I have a craftsman lawnmower model # 917.999280 that just quite working. I was cutting the grass and it stopped, everything that I have done (changed sparkplug, checked spark, checked oil level) does not help. The lawnmower turns over it just will not start.

Scott Wagar, September 2006

well if your lucky you just clogged up your gas tank cap vent this will cause a vacume that will prevent fuel from getting to the carb leave the cap off and try to run it if it runs then that is it if not well then your looking at a few things possibly a sheared flywheel key or even a defective condenser if it has ignition points not sure what kind of engine you got there if you hit an immovable object most likely it is the flywheel key being sheared and that operates your ignition timing other wise it could easily be the condenser they seem to just up and quite working even a new one could go bad umm check oil which you have done check fuel lines and filter check for a clogged muffler remove it and see if the engine runs check your plug wire not just the plug if its loose crimp it tighter with a pliers check your cables and linkages they could be binding if so lube the cable up other wise if none of this works get ahold of a craftsman tech and just as a few questions if its out of warrenty if it has any warranty at all do not touch it just get it to them to work on it

Peterbuilt Diesel Tech, September 2006