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earlgo · Jun 7, 2009, 06:51 PM

Hi guys.
I have replaced the coil with a new one that doesn't use the condenser or points. I cleaned all the schmutz out of all the crevices and the thing starts OK. I adjusted the carburetor as suggested by the manual. When the engine runs it is absolutely necessary to have the choke more than half way out. I do not know if this is normal or not. I have put 8 or so hours on the mower since the repairs and it works OK with the excpetion that the thing needs the choke to run and I don't think it is running at full HP. This is not normal for me as the 12.5HP Craftsman does not need the choke and it runs very strong all the time.
Any suggestions?

Regards,
Earlgo

earlgo · Jun 9, 2009, 04:40 AM

Baffled240:
The new coil I bought is a part no 394891 and it has all the electronics built right in and is intended to replace the points and condenser and I am assuming the diodes. After being put in the engine started right away. The engine still has to be choked to have any power, but I am working on that. The coil helped immensely but it was $60.
Good luck.

infomet · Jun 20, 2009, 07:23 PM

Have you found an operators manual for this tractor? I need a copy! Thanks, Wilson

Originally Posted by baffled240

I have a 16 hp Craftsman lawn tractor 917-255821 that has good spark, has fuel, has compression, has new battery, new spark plugs, has rebuilt carb, has new mag, but will only sputter when cranking but will not catch and run. It ran yesterday for a few minutes but will not restart.
Quick start will not start it. Any ideas...it does not make sense.

earlgo · Jun 21, 2009, 10:33 AM

No I haven't. There is a guy on e-bay who has manuals for a zillion craftsman tractors but not this one... I asked specifically.
Wish I could find one, too.

Regards,
Earlgo