Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): falters, wont start again, hose clamps, sand particles


Question
Mower: Craftsman LTX 1000.Engine: B/S Intec Platinum 20 HP, V twin. YBSXS-7242VF-27844.
Cold, starts, runs fine. While mowing after 15 / 20 minutes falters, catches and runs on, falters, runs on, falters and quits. Won't start until sitting several minutes, then will start and run fine untill it repeats the sequence again.
Mechanically inclined, but this has me stumped!

Answer
Hello Dave:

>>This can be caused by Several things.
>>The Following is a Basic Instruction File I made for this. Any Input is Appreciated. I Usually Suggest you Check the Following in this Order for a Problem like yours.
>>1- Check the Gas Tank Cap and Ensure it is Venting the Tank. A Vacuum Builds in the Tank and the Gas Flow Stops or Slows (15 to 45 Minutes and if the Small Granular Sand is in the Tank it can Take Several Days of Constant Running to Bring All the Sand Particles to the Tank Outlet Port) to a Point it Shuts Off the Engine.
>>2- Operate the Equipment Until it Quits (15min to 1hr). Then Immediately Check for Fire from the Plug. If the Plug is Firing, then
>>3- Replace All the Spring Style Hose Clamps with Screw Style Hose Clamps on the Fuel System.
>>4- Check the Carburetor Solenoid. If the Carburetor Shut Off Solenoid has Current, then Remove the Carburetor Solenoid and Go to the Hardware Store. Purchase a Bolt of the Same Diameter and Threads. It Needs to be 3/4" Long. Put this Bolt in Place of the Solenoid. If this Corrects the Engine Problem, then Replace the Solenoid. ***NOTE: THIS IS FOR CHECKING THE SOLENOID ONLY I NEVER SUGGEST YOU OPERATE THE ENGINE WITH THE SOLENOID OUT OF THE CARBURETOR EXCEPT FOR TESTING PURPOSES*** Sometimes the Plunger is Moving, Just Not Far Enough to Allow the Gas to Enter the Jets.
>>5- Depending on the Model Mower, it can Also be the Pickup Tube in the Gas Tank.
>>If No Fire, then Remove the Shut Off Wire from the Coil and Check for Fire.
>>If Still No Fire, then the Ign Module or Coil is Bad. **Even if the Coil is New or Fairly New, it can Still be Bad.** On JD Mowers; Remove the Igniter/Module and the Coil and have the Local JD Dealer Test them.
>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model (5 or 6 Digits) and Type Numbers. Example: XXXXXX-XXXX. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Select Sectional Index. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View.
>>To View a Breakdown of this Unit Go to this Site Addy, http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action?sid=PSHx20080114x00001 and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Search. From this Page you can View Diagrams and Parts Lists.
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I Hope to be Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 5 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John