I have a Craftsman LT1200 mower. Sometimes it won't start, no clicking, nothing. When it does start, it runs like a champ for about 3 minutes, then it revs up and down, barely running at all. Today I had it running for about 10 minutes, then it started acting up again; now it won't start at all. Last time it did this, I pushed it to the garage, then it started right up. WHen it is barely running, the amp meter(?) needle goes up and down like a yo-yo.

Lee, August 2008

OK, rough running and revving up and down attributed to a clogged fuel filter; replaced and she runs just fine. Still do not know what my electrical problem is, sometimes she starts, sometimes, nothing when I turn the key... solenoid? key ignition assy? I checked all my wiring and everything is tight and no corrosion.

Lee, August 2008

I am guessing maybe a bad solenoid, but I am no mechanic by any means, at least not on lawn tractors. I just tried it again and nothing, no click, no turn, nothing..., would water in the gas cause this no starting? Well, I will go and drain the gasoline from the tank and carb and put in fresh gas, but I do not see how it is going to start when nothing happens when I turn the key. If I watch very closely, the amp meter needle moves to the left just a little bit, but no engine start...

Lee, August 2008

Did you get yours running? I am having similar trouble with mine. About two years ago I had a similar problem where it would run for 2-3 minutes then quit. After draining fuel, new fuel filter, new air filter, new plugs, etc. I discovered the gas cap was not venting properly. Has been running like a charm until yesterday. This time it's running very rough, though, then won't restart...like you said no clicking, no turning, nothing. Was hoping to get some insights before I troubleshoot this afternoon.

Dominick Dunnigan, August 2008

Your symptoms suggest water in the fuel. Drain the tank AND the carb.

phil_saunders@bigfoot.com

Phil Saunders, August 2008