Craftsman Riding Mower LT 1000 Repair Manual

The Craftsman Riding Mower LT 1000 is a popular lawn tractor known for its reliability and ease of maintenance. This repair manual provides comprehensive instructions for troubleshooting, servicing, and repairing the engine, transmission, cutting deck, electrical system, and other key components. Below are essential sections covering safety, specifications, common repairs, maintenance schedules, and troubleshooting procedures.

1. Features and Specifications 2. Safety Precautions 3. Tools and Equipment 4. Engine Repair 5. Transmission and Drive System 6. Cutting Deck Maintenance 7. Electrical System 8. Hydraulic System (if equipped) 9. Routine Maintenance Schedule 10. Parts and Diagrams 11. Troubleshooting Guide

Features and Specifications

Key components: Briggs & Stratton or Kohler engine, hydrostatic or manual transmission, 42-inch cutting deck, electric start, adjustable seat, and mulching capability.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	Single-cylinder, 4-stroke gasoline engine
Engine Power	17.5 to 19.5 HP (varies by model year)
Transmission	Hydrostatic or 6-speed manual
Cutting Width	42 inches
Cutting Height	1.5 to 4 inches (adjustable)
Fuel Capacity	2 to 3 gallons
Oil Capacity	Approximately 1.5 to 2 quarts
Battery	12V, 280 CCA
Tire Size (Front)	15 x 6.00-6
Tire Size (Rear)	20 x 10.00-8

Safety Precautions

Always prioritize safety when performing repairs or maintenance.

Disconnect spark plug wire before any engine work to prevent accidental starting.
Allow engine to cool completely before servicing.
Use jack stands when lifting the mower; never rely solely on a hydraulic jack.
Wear safety glasses, gloves, and sturdy footwear.
Work in a well-ventilated area when handling fuel or batteries.

WARNING! Gasoline is highly flammable. Keep away from sparks, flames, and heat sources. Always refuel outdoors with the engine off and cool.

Tools and Equipment

Basic and specialized tools required for most repairs.

Socket set (standard and metric, 3/8" drive).
Wrench set (combination and adjustable).
Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips).
Torque wrench for proper bolt tightening.
Spark plug wrench and gap tool.
Jack and jack stands.
Multimeter for electrical diagnostics.
Oil drain pan and funnel.

CAUTION! Use the correct tool for each job to avoid damage to components and personal injury.

Engine Repair

Engine Won't Start: Check fuel, spark, and air. Verify fuel valve is on, carburetor is clean, spark plug is gapped correctly (0.030"), and air filter is not clogged.
Oil Change: Run engine to warm oil, disconnect spark plug, place drain pan under drain plug, remove plug and drain. Refill with SAE 30 or 10W-30 (check manual for exact specification).
Spark Plug Replacement: Remove old plug, check gap, install new plug (Champion RC12YC or equivalent), torque to 18-22 ft-lbs.
Carburetor Adjustment: Locate idle and main mixture screws; initial setting is typically 1.5 turns out from lightly seated. Fine-tune for smooth idle and acceleration.
Valve Clearance: Set intake and exhaust valve lash to 0.004-0.006 inches when engine is cold.

Transmission and Drive System

Hydrostatic transmission maintenance and belt replacement procedures.

Hydrostatic Fluid Change: Locate drain plug and fill port. Drain old fluid, refill with 20W-50 motor oil or specified hydrostatic fluid (approx. 2.5 quarts). Check level with dipstick.

Drive Belt Replacement: Release tension on idler pulley, remove old belt from engine pulley, transmission pulley, and idlers. Route new belt according to diagram. Ensure proper tension; belt should deflect about 1/2 inch under moderate pressure.

Brake Adjustment: Adjust brake rod nut until brake pedal depresses 1/2 to 3/4 inch before engaging. Ensure parking brake holds on an incline.

Cutting Deck Maintenance

Blade sharpening, belt replacement, and deck leveling.

Remove deck: Lower deck, disconnect drive belt, remove retaining pins or bolts.
Blade sharpening: Secure blade in vise, file at original angle (typically 30 degrees). Balance blade before reinstalling.
Deck belt: Replace if cracked or worn. Route per diagram under deck.
Deck leveling: Place mower on flat surface. Adjust lift links to achieve 1/4 inch lower at front than rear for proper cutting.

Tip: Clean underside of deck after each use to prevent grass buildup and corrosion.

Electrical System

Battery, starter, solenoid, and wiring diagnostics.

Battery testing: Use multimeter; fully charged battery reads 12.6V. Load test if below 12.4V.
Starter motor: Check for 12V at starter terminal when key is turned. If voltage present but starter doesn't engage, replace starter.
Solenoid: Clicking sound without cranking indicates faulty solenoid or poor connection.
Fuses: Check 20-amp fuse in wiring harness near battery.
Safety switches: Test seat, brake, and PTO switches for continuity when engaged.

WARNING! Disconnect battery negative terminal first when working on electrical system to prevent short circuits.

Hydraulic System (if equipped)

For models with hydraulic lift: Check fluid level, inspect hoses for leaks, and test lift operation. Use only recommended hydraulic fluid.

Routine Maintenance Schedule

Unplug before cleaning. Use dry cloth only; no liquids or aerosols.

Interval	Task
Every 8 hours or daily	Check engine oil level, tire pressure, and for loose hardware.
Every 25 hours	Clean air filter, check battery terminals, lubricate pivot points.
Every 50 hours	Change engine oil, sharpen blades, check spark plug.
Every 100 hours	Change oil filter, clean fuel filter, check drive belt tension.
Every 200 hours	Change hydrostatic fluid, replace air filter element, check valve clearance.
Seasonal	Stabilize fuel, remove battery for storage, clean entire mower.

CAUTION! Always refer to your specific model's manual for exact maintenance intervals and fluid specifications.

Parts and Diagrams

Common replacement part numbers and exploded-view diagram references.

Air Filter: Craftsman 532140135 or equivalent.
Oil Filter: Fram PH4967, Bosch 72198, or Purolator L10241.
Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC (gap 0.030").
Drive Belt: Craftsman 144959 or 1/2" x 92" (confirm with model).
Deck Belt: Craftsman 140294 or 1/2" x 95.5".
Battery: 12V, 280 CCA, Group U1.

For detailed diagrams, refer to the official Craftsman parts catalog using your model number (e.g., 917.270822).

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine cranks but won't start	No fuel, bad spark, clogged air filter	Check fuel supply, test spark plug, clean/replace air filter.
Loss of power	Dirty air filter, old fuel, clogged fuel filter	Replace air and fuel filters; use fresh gasoline.
Uneven cutting	Dull blades, deck not level, low tire pressure	Sharpen blades, level deck, inflate tires to 12-14 PSI.
Vibration	Bent blade, unbalanced blade, loose pulley	Inspect and replace blade; tighten all pulleys and bolts.
Hydrostatic transmission slips or won't move	Low fluid, worn belt, adjustment needed	Check fluid level, replace drive belt, adjust linkage.
Battery won't charge	Faulty alternator, bad battery, loose connections	Test alternator output (should be 13.5-14.5V), clean terminals, load test battery.

Reset: For electronic issues, disconnect battery for 30 minutes to reset system.

Service Support: For genuine parts and technical assistance, contact Sears PartsDirect at 1-888-331-4569 or visit www.searspartsdirect.com.