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Sears Craftsman tractor won't start after seizure

10 years ago

Craftsman 21HP 42 deck model 917.28722 - won't start - won't fire - last summer I ran the oil too low and the engine seized. I was able to free the piston by putting oil in the head. When it cranks, it appears to not get gas - the plug is never wet. I have tested the spark by holding the plug to the block and seeing the spark. I put a new gas filter just to be sure that was not the issue. I have tried spraying gumout in the head and still it would not fire. If it sparks and does not burn the gumout, what could it be?
Thank you in advance!

Comments (2)

User
10 years ago
"... won't start - won't fire - last summer I ran the oil too low and the engine seized"

And you expected it to heal itself?

Got compression?
bill_kapaun
10 years ago
Did the engine seize abruptly?
IF so, possible sheared flywheel key.

You might want to remove the valve cover and make sure the valves are cycling fully. Running low on oil may have wiped out the cam lobes??
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