Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman 42 inch riding lawnmower, breather element, carburator

Question
Hi Ben,I have a 42 inch Craftsman DYT 4000 riding lawnmower model 917.2736403 with a 18.5 OHV intek plus engine.I was picking up leaves with the PTO engaged and everything was going well and all of a sudden the engine acted like it was running outta gas and ran really rough then shut off.checked the plug and it was very soiled with gas.its a brand new plug,breather element,oil change,cleaned the plug but it will just turn over but not fire.getting a substantial amount of fuel.almost like too much fuel.let it sit for a couple hours and it fired up but ran rough and smelled of fuel badly.after dhutting it off I could hear like a gurgling or bubbling sound coming from the bowl under the carburator.If you have any suggestions I would be grateful.I did check the compression and it was at 120 and leveled off to 118 and held there.hopefully you can point me in the right direction  Thanks a bunch

Answer

solenoid Robert
Sounds like your fuel solenoid or carburetor is bad.This part is like a off & on switch for the carburetor. When you turn the key on to start it opens the solenoid to let fuel in the carburetor. When you turn the key off the solenoid will shut off, not allowing fuel to flood the carburetor and pour out everywhere,also prevents back firing.The other cause can be your float is stuck with dirt in the port allowing fuel to just keep flooding your carburetor.You probably need to clean the carb and rebuild it. Make sure you can hear a click noise when you turn the key on,don't start the engine just turn the key and listen,if you do not hear the click then your solenoid may be bad.If you do this repair your self take pictures,notes drawings so you know how to put everything back. We carry the parts you will need at www.gbelect.net check to see what carburetor you have either a a Nikki or a Walbro.