20 Most Recent Craftsman 20 hp 42 in. Deck Lawn Tractor - CA Model - Page 7 Questions & Answers

jtd ride on mower wont start will turn over a little but if i take the sparkplug out it will turn over no problem any ideas please

need to know the engine manufacture and then look the engine numbers up... If it's a tecumseh they are no longer producing engines in america so no luck, if its a briggs then you can go to their site with the engine numbers and look for a service manual...

That throttle cable issue sounds like it may be the culprit. the cable housing (the outer casing for the wire throttle cable) may not be anchored correctly. Which may be allowing you to move the throttle without any change at the butterfly control on the carb. make sure the cable housing is anchored at both ends.. by the throttle control and at the carb area.. That may be your problem... hope it is that simple...
K

The smoke is oil going in to the combustion chamber, will have to check for broken rings or piston. also if the tractor was stored in a position that the oil would run to the combustion chamber it will do that untill all the oil is burn

needle valve on carb has trash in it and is not stopping fuel flow when bowl is full.remove bowl and work float to flush trash out and you can remove float and remove needle valve and replace.

Start with making sure your oil lever is not over full. If it is it may be getting into the crankcase breather hose that goes to the carburetor hence the white smoke. Sometimes also you can blow a gasket in the breather system and it will do the same. Check for oil leaks in the breather system. Hope this helps. donnyb60

with your eyes only ck that pulley on top of rear transaxle is turning with engine at idle , if not your drive belt is stretched or broken

Is the little wire looking lever pushed in at the rear of the tractor. Is the belt tight and on the pulleys.

Went out to cut grass and the blades will not engage and when I put it in gear it does not move. Belts are intact. I cleaned the deck of dirt and grass. Still nothing. Just replaced the cable to engage the blades last year. Cable seems to be working.

By not knowing what engine you have, the simplist check is to look at the air filter and be sure its completely clean.

http://www.managemylife.com/mmh/lis_pdf/OWNM/1110003L.pdf

most likely it is a sealed unit so you will not be able to check, add or replace fluid.

You could remove the valve cover and look to see if you have a bent or stuck valve.