I have a Craftsman Lawn Tractor with a 19.0 hp Briggs and Stratton engine and keep having the strater gear breaking. the local small shop does not have any idea why this is happens. I have replaced the gear 5 time since I have had this tractor. Model # 42E707, type # 2631-E1. Any ideas?

Thanks, Jim

Jim Norvelle, September 2005

mine has shattered the gear 4 times, had a guy tell me it was out of timing

tom, August 2021

The Inlet valve decompressor which is attached to the camshaft has failed. You have to replace the cam shaft

Laurie, October 2020

These motors have an aluminum key in the flywheel . If this key wears the engine goes slightly out of time and can cause damage to the starter gear.

The411, October 2006

I cant figure out how to replace it? Can you guys help me? Is there like a pin or somthing that comes out?

Jordon, June 2006

I have had the same problem with my mower. I have not had to replace it as many times as you but that plastic pinion gear strips pretty easy. I also know of two other people who have Craftsman riding lawnmowers and both of them say that the only problem they have ever had with them is also that starter gear. So its not just you, and it sounds like its something Sears needs to look into.

Richard Beall, September 2005