I have a Craftsman DYS-4500 (917.276906) lawn tractor with a 26HP twin cylinder Kohler engine that won't start. It was running fine up until about a week ago. While I was cutting the grass it just stopped. No loud noises, no metal clanging or anything like that. There was a bit of smoke, like burning oil, but that's not uncommon with this mower.
When I turn the key the engine spins, but there's no indication of any kind if ignition.
At first it seemed like it was just not getting gas. I checked the tank, which was full. The fuel filter seems fine; I replaced that last year. I replaced the fuel pump, which is a disk slightly smaller than a hockey puck. It works off a vacuum line from one of the valve covers. I also disconnected the outlet side and cranked the engine and got a pretty decent flow of fuel. So it seems gas is fine.
I pulled one of the plugs to check for spark. I left the plug resting against the engine, cranked it and got spark. So far it seems like I have gas and spark.
I sprayed some starter fluid into the engine, but even that didn't do anything. Not even a hint of wanting to fire.
I cleaned the air filter and even tried with it off - nothing.
So, it seems I have fuel, air and spark, but no firing.
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Have you tried to use a screwdriver on the solenoids to see if you can jump start the mower like this. If so, check the wires on the chassis and make sure you don't have an issue with them.
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