HOW TO REBUILD CRAFTSMAN 42' DECK

Ebay link
craftsman 42" deck rebuild kit :
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#craftsman42inchdeck #craftsmanlawnmower #craftsmanlt1000

[silentskystudios]

I used the same kit for my Craftsman DLT 3000 a year or two ago. It worked well enough, although I put the original wheels back on the tops of the new spindles. It seemed like the new wheels for the spindle tops that were included in the kit caused the blade belt to fit too tight and dragged on the motor hub a bit, even when the blade was turned off, which caused me to burn up my starter before I had realized the problem. So watch out for that if you're using one of these kits!

[rvalens]

Thanks for such a great video! It's going to be a big help to me as I rebuild my own 42" deck.

A few weeks ago, I bought a Craftsman LT2000 for $20 at my local small engine repair shop. The owner of the shop told me a lady brought it in, but decided to junk it after he told her it would cost over $1000 to do all the repairs. I asked him if he thought the 17.5 hp motor was still good and he said yes, but that it wasn't worth it to him to spend all the time and cost (in parts) that would be needed to fix it. I said, that's okay, I have the time. So, he sold it to me.

I took it home and have been working on it every day for several weeks. It needed just about everything: 4-tires, solenoid, a key, ignition switch, drive belt, deck belt, a new seat, spindles (mandrels), a deck engagement cable, a knob for its handle, battery, carburetor, valve adjustment, an oil change, a good blade sharpening and a heavy-duty cleaning. Luckily, I had all the parts but one because my old LT1000's engine had seized and I was able to scavenge everything I needed from it.

After adjusting the valves, doing an oil change, swapping out the carburetor, and cleaning the engine, I decided to try starting it. It took a couple of tries but it started and runs really well. I'm now in the midst of rebuilding the deck. And when I'm finished, I will have spent less than $40 and have a mower that's worth, at a minimum, $800.

[randydudeck]

I would say "THE BEST" video on this deck! You cleaned the deck, and positioned the camera in such-a-way that didn't 'Block' the people's view from watching. "👍" I bought a "Basket Case' deck that had all the replacement parts in a box, No schematic included. Thanks a Bunch!!!

[katemoon]

These things are a PIA. Some tips for loose cable: Check to make sure the cable is clamped everywhere it is supposed to be. Like a bike brake cable, it's not just the end-points that matter. For the springs, they have an orientation, so make sure you are using the right holes for the springs everywhere, and the right orientation. The way they make these decks, they put in extra holes all over the place so that different models can use the same deck. For people just getting started on this job, use a paint-pen and mark up the springs with a paint mark and where it attaches so you get it right. Taking a picture with your phone works too, but with all the shadows it's not always easy to make out what's what. The springs can easily be put in the wrong orientation and the wrong holes in the deck. Just because you can get everything attached doesn't mean it's right. Like I said earlier, there are extra holes for different models, so not only can you put a spring in the wrong way, you can attach it to the wrong hole. This goes for the pullies too, like seen in the video. This guy that made the video nicely showed the troubles you can have so you don't have to experience them yourself. I recommend doing ONE part at a time whenever possible. These things are like a puzzle that lets you do things the wrong way. Even using a paint-pen when you first get it and marking the belt routing can be a time-saver down the road. Some of the problems aren't even easily fixed, but will make you a lot of headaches, like elongated holes from excessive wear, putting things so you can't adjust the tension easily. If you can, do what I do when changing the blades. Don't even take off the deck and stand it up. Be sure the gas tank is empty first. They make the clip that mounts the cable out of cheap plastic and if you take it on and off too many times it gets torn up and doesn't stay put. Good luck, get a paint-pen and take close up pictures of every step. A few seconds of pictures and paint will save you lots of time and money.

[josequervo]

Just finished the deck rebuild on my mower so I knew how everything was supposed to be mounted. I was screaming to you when you were putting that pulley towards the front of the deck. I’m glad you got it all completed. It is a process for sure.

[santaclause]

Thanks Dee, great video, tons of help on my old LT1000 deck rebuild. You're a total fricken HOOT, by the way. You make it all fun and easy at the same time. Keep it up!

[royhorne]

3 minutes into your video you answered many question and saved hours of time. Thanks

[watcherwatchmen]

Appreciate your video. I had taken my belt off and ordered a new one, but wasn't sure about how to route it when the belt came in 2 weeks later. With your video for reference, and I had it done in 5 minutes. Thanks!

[lakerat]

Your video is a life saver, thank you. Rebuilding one for my neighbor and it was all apart when I got it. Again, thank you for taking the time.

[noneyerbidness]

I wish I knew if you lived nearby so I could by you a beer, Dee. With a little blood (literally), sweat and cursing (no tears) I got this done yesterday. Muchapreesh!!!

[vixencrone]

We enjoy your videos so much!! Very informative and hysterical at the same time. Well done Sir!

[dodgetruck]

I will be doing all the same work soon when the parts get here.. thanks for making this video, it will help a lot in a few days..

[magicone]

A trick on removing bolts, especially when re-using them, is to lightly tighten them before attempting to impact remove them. Also when in aluminum a lot of care must be taken, tighten then loosen multiple times to remove. Using a fixed high torque impact with no low setting is asking for broken bolts. Now as he said if your not re-using then blaze away!

[p.dubyah]

I have the same mower (AND the same Harbor Freight impact wrench! LOL!) I love working on my mower, just trying to keep it in shape (wife doesn't understand!). I know I'll have to replace the spindles soon and I love your video! Keep it up!

[joef.]

thank you ! i am really good at taking things apart ... not so good on remembering where springs and things go when it's time to put it all back together. thank you !!!

[Bdady]

Just picked one up used, lookin around for info; thanks for posting brother!

[deecruz]

My LT 1000 is rattling bad!!! Can't wait to do this.
Very informative how to. INCLUDING mistakes like
WE ALL MAKE RICH SCHIFERL!

[squelchtone]

Great video, this will help me on Saturday when I have to do this exact job on my LT1000 mower. Thank you!

[RonFleener]

Just got one of these for free, same year too. Had to buy a carburetor and clean gas tank. Deck needs some TLC but thanks for video. Helped a lot.

[singersoulman]

Awesome video! I forgot to TAKE the friggin photos, lol. Thanks for sharing!!!