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masterlink · May 10, 2009, 04:28 PM

Howdy all!
I HAVE A SEARS CRAFTSMAN 5.5 hp LAWN MOWER THAT RAN FOR 20 TO 30 MINUTES FLAWLESSLY WHILE USING TODAY. I shut it off seeing company just stopped by unexpectantly. After it sat for an hour or so before I went back out to finish my mowing. It started on the first pull after priming the primer button twice then died out within 5 seconds. I check the fuel, oil, and plug wire connections which look good to me & tried it again. I did top off the gas for good measure too. I received the same result in starting so I left it sit for another hour. Now its been three hours and still the same thing keeps happening as I stated above. All I can assume is dirt in the float bowl maybe? My fuel is full and by loosening the fuel line to the carburetor gas does leak out so its not plugged up.
Any replies are most grateful since I am working half the hours I am use to as most of us.
By the way it's a Craftsman model 917.387160 for what is worth and its been well taken care of since new.
Thank you

21boat · May 10, 2009, 04:36 PM

I also think you got dirt in the needle seat valve that lets the fuel in the bowl Clean out bowl and seat or the float got stuck in the bowl.

If you can give me the

Model #
Type #
Code #

On the engine I may be able to find a manual for the engine and carb.

masterlink · May 10, 2009, 04:59 PM

Thanks for the reply
The moel is 143.975504
Nothing is mention as type or code
It does have the name SEARs on the model tag along with the letters... DOM and numbers.. 7071D on the same label
Thank you
Frank

masterlink · May 10, 2009, 05:01 PM

Originally Posted by 21boat

I also think you got dirt in the needle seat valve that lets the fuel in the bowl Clean out bowl and seat or the float got stuck in the bowl.

If you can give me the

Model #
type #
code #

On the engine I may be able to find a manual for the engine and carb.

Great recommendation given
I was thinking of doing that at the last resort

KISS · May 10, 2009, 05:32 PM

I would agree:

Your carb is here:

CRAFTSMAN | Model #143975504 | ENGINE | CARBURETOR 632747 (71/143) | SearsPartsDirect.com

21boat · May 10, 2009, 06:28 PM

masterlink

The basics here is
Float
Spring and pin on float
Fuel needle valve
Needle seat.

No# 30 is what I think is the problem or a bad prime bulb which could happen.

Thanks Kiss for the diagram. Helps having the right No#

I have a simple saying about carbs when all else fails that's easy (crab cleaner, fuel filters. Adjustment of screws)

When in doubt tear it all out and start with form the bottom, fresh sheets. Then you will sleep better knowing something's working right.

KISS · May 10, 2009, 06:41 PM

21boat:

Not sure why you would need "CRAB CLEANER". Typo, I know. Funny.

FWIW: You can cross ref the model number and get the engine #. Sometimes the link works, other times you need to search for the Sears engine p/n given in the parts list as a separate search.

21boat · May 10, 2009, 11:44 PM

When ever you need to get the carb cleaner it usually means something isn't working right and when that happens a person can get crabby