Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Riding Mower, twin cylinder engines, craftsman lt1000

Question
Hello,

I have a Craftsman LT1000 17hp riding mower that is giving me fits.  The number is 917.273372.  In the middle of mowing I lost power and mower started to really have trouble keeping itself started.  I let it cool down and the next day I checked and replaced the spark plug.  I started the mower and it ran fine for about 5 minutes and gave me the same fits and it seems to me to be running hot.  My next thought was to replace the fuel filter, it has an new air filter that I put in a few months ago and it still looks good.  Anything I can do to locate the problem?

Thanks!

Steven

Answer
Hello Steven:

To View a Breakdown of this Unit Go to this Site Addy, http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Search. From this Page you can View Diagrams and Parts Lists for you Equipment Using the "View Sub Components" Section Near the Bottom Left. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/manual_and_more/doclist.aspx?categ... and Enter the Model Numbers (31C707) and the First 4 Type Numbers (0230) in the Appropriate Boxes and Click GO. Then Select Download PDF. From your Description I Suggest you Check the Valve Clearances and Set them if Required. The Following is a Basic File I made for Setting the Valve Clearances. Any Input is Appreciated. **I Do Not Use the Setting Called for by the OEMs. I have Found that the Following Works Best. Remove the Valve Cover (on the Dead Cylinder for Twin Cylinder Engines). Set the Cylinder you are Setting the Valves on to Top Dead Center on the Compression Stroke When Setting the Valve Clearance. Now Loosen the Valve Adjuster Locks and Set the Intake Valve Clearance to .004in -.006in and the Exhaust to .007in - .009in. I have had Better Performance Out of the Mowers and Less Burnt Valves Using these Settings. Be Sure the Piston is at TDC on the Compression Stroke.** On Some Engines you can Us a Straightened Coat Hanger and Feel the Piston. Be Careful and Dont Jam the Wire in the Cylinder. Usually the Piston will Push the Wire Out of the Spark Plug Hole with No Problems. 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