Craftsman RE2000

I picked this up the other night (pics the night I brought it home http://atltf.forumotion.com/t932-look-what-followed-me-home). Not sure where this is going, but I figured I'd document it.

The engine is a 5 HP Tecumseh with what seems like really low compression. The body is in really good shape for being a 1990.

Possible plans are:
- Repair or replace the engine and give it to my 10 year old
- Drop the 10HP and 5 speed from my other Craftsman RER into it. If I do this, I may sell it as a working mower, or rip the deck off and make it a racer.
- Completely part it out. If I do this, both transaxles are 4450's. One is a 5 speed and the other is a 3 speed. I may lock the transaxle with the extra spider gears.

The thing I noticed today is that the front wheels are solid plastic, so if I keep it I'll either swap the larger wheels from the other RER or find some new wheels for it. Also, what's really killing me in trying to start it is that I don't know what the starting procedure is. It has a seat switch, but you can't sit in the seat while you pull the cord.

I had a couple tractors with those plastic front wheels- one was a dynamark RER- other ( still have it) is a 70 toro - i upgraded the toro wheels with regular air filled tires.

Best way to initally start a tractor - put it in neutral , unhook ALL the wires to the motor - ive drug home tractors and beat my brains out trying to start them - most wouldnt due to the ign switch or wiring issues - id unhook it and theyd fire right up. Make sure it runs first, THEN sort out the wiring later.

Got a chance to mess with it today. It has awesome spark and a brand new plug. Oil looks dark. but otherwise ok.

Next step is to pull the carb and clean it.

Is it a 3 H pattern because if it's in a straight line it's a 700 they made them in 3, 4, and 5 speeds

redzz02 wrote:

Is it a 3 H pattern because if it's in a straight line it's a 700 they made them in 3, 4, and 5 speeds

Both my RER's have a shifter that's in a straight line on top. I can only assume the other end of the linkage is straight at the shifter arm. Sears Parts says they are 4450's.

If they are 700's, I'm stripping both of the RER's.

I have allotting 3-5 speeds and they have all been 700series