Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.)/craftsman garden tractor

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Expert: Eric A. Jones - 6/7/2004


Question
I have a craftsman garden tractor 46" deck, model 917.272960, 4 years old.  Problem is it will start and run as long as you keep it in choke.  When you cut the choke, it stalls and won't start unless it's back on full choke.  Just seems like it isn't getting gas.  

I have replaced the gas filter, fuel pump, spark plugs, air cleaner, drained gas and tank and put new gas in, carburetor appears to be ok but I haven't removed it.  

Any thoughts?  

Answer
Is this your engine?  ENGINE KOHLER MODEL NO. CV20S-65561

If so, check the fuel pump vacuumm line, if it has one.

If the fuel pump is built built into the carburetor, then your problem has to be inside the carburetor.  The fixed high speed jet carburetors are very sensative to any debris within the fuel system.  I would suspect a carburetor malfunction.  You will need to remove, disassemlble and clean the carburetor with compressed air and carburetor cleaner.

Let me know if you have any other questions.
Eric

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Eric A. Jones

Expertise

Lawnmower Repair . Certified Master Service Technician from B&S. Have 13 years experience on B&S, Lawn Chief, Weed Eater, Echo, Peerless, Wheel Horse, Snapper, Atlas, MTD, McCulloch, Homelite and many other numerous brands. Specialize in electrical repair.

Experience

Born and raised in the midwest. Started tinkering with engines when I was about 14 on my Suzuki RM-80. I began lawn mower repair at a small hardware store. I knew absolutely nothing. I read lots of repair manuals and met an older fellow who taught me many lessons. I continued working on small engines through high school and paid my way through college working on mowers at the same hardware store. Decided to get away from the midwest and mower repair so I joined the Air Force. I repaired air traffic control electronic equipment and ended up in Hawaii where I got a part time job at Small Engine Clinic. I gained a lot of experience from the Small Engine Clinic and had a blast repairing small engines. I then took the Briggs and Stratton Master Service Technician test and earned my MST. I then traveled to Wisconsin where I attended the factory update training seminar and received formal training. I received a scholarship from the Air Force and am currently pursuing another degree.

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