FIXING A $100 CRAFTSMAN RIDING MOWER WITH ENGINE PROBLEMS

[@Bernard-z7w]

Excellent video, great presentation. Thanks.

[@freedommowers420]

Thank you very much!!!

[@bertgrau3934]

I had a Craftsman GT 5000 , it was a great machine. When I bought it I had 2 acres to mow, after I retired I didnt need such a big mower. I sold it in 2023 the machine was a 2004 it had a Kohler 25 horsepower V twin

[@TheLawnmowerLady]

Good to see you back Alex. Cheers!

[@freedommowers420]

Thank you so much! It feels great to be back making videos and having some fun. Hope all is well your way :)

[@paulhughes3814]

you are very smart watch all the time Paul Australia

[@freedommowers420]

Thank you so much for the kind works and support.

[@johnclarke6647]

Camshafts. That is why I replace 10% of the oil capacity with STP oil treatment. Cams need zinc additives and a lot of oils no longer includes zinc in their additive packages, thanks to the EPA.

[@MarkMeadows90]

Great fix to the old and reliable Craftsman. I was thinking it would need a carb cleaning after that valve lash adjustment. I was also thinking the worst if it had hydro-locked the engine with fuel or possible camshaft release breakage. Glad you got it running again. Always a pleasure.

[@liljoeii6091]

Nice tractor Thank you for the video

[@freedommowers420]

Thank you for the support 🙌🙌

[@philliphall5198]

Very nice looking mower and price is right for sure 😊😊 Good luck 🍀

[@freedommowers420]

Thank you!!!

[@Lovinflyindrones2022]

Love all your videos I like how you keep it real and practical K do watch all of your videos but sometime I forget to comment. Keep up the good work

[@Robthebengalguy]

That was a good video very explainable

[@rogermcdonald1607]

Alex, im so envious as that tractor on market place here in Iowa would say. Craftsman LT 1000 non running tractor, has 3 flat tires and the 4th one is missing.15 HP B&S that ran fine the last time it ran.i think it needs a deck belt since its missing. Has a brand new spark plug and resently put fresh gas in the tank. With a little TLC this could be a nice tractor. Oh by the way it could use a new battery and the carb may need replaced. Asking $250 as i just want this thing gone as im going in another direction! LMAO!! Good video Alex, i hope you make good coin as that seems to be a nice machine! Take care buddy and stay cool. 😂✌🎥🇺🇸

[@caseybszombiemowers2569]

So true!

[@rogermcdonald1607]

@@caseybszombiemowers2569 thanks Casey B as its probably the same in Des Moines as is here in CR.

[@freedommowers420]

I have to scan the marketplace so much to find any deals. Most of the ones I see are exactly what you are describing. If I see one come up I have to message telling them I can come now with cash, and pray they didn’t get 50 messages before mine. It’s certainly been hard this year to find good deals. Thank you as always Roger and hope you are doing well brother. 😎😎

[@EllisMowersandmore]

That was a good one Alex! Those valves were way out of adjustment. So much better than a compression release, and nearly 10k views in a week! The algorithm has been kind to you on this one, well done!

[@freedommowers420]

Thank you so much! Yea I’ve done a few compression release repairs as I know you have done a ton of them. Not a quick job to say the least. I’m blown away the algorithm took off on this one.

[@crisprtalk6963]

Money maker! Happy to hear it crank and start with the valve lash adjustment. Well done.

[@freedommowers420]

Thank you very much! Hopefully get this one sold this weekend.

[@2500grit]

I have a DLT3000 with a 16.5 HP Honda engine, I love it I’ve had it for approximately 20 years now still going

[@knighthawk86855]

Nice man, a little tip, if you don't want oil coming out when you remove the valve cover, jack the front of the mower up a little bit, so the oil flows back into the engine, that way oil won't drip onto the muffkin..... Nice job.

[@freedommowers420]

Good tip! I’ll do that on the mower I’m working on today. It needs a valve cover gasket.

[@Lovinflyindrones2022]

Nice video. Nice xtra cash 💰 😅😅. What kinda battery charger do u have ???

[@Lovinflyindrones2022]

I hate them old craftsman decks. So cheap and thin

[@Lovinflyindrones2022]

Great job. Great find

[@billsmith1770]

you can use an old tank from another mower , hook to carb , elevate it (mine clips to a hand truck) , and the engine fuel pump will empty the tank for you . sometimes it makes a big improvement to take starter apart and lube bearings/bushings . that one sounds like it might be dry ( "crowing" noise at 19:49 ) . also , there's a plate that releases the blade brakes on these . it gets 2 divots worn into it , and blades don't want to disengage . a little welding and grinding will fix it for cheap .

[@freedommowers420]

Thank you so much for the tips. I did take the edge off on the deck and grease the pivot point that always gets hung up on these decks. I’ll have to get a tank setup for testing.

[@peachsncream5808]

🤯👣🦘🦘🦘🤯🤯 $100 What a steal 😉. In western Australia - you can’t even pick up an old push mower for $100. Are you sure you didn’t just pick that mower from someone’s front lawn - and poke a$100 dollars into their mailbox 😉.

[@freedommowers420]

Hahaha. Thank you I certainly lucked out on this one. I always have to be scanning the market to find a good deal. People want an arm and a leg here as well, but I look for the deals when I can find them.

[@JohnMckinney-ix1ow]

I got a free 2015 craftsman t2000 with bad decompression lever. Ordered kit off Amazon for $23.99 . It run perfectly now.

[@rickthelian2215]

Nice repair, fuel and valve lash was really bad....😊

[@freedommowers420]

Yes it was. I’m just glad it wasn’t anything major.

[@hellraizer322]

I had the same hard start issue with my Craftsman riding mower. I adjusted the valves, many times, before finding out this wasn't the problem. Jumper cables helped, but this wasn't the problem. The problem is a broken compression release mechanism inside the engine. This mechanism helps the engine start by reducing the compression when you turn the key. When the mechanism is broken, it makes the engine much harder to start. There is a temporary fix for this problem. You can cover the air filter hole with a piece of rubber. This will simulate the compression release mechanism and make it easier to start the engine. However, this is not a permanent fix. To fix the problem, you will need to tear down the engine and replace the compression release mechanism. Here are the steps on how to do the temporary fix: Remove the air filter cover. Cut a piece of rubber to fit over the air filter hole. Place the piece of rubber over the air filter hole. Try to start the engine. The engine should start easier with the piece of rubber over the air filter hole. However, this is not a permanent fix. If you want to fix the problem permanently, you will need to tear down the engine and replace the compression release mechanism. I hope this helps!

[@freedommowers420]

Thank you so much. Yes I have done a few cam replacements on these engines for the compression release. I was glad this one was just a valve adjustment.

[@MazichMusic]

Hey, I have that same model, 2004. The deck rotted out last summer, bought a new stamped deck and spindles and transferred everything else. I used new bolts and nuts and replaced the deck belt. Runs and cuts like new. This is its 21st cutting season!

[@garyalensr]

Awesome looking unit Alex, Can't believe you snagged that $100 Ya gotta when you find riders for that price and in that good of condition? Even better when then need just little work. Your definitely gonna make bank on that one my friend. Awesome as always Alex. Keep up the great content

[@freedommowers420]

Thank you so much Gary. I’m always scanning the marketplace for deal and sometimes I just offer a low price on something that I know needs work and people say come get it. It’s always a roll of the dice.

[@cmgngmc]

had a craftsman years ago , got rid of that junk so fast

[@freedommowers420]

Craps man 🤣🤣.

[@dhg1839]

thank you perfect video for me i have the same issue

[@freedommowers420]

Glad it helped! You can always comment if you have any questions as well. Thank you for stopping by.

[@philliphall5198]

109 in shop this afternoon Shut down and went In house for nap

[@freedommowers420]

Yes!!! Stay cool out there.

[@philliphall5198]

It’s midnight and 93 degrees in West Texas right now, been working all night tell noon and nap time 😂

[@Turningwrenches85]

Glad it was a easy fix but when I heard you try to start it and it didn't turn I figured either valves or hydrolocked.

[@freedommowers420]

For sure. We know by now what the possibly causes are. I’m just glad it was just valves and not a compression relief.

[@Turningwrenches85]

@@freedommowers420 I agree I haven't done one of those either hopefully not anytime soon

[@paulmonk7820]

That motor still doesn't sound right. Where's the oil on the valve cover coming from? Did you check belts and pulleys ? 30:37

[@peachsncream5808]

Tip for running a new long fuel line from one end of something to the other end - Run some 2.8 mm line trimmer line -Along the path way First . Tie or clamp it at the other end . Now feed your fuel line onto the line 👍 . Works like a charm .

[@heliodorovela9315]

I would not pay more than 300 dlls. For that tractor😊

[@dnrsmallenginerepair]

awesome video my friend just to let you i'm back into working on Small Engine

[@freedommowers420]

Heck yea!! Glad to have you back!!

[@fightdhr8866]

Got one just like it that was hydrostatic that went out and i replaced it with a standard rear end had to swap linkage but been running good..My other one just like it has new power house intek 17.5..😂 ❤

[@freedommowers420]

That’s awesome. I want to do a 6 speed to hydro swap at some point. Just to say I have done it. They are great machines with routine maintenance done.

[@larryedge109]

Thank you for that video that was the first one I believe I've watched by you. It was very informative. I myself am thinking about opening up a lawnmower shop not sure yet. You said they mower was over 20 years old. Does the age of a mower have anything to do with the price. Or is it just looks and how it runs?

[@freedommowers420]

Glad it was helpful! Well in my area people aren’t as willing to buy older machines unless they are in very good condition. Most people look to see how good a mower looks before they see how it runs. I really enjoy working on mowers and turning them around for some extra money.

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

First time seeing one of your vids - came up in my feed. Nice! You do all the items I’d do before selling except I’d grease all the deck bearings and the front wheel zerks, pull all the wheels, clean the axles and lube, lube all steering components. Shouldn’t the alternator be putting out at least high 13 to low 14 volts? Or is it less on non-automotive systems?

[@freedommowers420]

Awesome! Thank you! I usually do all of the above except pull the wheels and grease the axles but I will put that on the checklist. Usually if the mower has an electric PTO it will be running 13.5-14 volts, but a lot of the mowers that are manual engage decks charge around 12.5-13.

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

@@freedommowers420 Alex, I also subscribed and rang that bell! 😉🔧👍

[@davidhoffmann5737]

In my area that is a $ 600 unit as is not running

[@MikeplaysFNN]

I bought this mower used and it ran fine. The kids flipped it in the back yard going up hill and it hasn't ran since. I got it to run for a minute or 2 and now it blows and drips oil out of the exhaust. Any idea what to do?

[@freedommowers420]

More than likely a lot of the oil from the crankcase got into the cylinder. You could pull the spark plug crank it a few times to blow out any oil, clean your plug, and try it again.

[@MikeplaysFNN]

@@freedommowers420 thanks! gonna give it try this weekend and will update then.

[@saladinekinder8161]

i wanna buy that craftsman dlt3000 riding lawn mower for the summer in june 2 2024

[@jameslarson6555]

Didn’t see a fuel filter on that machine?

[@paulleblanc4653]

Needs front end alignment. Drill a new hole for steering rod in plate at wheel king ping

[@freedommowers420]

Thank you for the tip!!

[@saladinekinder8161]

i wanna buy this riding lawn mower for the summer in june 3 2024

[@freedommowers420]

This lawn mower sold a long time ago

[@wtbm123]

Cool

[@freedommowers420]

😎😎😎

[@benmichael1494]

What happens if the key is shredded

[@freedommowers420]

The ignition key?

[@Robthebengalguy]

I wish you could fix my lt3000 Craftsman mower

[@kenholt8297]

Valve lash adjustment😮

[@saladinekinder8161]

check the oil

[@saladinekinder8161]

the headlight button sir

[@jeffreyhaynes5774]

It looks more like you paid 400.00

[@Huntersprojects]

I snagged a simplicity regent older but a simplicity with a vanguard 14 for 100 bucks

[@freedommowers420]

Heck yea!! That’s awesome.

[@Huntersprojects]

@@freedommowers420 your riders turn out awesome!

[@ehabsoror4552]

I need 2 pics

[@peterisberzins3223]

Такая регулировка клапанов ... 🤣

[@saladinekinder8161]

spark plug needs to be replaced

[@eddymumford4086]

I had a 20 horse intek in my DLS I scraped that piece of junk motor 😁

[@eddymumford4086]

don't waste your time with intek motors.. they blow head gasket an the valve guides move an piston head is very very thin they are a money pit

[@eddymumford4086]

an the cams keep going bad

[@freedommowers420]

Oh yea they certainly have their fair share of problems. I don’t know what is worse, the intek or kohler courage single cylinder.

[@saladinekinder8161]

the cutting deck needs a chute

[@jamesmacfadyen92]

Ck rocker studs.common to come loose

[@saladinekinder8161]

see i told you

[@L8terdays]

Boaring

[@freedommowers420]

Thank you! I’m sure there are plenty of more entertaining channels out there for you to watch.

[@garyalensr]

@@freedommowers420 I know right?? Gotta love the people that make stupid ass comments. The sad part is he don't know how to spell the word he's trying to use 😂😂😂😂

[@justasmallenginemechanic]

@garyalensr probably a kid