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Craftsman LTX1000 won't start

M

MichiganMike56

New User
Can't start my Craftsman LTX1000, 18hp Kohler engine (cv4925) ohv. Think it's a 2002. Started and ran fine until recent. Initially, symptom on start attempt was, it would crank, but not turn over and would back fire at carb. Wouldn't start with starter fluid. I have very good spark, fuel to carb, and good performing battery. Installed new plug anyway, and put on new carb, too. No change in symptom. Pulled flywheel and found sheared flywheel key. No memory of hitting obstruction. Replaced key and remounted flywheel. Pulled plug and installed long screw driver shaft in plug hole to determine piston toc position. With flywheel/crankshaft aligned accordingly, reinstalled plug and attempted start. She cranked and almost turned over. Sounded so close, but just didn't. Tried again several times but no go and not nearly as positive sounding as first try with new key, but no more backfire at all. Removed plug to check for fouling (some found) and had puffs of smoke exit plug hole as I rotated flywheel. Need direction on where to go next. Appreciate feedback, the lawn contractor is breaking my wallet!
 
Clarify: 'crank but not turn over'.

Cranks? does is spin part way around and quit, or does it spin like normal cranking?

Turn over? Do you actually mean 'start' or just spin round and round?
 
Did you torque the flywheel bolt to spec. or just make it tight? If you didn't get it torqued to spec. a good place to start is to pull the flywheel and check that new key.



I say this because you make it sound like it nearly started right after you put the key in and now it sounds like it is about like it was.

At least that is the way I learned my lesson on using torque specifications.
 
(quoted from post at 02:21:42 10/04/19) Clarify: 'crank but not turn over'.

Cranks? does is spin part way around and quit, or does it spin like normal cranking?

Turn over? Do you actually mean 'start' or just spin round and round?
Click to expand...

She spins like normal when cranked. When I say turnover , yes, I mean actually start.
 

I just tightened the flywheel down and didn't do it to spec. Sounds like I better pull the flywheel and check the key as you suggest. You know, thinking it over, when I first pulled it off, I was surprised at how easily the flywheel mounting bolt came free. Maybe that was the cause of everything. Due to a big work related project it's going to be about -5- days before I can follow up. Appreciate the feedback. Will post findings asap. Thanks.
 
Be careful tightening that flywheel. Do not use your air gun. I tighten those
flywheels down with a big ratchet and then a tourqe wrench. Air gun will shear
the key again.
 
I am confused about his use of the words "crank" and "turn over" Also! My thought is all the cranking and using starting fluid the cylinders are dried out and need some oil. That's why I always use mixed gas for priming, they need the lube! Works for me! IMHO starting fluid is only for diesel engines and then very sparingly.
 
(quoted from post at 10:16:50 10/04/19)
I just tightened the flywheel down and didn't do it to spec. Sounds like I better pull the flywheel and check the key as you suggest. You know, thinking it over, when I first pulled it off, I was surprised at how easily the flywheel mounting bolt came free. Maybe that was the cause of everything. Due to a big work related project it's going to be about -5- days before I can follow up. Appreciate the feedback. Will post findings asap. Thanks.
Click to expand...

That's it!....New key installed and TORQUED down. An expensive learning experience but one I'll never forget. She's running and back to work. Thanks for the advice and quick feedback everyone. Very much appreciated.
 
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