Craftsman II mower won't start Original Message Oct 10, 2008 12:48 pm
Hi, I recently inherited a Craftsan II walk behind (self-propelled)mower model 917 372800, 5.5 GTS, OHV. I have cleaned the carb, bowl using fresh gas and oil and everything seems as it should be but..... maybe this is a dumb question, but, do i have to have the blade installed for it to start/ run? I was trying to see if i could get it going before spending money on it. (it came with no blade) Thanks, JD
Re: Craftsman II mower won't start Reply #2 Oct 23, 2008 9:30 am
I've worked on a number mowers that wouldn't start with the blade off. Actually I can't remember any that would start with the blade off.
Now I have a question. What is the physical relationship between the blade and centripetal force? See definition below:
cen·trip·e·tal(sn-trp-tl)
adj.
1. Moving or directed toward a center or axis.
2. Operated by means of centripetal force.
3. Physiology Transmitting nerve impulses toward the central nervous system; afferent.
4. Botany Developing or progressing inward toward the center or axis, as in the head of a sunflower, in which the oldest flowers are near the edge and the youngest flowers are in the center.
Wouldn't the effect of the blade be similar to that of a flywheel, which operates on the effects of centrifugal force? See definition below:
cen·trif·u·gal(sn-trfy-gl, -trf-)
adj.
1. Moving or directed away from a center or axis.
2. Operated by means of centrifugal force.
3. Physiology Transmitting nerve impulses away from the central nervous system; efferent.
4. Botany Developing or progressing outward from a center or axis, as in a flower cluster in which the oldest flowers are in the center and the youngest flowers are near the edge.
Not trying to start anything, I'm just curious about the application of the term " centripetal force", which I've never heard of prior to this.
Re: Craftsman II mower won't start Reply #3 Nov 2, 2008 11:23 am
I too agree with BORAT! The blade has to be installed to start and most manufactures will tell you in the owners manual not to start it without a blade installed! All of the newer machines have low oil cut-off switches etc which will also keep the engine from starting until you add the lubricant required!
If you have fuel, air, and spark- the engine should run! If it doesn't then you're missing one of those three components! Seeing it's an "older" machine I would be inclined to check the compression also especially if it has sat around for a long period without running! If it wasn't fogged I would not be hesitant to think you may have some other issues that require attention!
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