Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Mower Shuts Down, safety switch, seat safety

Question
QUESTION: John,
 My Yard Machine mower has a B/S  model 42A707,type 2238EI, code 9708215B.
  It runs great!!  But only for about 20 minutes, then it shuts down (it just flames out -KAPUT!)and won't restart for hours. It'll crank like crazy, but it just won't start. I don't have to do anything but let it sit about 5 hrs. approx. and then it starts up like nothing is wrong????????What do ya think?   Thanks,ED

ANSWER: Hello Ed:

From your Description it Sounds like the Coil/Ign Module is Bad or the Carburetor Solenoid is Heating Up and Shutting Off the Gas Flow to the Engine. 1- The Following is an Instruction File I Made for Checking and Repairing this Problem. Run the Engine Until it Quits, then Remove the Spark Plug. Wrap a Wire Around the Threads and Attach the Other End of the Wire to the Engine Block Turn the Engine and See if the Plug Fires. If No, then Disconnect the Shut Off Wire  at the Control Bracket First, Check for Fire at the Plug. If Still No Fire at the Plug; Then Disconnect the Shut Off Wire at the Coil (usually requires removal of the blower housing) and Check for Fire at the Plug. If No Fire at the Plug , then the Coil/Ign Module is Bad. The Coil/Ign Module to Flywheel Gap is .020in. On Some Model JD Engines, there is a Igniter that Goes Bad and Not the Coil. The Igniter is the Same as an Ignition Module. If the Plug Fires at Anytime During these 2 Checks, then a Safety Switch or Wire May be the Problem. Yes the Engine will Turn Even with a Bad Safety Switch. The Blade Safety is Usually the Cause of this. The Starter Turns and The Engine Doesn't Fire is an Indication of a Bad Coil/Ign Module or a Faulty Blade Safety Switch. The Clutch Safety Prevents the Starter from Engaging so the Mower Does Not Move when the Starter Turns the Engine. The Seat Safety is Designed to Stop the Engine if the Blades are Engaged or the Clutch Safety is Not Engaged when you Leave the Seat. 2- The Following is a Basic Instruction File I made for Checking the Carburetor Solenoid. Any Input is Appreciated. **Check for Current/Voltage (10.5 VDC Minimum) to the Carburetor Shut Off Solenoid. If the Carburetor Shut Off Solenoid has Current, then On Some Solenoids you can Remove the Needle and Replace the Solenoid to Test them. ****PLEASE DO NOT OPERATE THE MOWER WITH THE SOLENOID BYPASSED IN THIS MANNER. THIS IS "ONLY" FOR TESTING.**** For Others, Remove the Carburetor Solenoid and Go to the Hardware Store. Purchase a Bolt of the Same Diameter and Threads.It Needs to be 1/2" to 3/4" Long for the Horizontal Mount Solenoids and 1/4" Long for the Vertical Mount Solenoids. 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 Jet.** 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. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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. Ratings and Comments are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Geez Loueeze.............thanks for the thorough answer!!!. If I could understand it, I probably wouldn't have asked it. I was hoping you'd tell me to soak the carb again, or something simple..
 I'm going to start by replacing the coil. Can you give me a step by step detailed description of "how to" remove and replace the part ? Or can you direct me to a site that will detail the process? How was vacation ?     Thanks, ED

Answer
Hello Again Ed:

The Following is an Instruction File I Made to Replace the Ign Coil. Any Input is Appreciated. **Using the Provided Site Addy, Locate the Breakdown for the Engine to Assist you in Doing this Repair if you Require it. Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover). Under this you will See the Ign Coil (has the Lead to the Plug Attached to it. Unplug and Unbolt the Ign Coil and Remove the Coil. Use a Section of a Soft Drink Carton (example: a Mt Dew 24 pk Side Panel Cut to 3" x 6". Turn the Flywheel so the Magnet is Facing the Ign Coil and Place the Cardboard Section Between the Ign Coil and the Magnet. Let the Magnet Pull the Ign Coil to the Flywheel and then Tighten the Ign Coil Mounting Bolts. Turn the Flywheel and Pull the Cardboard Panel at the Same Time and Remove the Panel from between the Flywheel and the Ign Coil. Connect the Wire/s to the Ign Coil. Replace the Blower Housing and Any Other Hardware you Removed to Remove the Blower Housing. Attact the Plug Lead to the Spark Plug. Now Start the Engine.** 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. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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. Ratings and Comments are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John