IMMORTAL Tractor: 2001 Craftsman LT1000

[@douglasforsythe5853]

Those old Craftsmans are the best mowers, I'll take one of them anyday. Much easier to work on and better built in my opinion.

[@brianandrews7099]

Those Kohler Commands (Craftsman called them a Kohler “Pro”) engines are great and well worth tracking down if you are searching for an old LT1000 and want to be able to use it for years and years ahead. The Briggs OHV single and flat head opposed twins are not bad in these but the oppy twin can be a bit thirsty and sometimes enjoys a regular diet of ignition coils. The Briggs OHV single likes to break the compression releases on the camshaft, need regular valve adjustment, and are known to blow the occasional head gasket. The Kohlers don’t require valve adjustments and has a full flow, pressurized oil systems. I do love those mowers because aftermarket parts and accessories are easy to find/affordable and the mowers themselves are simple and easy to work on. Both the 5 speeds and automatics are good, but the semi grease they used in the 5 speed likes to harden with age which eventually turns to tar and no longer provides any lube to the gears. I took my transaxle apart, scooped out the tar, cleaned everything inside there, tapped in a drain plug, and switched it over to gear oil. Hands down the best turning radius of all the most common old tractors I have driven! Negatives definitely include broken plastic grills where the hood hinges mount to it. That was a dumb idea! Also, those amp gauges don’t like spending years left out in the weather and will eventually fail. If stored inside, not abused, and service and repaired as required, I’d say they will last with the best of them! Nothing fancy to make your neighbors jealous here; just a good old work mule!

[@Kylebythecreek]

I agree about the Kohler Pro. Bullet proof engine

[@waderigsbee6923]

I`ve got a kohler engine in a 30 year old craftsman.still use it a lot.

[@ws6780]

I like using JB Weld plus screen wire to repair the holes in mower decks.

[@Kylebythecreek]

Yeah, I would have used some mesh of I had, but I just went with what I had in hand

[@hobbyaddict9908]

FWIW you can often get the service/user manuals online for free. Craftsman manuals were always great. They no only listed part numbers but supplied an electrical schematic for troubleshooting. Definitely worth a few minutes online.

[@LGHNurse]

Nice video. I also have an early lt1000 with an 18 hp Kohler pro. I usually get engine manual and see what’s missing. My deck rotted off despite being shedded and cleaned after every use. Swapped it out with my DT 2000 that I made into a snow machine. Purchased a new OEM carb cheap, gas was not shutting off when turned off. Your property line is amazing.

[@Turningwrenches85]

Nice work on the IMMORTAL craftsman there Kyle especially the no charging issue

[@Kylebythecreek]

Thanks!

[@bobkernahan6340]

Your videos have come a long way since the beginning, i always enjoyed them and your upbeat attitude and character, love how you put your family first thanks for your videos we appreciate you and God bless

[@Kylebythecreek]

That’s very kind of you! I appreciate your support

[@Andy-nm9dw]

Suggestions for the deck repairs. Harbor freight has a flux core wire feed welder that does not require gas. They are pretty cheap around $100.00. They are easy to use and very versatile and able to weld not perfectly prepped metal. I have used one many times for this purpose. Steel stick is a putty you can also try it is a steel reinforced 2 part putty. Lastly one step better than bondo is short hair fiberglass repair filler made also by bondo and uses a hardner. For holes mix the filler and put it on a piece of wax paper. You then put it over the hole and use the wax paper to hold it in place till it sets up. The wax paper can help you smooth out the edges and removes easily once the fiberglass has started to set up.

[@Kylebythecreek]

I have that welder actually. I just haven’t had good luck with welding rotted holes. I’ve used it for other deck repairs though. I’ll keep those other tips in mind- thanks!

[@Turbopee27]

Bro wrote a whole thesis about deck repairs

[@galatiel77ify]

I enjoy the channel. I had an Lt 1000 just like this one. It was pretty bullet proof

[@Kylebythecreek]

Thanks for viewing! I hope you consider subscribing

[@Big_John_C]

Had mine for 18 years now, besides a 1 time carb cleaning and the occasional drive belt replacement (our property is hilly and it wares them out) it is a very dependable mower

[@darrelldubree9658]

Kyle, if it works it works. What you did is awesome on the charging system. Those little boxes are just 12 volt dc relays. Two wires for coil and the others for normally open and normally closed contacts. If you look close on the side of them, there is a diagram. Seems like there is something obviously missing on the original charging system. Usually that ac voltage is just for the light circuit. Did the lights have a switch, maybe one relay was for the lights. other for safety circuit. If it runs with mower on and no one in the seat, somebody has monkied with the safety circuit :) Again great job, thank you for sharing, look forward to your feedback :)

[@Kylebythecreek]

I think yours is the closest assessment. There’s no light switch on this tractor, just a turn if the key on the key switch. And the headlights always worked, but I agree. I think something was missing and/or someone messed with it

[@darrelldubree9658]

Check out the diagram on the side, you had your thumb on it when you where talking. They are easy to test and any autoparts store has them, they rarely go bad though :) @@Kylebythecreek

[@jackhuddleston6830]

Another great job Kyle. I just can’t believe how people never clean out their deck and this is what happens to them.

[@Kylebythecreek]

You can hardly blame them though. This thing probably never had a deck cleaning and it lasted over twenty years. And with a little repair job, it’s back to work!

[@bigsonslawncare]

Love those LT mowers especially with the Command engines. Got same engine in a JDL110 over 1000 hrs still alive. Im totally clueless about electrical 😮😂

[@Kylebythecreek]

It’s a good combo! Thanks for tuning in!

[@bertgrau3934]

Kyle, you come up with some interesting tractors to work on. You do very good work.

[@Kylebythecreek]

Thank you! I hope you stay tuned for more!

[@BigBoxDodge2020]

I have a 2001 MTD yard machine and there's a lot of differences between that Craftsman and what I have. Anyway, just a few notes for you. The valve stems are put on inside of wheels because that way they are protected from all the brush and sharp items that can be poked into it. If the valve lash is off it can make the machine harder to start and not run as good. So if you have the time I know what you're doing to check the valves, it can make the machine run better and more efficient. If the valve lash is off, it can make the machine harder to start and not run as good. So if you have the time and know what you're doing to check the valves. it can make the machine run better and more efficient. I am going through the transaxle on mine- bearings, seals and grease and completely redoing steering and making it better. Lots of Mods. (Welding)

[@JABBO56]

Hi Kyle, I love to watch you fix these mowers. I was thinking it would be awesome to have a pole barn down by the creek where the canopy is. Maybe have more room to do your work.

[@Kylebythecreek]

Thank you! And great idea about the pole barn. One problem though- $$$$

[@EllisMowersandmore]

Great video! These are some of the best spec Craftsman mowers ever made. Good job on getting it running again! Loved the regulator mod for the charging system, I thought it might be flywheel magnets that had detached from the flywheel. The front wheels you use look like a universal fit wheel but you made them work. And the deck repair with bondo works aside from a full on patch job, those holes were way too big to weld. The mower turned out really nice, well done!

[@Kylebythecreek]

Thank you very much!

[@Bluegrassguitarman23]

Just a suggestion I put date on the oil filter when I change the oil I have found that people would change oil filters if they see a date on the filter

[@Andy-nm9dw]

The voltage regulator is a great fix. I will save that for a rainy day. I have 2 of these type Kohlers to work on in my collection of used tractors. Thank you for sharing.

[@Kylebythecreek]

Thanks!

[@LazyAcre]

These as with most LT1000s use a diode. On the left hand side of the motor 3 wires come out from under the engine cover just behind the carb. If you feel those 3 wires you will feel where there is a diode. 2 wires come from the stator. Then they split the yellow wire and solder on a red wire with the diode. That is your charging wire. It's very common for the diode to break ot the solder joint to break. Been through it many times. 90% of what I get is craftsman lt series tractors. I keep all the wire harnesses off one I part out for others just for the diode. Briggs and kohler powered units can use either or diode. That orange Husqvarna you have is a lt1000 with a different hood. Hope this helps you out. Now I need to get out to my shed and get to working on my 4 lt1000s.

[@robertmailhos8159]

I just did a video on replacing the standard bushings on the front wheels on My craftsman Ys mower that onan generator was a great trade for the craftsman Lt 1000. Mower Kyle by the creek

[@freedommowers420]

Excellent job my friend. Man one of the most challenging mowers I’ve had that took me 4 days of electrical troubleshooting was due to a faulty relay. Don’t feel bad at all and I like the retrofit regulator. Tractor came out looking mint. Stay warm as best as you can 😎🇺🇸

[@TheCaperfish]

couple of saw horses left beside the barn are great for putting deck on and working on it , ergonomics my friend , pay attention now or it will get ya in a few years

[@jameslawnmowerrepair]

Another amazing video from kyle by the Creek. I love how down to earth and real you are, a hard-working man trying to make an extra buck on a relatively interesting hobby! Just letting you know something you orobably already know, you don't have to use the brake/clutch when changing speeds on a hydro with a stick just push it however far for as fast as you want to go, once again sure you already know this but just letting you know so you don't ever blow out an old hydro by bumping it like that, thanks fod the awesome video, have a great day!

[@Turbopee27]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@markitos09]

Great video, a buddy of mine just gave me the same tractor, It runs good, but it's missing the belt for the blade, I'm not too mechanicly inclined as you are, so your video was very informative

[@Kylebythecreek]

Thanks. I’m glad it was helpful

[@PolishHammer]

I have one a couple years older same green no cupholder and a briggs and stratton 17.5, just rebuilt the deck and mowed my acre of 3 foot weeds and grass, I love this old mower and hope it lasts for years to come, I picked up a brand new carb on amazon for 20 bucks with a new spark plug, fuel and air filters included. Craftsman was a great brand too bad Sears couldn't survive.

[@donaldboley771]

I've seen some test on the super tech filters before and it's actually is a good filter.

[@darrelldubree9658]

Looks real nice Clark, real nice :)

[@mavision6525]

The mower turned out great.

[@Kylebythecreek]

Thank you!

[@michaelkoon8371]

Very nice sir looks great

[@creekdweller9662]

Use JB Weld... fill the holes. Then a side grinder. Then prime and paint

[@Kylebythecreek]

Yeah, I’ve done that before. Sometimes it works well

[@bertgrau3934]

Another thing you can try, use wire screen over the holes with the bondo and that works pretty well

[@Kylebythecreek]

@@bertgrau3934 yeah, I’ve done Bondo before

[@intivelez4123]

I got one for $300 last week , don't know if it was a good price or not, Its working, Only had to change the deck belt and ready to go

[@Kylebythecreek]

Good deal for keeper

[@RPO6464]

I think you should also treat the decks with some CRC cosmoline as an added bonus for the people that buy your mowers.

[@Turbopee27]

Nah

[@jonathanbuffy3522]

I had a 2000 craftsman just like that I restored the whole had it for a while then sold only the one I had was a six speed manual

[@Kylebythecreek]

Nice!

[@kellyhawk822]

I use the small fuel filters on my mowers. The larger ones don't want to seem to let the fuel pull through as well. Like the larger ones like you use are too big of a filter. I don't know just may be me

[@Kylebythecreek]

Good point. I forgot that gravity systems should use the red filters with a metal screen inside. I could easily swap that paper filter out. I have plenty of the red ones

[@1BG0]

I recently discovered your channel and I’m in love! Those KOHLER Commands are VERY hard to kill. With proper maintnance they will last forever! Quick question, what do you use to polish your mowers? Thanks bro, keep up the good work! 🤘

[@Kylebythecreek]

Thanks! Glad you found my channel. I usually use automatic transmission fluid or wd40 to polish

[@teejay6063]

Thanks dood. Really appreciate your video. I have the same exact tractor. It blows fuses. Any issues with the blown fuses? Thanks.

[@Kylebythecreek]

Not on this particular tractor. Could frayed wires somewhere.

[@liljoeii6091]

Thank you for the video

[@Kylebythecreek]

You’re welcome

[@keithkilps8250]

I believe those relays or for the safety switches.

[@Kylebythecreek]

Hmm. Maybe, but the engine starts even if they are removed. Plus, 40 volts AC was running into them from the stator

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

What is that concrete structure with the woodstove sitting on top? At first I thought it might be a root cellar. Then I thought it might be a bridge pylon but I can’t see another one on the other side of the creek. Now I think it might have been the base for a radio antenna. Any idea?

[@malerics3210]

Hi Kyle BTC, Good work in figuring out the voltage thing. I always have an enormous sense of achievement when I first am confronted with a problem which seems outside my area of knowledge and then with persistence and trial and error, I work it out. This is the way we increase our skills. WRT the deck, I often find it is easier to just cut out the rusted metal and weld a new plate over after rust converting. I reckon this gives a better stronger deck although you can see the patch panel. Painting flat black afterwards gives a pretty good durable deck. Just some suggestions and keep up the good work. I buy my filters by the dozen and Stens brand. This works out a whole lot cheaaper. In Australia, I get these for around $8AUD ($5USD) each... If you are going through a lot of filters, these seem like a good option to me.

[@Kylebythecreek]

Thank you!

[@jamesmealing5753]

Ok😊

[@ernanidonicht6009]

Que medidas tem as rodas e pneus dianteiros. Referencia??? Obrigado.

[@Kylebythecreek]

I believe tractordata.com will have that info. I could try to report back to you when I get home to double check. But they are standard tire dimensions for lt1000’s I believe

[@donaldboley771]

Why do you not prime the carb after a carborator repair. It will bring the fuel up without all that cranking on the starter.

[@Kylebythecreek]

I’m not as worried about starters as others are. They don’t mind spinning

[@darrelldubree9658]

Kyle, do you grease the front spindles ?

[@Kylebythecreek]

Yes. It just doesn’t make for the most exciting content. Although I know people really like knowing if everything got greased. I guess I should start filming it!

[@darrelldubree9658]

You do a a great job, Kyle. Really enjoy your content. Im in the same trade, just sharing experience :) God is good, have a great day, my friend :)@@Kylebythecreek

[@Kylebythecreek]

@@darrelldubree9658 thanks! I’m actually a high school teacher, so this tractor stuff is a hobby for me. God bless! Thanks for tuning in!

[@Rein_Ciarfella]

Hey, Kyle! Looking really good by the end of the video! Did you do a battery load test to confirm the original battery was actually bad, since it’s really not that old? I’ve got one of those tractors - a totally beat up and mistreated freebie - sitting in the yard. It’s so bad I decided to call it a parts machine and have sold the front wheels off it for $75 so I’m already ahead of the game. I’ll have to check to see which engine is on it.

[@mikedavis2969]

👍

[@darrelldubree9658]

Gas cap vent, doing venting things ???? :)

[@Kylebythecreek]

Sorry, referring to what?

[@HipaStore]

very informative videos. Thanks for sharing the tips on diagnosis. Lots of gardern machine repair vidoe on your channel. Are you up for a collaboration by the way? Hipa supplies parts for small engines and you get the knowledge on small engine repair, maybe we would work together to help more people in the community.

[@Kylebythecreek]

Possibly. My email is listed on my channel. Feel free to contact me

[@JuneSmith-pk4zc]

Mine is that old

[@Doodle-dm6qf]

gas cap has to be ventilated.

[@martinmerritt9962]

kyle bro...paint the underside of the deck...10 cents in paint and you stop the rust that your fixing....you take a job done from a 10 to a 5!!!

[@jimandregenalaursen8491]

I take exception to your remark that you don't think anyone cares about what oil filter you put on an engine. I do! i don't put cheap oil filters on any of my engines. The engine is the life blood of any piece of equipment. If it goes, essentially there goes the equipment. I don't cut corners when it comes to taking care of my engines. The best oil, the best oil filters. There are no exceptions!

[@Kylebythecreek]

I meant the customer. The customer doesn’t seem to care if it’s an OEM filter or a Walmart filter. Certainly people who work on tractor care

[@Turbopee27]

Womp womp

[@donaldboley771]

I believe in a good filter except for my mower. Because I put 30 hours a year on it and I change the oil and filter. Even taryl from the taryl fixes all says the oil filter is not needed on a lawn tractor.