Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): engine dies and clear fuel filter is empty, vacuum leaks, hose clamps

Question
Have Scott S1642 with Kohler Commander engine. First time to run this unit since December. Fresh gas and it started up and ran fine for about 30 minutes then it started to miss, turned blade off and in a couple of seconds engine sounded good so mowed again for maybe 30 minutes and same thing. Looked at see-threw (new) and no gas. Drained fuel tank and line to carb, removed carb bowl and there was a bit of dirt but no water. So mowed again and over time engine strived for fuel within a few minutes.


When I put mower up last December, I drained the carb. etc dry.  

This may relate to above, last fall when I started unit it would back-fire so replace fuel filter then put unit up for winter.
I do not have a carb diagram so not sure about taking it apart of if issue is even with the carb or is some where else. Guidance much appreciated.

Answer
Hello Earl:

>>First, Replace ALL the Spring Style Hose Clamps at the Carburetor and the Engine with Screw Style Hose Clamps.
>>The Spring Style Hose Clamps Weaken over time and as the Engine Warms up and Allows Vacuum Leaks. When this Happens, the Fuel Pump Fails to Function Correctly and you Lose Fuel as you Described.
>>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- 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. 4- 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 of 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 of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.kohlerplus.com/login.asp and Select Enter as Guest. Now Select the Thumbnail of the Engine Catalog you Wish to View.
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am 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