness is either not energized or the current is not flowing through a safety switch.
Firstly when you replaced the solenoid, was there a smaller gauge wire that attached to one of the posts that the heavier fires attached to? If so then it must be attached to the same post that the battery fstens to. This wire provides power to the wiring harness that is used to trigger the solenoid. Not all machines use it, but you have not provided the machine's model number
The seat switch may be in the mix, but rarely is. The machine MUST shut down if you leave the seat with the blades engaged. Generally there is a switch on the clutch/brake and on the blade engagement lever. Clutch pushed in and blades disengaged is the usual requirement for starting.
First check that wire I wrote about, then the switches. If you have a circuit tester or VOM and the skills to use either, then you can make quick work of the diagnosis.
Peace,
Clarke

millerfamily020 · Jun 20, 2009, 04:45 PM

Originally Posted by millerfamily020

I just got a craftsman mower from my grandmother who moved. when i went to pick it up it cranked and i got it on the trailer and took it home. When i got it home and got the belt replaced for the deck i tried it and it wont do anything. you can hear a click when the key is turned but that is it. my grandmother said that sometimes it wouldnt crank and if she let it sit for a while it would start right up. we charged the battery put a new starter on and got a new air filter. NOTHING!!! I'm at my wits end with what to do. we checked a bunch of little stuff but still nothing. its a craftsman mower with a briggs and stratton 15.5hp engine model number 28N707 type: 1173-E1 if anyone can help me i would sure appreciate it. got a lot of grass to mow and its getting high enough i wont let the kids go far from the house due to snakes.

In the original post listed here I did list the model number. Thank you for your help we will have to check on it

crigby · Jun 20, 2009, 04:53 PM

Hi,
That is the engine, not te machine. That only tells me you have a Briggs 28 cu. in. engine with plain bearings, one-piece carb and electric starter.
The other numbers will be on a tag about 2" by 3" under the seat or on the rear of the frame. It is a safe guess that it will be a number like 917.? The number is nine digits with a period between the third and fourth digits. The 917 is AYP's vendor number; they make almost all Craftsman riders.
Peace,
Clarke

millerfamily020 · Jun 20, 2009, 05:01 PM

Model number you requested clarke is 917.259820 thank you

crigby · Jun 21, 2009, 08:01 AM

Hi,
Had to check the "bad" Craftsman harness picture; they do not publish a schematic. It appears that the lead that energizes the harness is built into the #25 cable and connects to the "barrel-shaped" alternator connector in the harness.
I have attached the picture and the text description list of the parts. If all connections seem to be good and intact, then I would suspect the brake switch or blade switch. This is unfortunately one of the most difficult areas to diagnose problems since physical examination is impossible.
I have many certifications, 4 on outdoor power equipment, CET (electronics,) and A+ PC Tech; but often there is no substitute for actually seeing the equipment.
Peace,
Clarke