Help identify Craftsman lawn tractor

[bkenobi]

Ok, that sounds pretty easy. The fuel tank sits under the seat so I'm assuming that when I pull the fender/body panel off the tank will either be bolted down to the frame or just balanced there? Just hoping they didn't design it to be attached to the body from the bottom since it seems to be a 3.5 gallon tank and I don't know how much fuel was left in it. I suppose I could always pump the fuel out with that transfer pump though!

 

[tomplum]

I just dump them out through a MR Funnel into a supply can. Yep, the tank has a bracket around it that supports the seat too. Watch the direction or mark it. Easy to flip it around and then the body bolts won't line up. Great time to replace the fuel line. Also when these tanks leak, it is at the seam- so a good time to check that too.

 

[bkenobi]

Is the body removal awkward enough to be a 2 person job? Doesn't look that bad other than the seat may flop around. Appreciate the guidance!

 

[tomplum]

Easy to do. The hardest part is watching over the seat switch harness.

 

[RandyT]

The hydrogear 166768 is not a serial number it is a model part number whereas the 314-0510 is also a part number. When I put the hydrogear 314-0510 into my dealer system it auto converts to the 166768 number.

 

[bkenobi]

Ok great. I detached the seat wire so it should be ok so long as it doesn't catch on the body when removing.

Interesting. All of the manuals list the transaxle by the 314-0510 even though both show up on the sticker. I assumed one was the part number and the other some kind of a year nomenclature.

 

[bkenobi]

I pulled the body and the tank (no leak so doesnt look like cracking is an issue). There are 2 potential access points to the transaxle (red and blue circle). Blue is a rubber plug I believe. Red is a hex socket bolt. Assuming its blue is it just a recessed grove so hank it out and access? No manual so dont want to try to find a replacement without part number.

 

[tomplum]

SO that little tank is basically an expansion tank. Main thing working with this is to keep the dirt out.

 

[bkenobi]

I cleaned up the top of the transaxle. After reading your comment and looking over the transaxle again, i believe the hex screw is the fill port and tye plastic plug is some kind of overfill relief (so dont touch it). I picked up some 1/4" ID fuel hose this afternoon too.

 

[Tinhack]

The fill plug is at the top of the bull gear housing.

Here's the Hydro-Gear manual.

Edit: Also check that the bypass lever is free and it's fully in "drive" mode. The bypass valve allows the mower to be pushed when not running. When not being pushed, the lever must be fully in drive mode.