Good deal on a 90s Craftsman?

So i found a mid 90s Craftsman with an 18 horse twin for 150 bucks. The guy says it runs and cuts fine, but it will only start with starting fluid. You guys think this is a good deal? Im thinking it could just need the carb and fuel system cleaned.

That has a Kohler v twin I believe so it could be worth getting for the motor or possibly parting out the engine on ebay for profit. With the shifter on the side like that it is most likely a hydrostatic therefore if you want to be speedy at all you'll need a different axle.

It has a Kholer opposed twin in it. Thats the only thing im unsure about is if it is hydro or not. not wanting a hydro at all. Any ideas on the only wanting to start with starter fluid?

Hossman wrote:

It has a Kholer opposed twin in it. Thats the only thing im unsure about is if it is hydro or not. not wanting a hydro at all. Any ideas on the only wanting to start with starter fluid?

Like you said it most likely just needs a carb clean and quiet possibly new spark plugs. An oppy makes it even cooler, even if it is a hydro I would try to get my hands on it (especially since it's pressure lubed) I'd try to haggle with him to try to get it down in price a little.

Yeah i already haggled with the guy and 150 is as low as he will go on it. he wanted 200. Just sucks if its hydro because i dont have a different trans to put in it. Thought the hydro versions said "Hydro" on the side. This one says 6-speed.

Well im pretty sure its not hydro, he says you gotta select the gears 1-6. I think im gonna get it. Hell may even use it as a real lawn mowing machine lol

I've got one of these with the 18hp magnum opposed twin kohlers. It has a mechanical fuel pump and the tank is low so if the pump fails the carb wont get any gas. Mine is sitting for that exact reason. Primeline has the mechanical pumps a little cheaper than oem kohler. I may block off the pump hole and install a pulse fuel pump since they're only like $15.

Yeah i think im gonna run by and pick it up tomorrow since im off work. Wish i had a compression tester to bring. But if it runs once it gets a shot of starter fluid, the engine should be in good shape. On the other hand i dont know why it would get enough fuel to run once its started but not enough to start itself. I just started tinkering with mower engines so im a complete newbie when it comes to diagnosing problems. Guy at work also has an LT4000 that runs but needs belts for $50, probably gonna go get that one as well

that's not A HYDRO is a 6 speed it says on the tunnel 6 speed duh

Well the guy sold it out from under me. That sucks.

So i didnt get the 150 dollar Craftsman with the 18 horse twin. But i did get a craftsman from a friend i work with for 50 bucks. Just needs a new fuel filter, and a small piece of fuel line and the carb cleaned. Everything works fine on it as well, aside from the governor arm being stuck wide open, sprayed some oil on it and got it moving super smooth now. I got it home and cleaned it up, and it's actually in really good shape for sitting outside in the elements for 4 years.





Before getting it home and giving it a bath.



Has a 15 HP OHV on it. Engine sounds perfect. The fuel solenoid needs to be cleaned, it has some brown sludge all over the plunger causing it to move in and out very slowly, i imagine the whole carb is filled with the stuff.

One of the first things I'd do with that mower is strengthen the frame, those frame aren't the best ever but with some bracing and welding they can be good.

You sure that 18 horse twin was a oppy and not a v twin? It had a Kohler Command sticker on there, and the command is certainly a v twin. 50 bucks is a good deal btw. One of my friends picked one of those up for free with a 12 horse flatty, needed a float bowl and gasket. The woman who gave it to him said it needed a whole new carb!

Yeah the other Craftsman had the stickers on the hood for a 22 HP command engine, but it had an 18 horse opp in it. Still waiting on my carb kit for my GT6000, should be here Wednesday. $15 for a carb rebuild kit with the fuel pump kit isnt bad at all.

Whenever buying any new tractor make sure you check around the front axle for cracks in the frame. Craftsmans usually crack there unless your reinforce them.