have a craftsman 6.5 hp eager 1 model 917.377271. believe it to be a tecumseh. got from my father when he bought a john deere riding mower. only starts when ethered, and then only for two seconds or so. seems to not get fuel; just burns off the ether spray. gas changed, sparkplug replaced; same result. would clean or rebuild carb, but can't seem to get to it from metal shielding surrounding engine. need advise

richard, January 2008

my lownmaore has no fire.

olen, August 2011

Hi
there should be two long screws that hold the carb to the engine block, you will need to remove them, then remove the control linkage for the throttle & governor (make a mental note as to where each rod goes there are two of them)
If they are torx screws you will need a special wrench (auto part store) or find a torx screw head that will fit on, then clamp with vice-grips to make a wrench and loosen the mounting screws. (Take care not to damage the thin gaskets there are two fo them)
The carb should come right off.
When you have the carb off, remove the float bowl and check your jets for a clog, carb cleaner can help, but I always take a bread twist (the small thin wire - strip the plastic off) and push through the jet holes. KEEP TRACK OF WHERE the small rubber O-rings are located THEY MAY NEED REPLACMENT (HARDWARE STORE will have them or buy a rebuild kit)
That should do it!
My web site has some diagrams for most common Craftsman- Tecumseh carbs and linkage hook ups. plus some helpfull tips
Mark
http://marks-mowers.com

mark, January 2008