14 Tooth Starter Motor Replaces for 42 inch Craftsman LT1000 LT2000 LT3000 YT3000 DYT4000 Riding Lawn Mower Tractors with Briggs Stratton Intek 17HP 17.5HP 18HP 18.5HP 19HP 19.5HP 20HP Review

Overview

This isn’t a lawn mower itself, but a critical replacement part: a 14-tooth starter motor designed specifically for a wide range of Craftsman riding mowers—specifically the LT1000, LT2000, LT3000, YT3000, and DYT4000 series. It’s built to pair with Briggs & Stratton Intek engines ranging from 17HP to 20HP, making it a direct drop-in fix for a common failure point on these tractors. If your Craftsman rider clicks but won’t crank, or struggles to turn over, this starter is the most likely culprit, and this part is the solution for DIY owners who want to get mowing again without a trip to the dealer.

Who Should Buy This

• Owners of 1/2 to 2-acre lawns who use a Craftsman LT/YT/DYT4000 series tractor and are handy enough to swap a starter in under an hour. If your mower is dead in the shed, this is your ticket back to cutting grass.
• Homeowners who hate dealer service costs. A starter replacement at a shop can run $150-$250. This part at $57 is a no-brainer for anyone with basic socket set skills.
• Owners of older Craftsman riders (5-15 years old) where the original starter has worn out from heat, dust, or simple age. These tractors are workhorses, but the starter is a known wear item.
• Budget-conscious DIYers who want a reliable aftermarket option that matches OEM specs without paying the “Craftsman” brand premium. This is a solid mid-range replacement, not a cheap gamble.

Key Features Breakdown

• 14-Tooth Drive Gear: This is the exact tooth count required for the B&S Intek engines in these Craftsman models. A 10-tooth or 12-tooth gear won’t mesh properly with your flywheel. Getting this right means no grinding noises or stripped gears.
• Compatibility with 17HP-20HP Intek Engines: This covers the vast majority of single-cylinder Briggs engines found on these tractors. It’s not for V-twins or older flatheads, but for the common Intek series, it’s a perfect match.
• Replaces OEM Part Numbers: It’s designed to swap in for the factory starter (often a Briggs & Stratton 594678 or similar). This means mounting holes, electrical connections, and gear alignment are all plug-and-play.
• Price at $56.95: For a functional replacement that gets your mower running again, this is a sweet spot. It’s cheaper than OEM, but not so cheap that you worry about it failing in a season. The 4.3-star rating from 187 reviews backs up the value.
• Includes Mounting Hardware (Usually): Most sellers include the bolts and sometimes the wiring harness connector. Always check the listing, but this saves a trip to the hardware store.

Pros

1. Direct fit for the most common Craftsman riders. No modifications, no drilling, no cursing. If you have an LT1000 or similar, this starter slides right in.
2. Excellent value for the price. At $57, it’s roughly half the cost of a Briggs OEM starter. For a part that sees heavy use, that’s a meaningful saving.
3. Sturdy construction for the money. Owners report the housing is cast metal, not cheap plastic, and the solenoid feels robust. It won’t win a beauty contest, but it holds up to heat and vibration.
4. Solves the “click, no crank” problem instantly. If your battery is good and your solenoid clicks, 90% of the time the starter motor brushes are shot. This replacement restores reliable cranking.
5. Works with both 12V and standard lawn tractor wiring. No special adapters needed. The two-wire hookup is straightforward: big cable from battery, small wire from ignition switch.
6. Good customer support from many sellers. If you get a defective unit (rare, but possible), most sellers on this route have a hassle-free return policy.

Cons

1. Not for V-twin engines or older B&S models. If you have a Craftsman with a 24HP Vanguard or a 42-inch deck with a twin, this starter won’t fit. Double-check your engine number before buying.
2. Some units may have shorter brush life than OEM. A few long-term reviews note that after 2-3 seasons of heavy use (weekly mowing on 1+ acres), the starter can begin to drag. It’s a $57 part, so it’s not built for commercial duty.
3. Inconsistent packaging. Some buyers report the starter arrives loose in a box with no foam, leading to minor cosmetic dents. Function is usually fine, but it’s worth inspecting before installation.
4. Not a “performance” upgrade. This is a stock replacement. If you want a high-torque starter for a cold engine or modified tractor, look elsewhere. This gets the job done, but doesn’t add extra cranking power.

Bottom Line

If your Craftsman LT1000, LT2000, or similar tractor with a Briggs Intek engine is refusing to start and you’ve ruled out the battery and solenoid, this 14-tooth starter motor is the most cost-effective fix you’ll find. It’s not a premium part, but it’s a reliable, direct-fit replacement that will get you mowing again for under $60. For the homeowner with a 1/2 to 2-acre lot who doesn’t want to pay dealer labor, this is a no-brainer. Just verify your engine model (Intek 17-20HP single-cylinder) and you’re good to go. Highly recommended for the DIY tractor owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will this fit my Craftsman LT1000 with a 17.5HP Briggs? A: Yes, if your engine is a Briggs & Stratton Intek single-cylinder with a 14-tooth starter drive. The LT1000 series with 17.5HP Intek is a perfect match. Confirm your engine model number (usually on the valve cover) to be safe.

Q: How hard is it to install? A: It’s a 30-45 minute job for a beginner with basic tools. You’ll need a 10mm and 13mm socket, a ratchet, and possibly a wrench for the lower bolt. Disconnect the battery, unbolt the old starter (usually two bolts), disconnect the wires, and reverse the process. No special skills needed.

Q: My mower just clicks when I turn the key. Will this fix it? A: Likely yes. A single loud click usually means the solenoid is engaging but the starter motor is dead (worn brushes). If you get multiple rapid clicks, that’s a weak battery. Test your battery first (12.6V or more). If the battery is good, this