How to Troubleshoot a Craftsman 917

Investigate the fuel and fuel filter. Engines without fuel, or those with stale or contaminated fuel, causes the machine to run poorly or refuse to start. A dirty fuel filter causes the mower to lose power while working. If the engine is flooded, wait a few minutes before trying again. On snow blowers, the machine may lose power if the fuel tank cap is covered.

Check the oil. An empty tank or dirty oil causes the engine to overheat or the machine to lose power while working.

Inspect the battery, spark plug and connecting wires. A faulty or poorly installed spark plug or battery causes the machine to start with difficulty, refuse to start or to lose power while working. Corroded battery terminals cause the machine to run poorly or prevent the engine from turning over.

Check the air filter for debris. If the filter is blocked, the machine becomes hard to start, refuses to start or loses power while working.

Inspect the muffler. A clogged muffler causes a loss of power while the lawnmower is working.

Look at the carburetor. It needs to be installed properly or the engine will run poorly, become hard to start or refuse to start.

Check the wiring and the fuse. Blown fuses or loose wiring will prevent the machine from starting.

Check the position of the choke, throttle and brake pedal. If these components are in the wrong position, the machine may run or perform poorly, or fail to start. Some machines, like tillers become difficult to keep pace with if the speed is set incorrectly.

Observe the proper starting procedure for your machine.

Check the condition of the pull start and flywheel. If they are damaged, or in the case of a snow blower, frozen, the rope becomes difficult to pull.

Inspect the belt and pulley. The belt needs to be on the pulley to operate the auger, tines or blades depending on your machine.

Investigate under the undercarriage. Equipment that is damaged or clogged with soil, grass, snow or debris performs poorly or not at all.