Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman Lawn Tractor stalls after 15-20 minutes, craftsman lawn tractor, gasoline tank

Question
John,

I have a Sears tractor model 917.272420. Last April I had it for a maintenance service with a local repair shop and since then I have the following problem.

The tractor will work well for about 15-20 minutes, depending how hot the weather is, and then it will stall just like when you are running out of gas. The hotter the weather the sooner it will stall. While its stalling, if I disengage the PTO switch and stop the grass cutting, the engine will start working again. If I leave the PTO to this position, not cutting, and just wait for 30 secs, while the engine is still running, it will start cutting the grass again. It will probably run for a few more minutes and will stall again with the same symptom. Then it stalls not matter where the PTO switch is at. I have to turn the engine off, wait for at least 30 minutes and then start the tractor and continue cutting the grass. The engine stalling will re-appear sooner than the first stall, in about 5-10 minutes.

I have checked the gasoline tank cap, the gasoline lines, the filter, and cleaned the carburetor without any success. Is anything else that I should look into? I am not sure if it a gasoline feed problem or electric part that gets hot and fails working. Though I do not think its an electric problem, since disengaging the PTO switch the first time the engine starts stalling, it starts running again.

Thank you very much,

Peter Ntoro

Answer
Hello Peter:

From your Description it Sounds like the Coil/Ign Coil/Magneto is Going Bad and Requires Replacing. The Next Time it Quits Completely, Check the Spark Plug for Fire. If No Fire, then the Coil/Magneto/Ignition Module is Going Bad. If there is Fire, then Check the Gas Tank Cap and Ensure the Cap is Venting Properly.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. According to the Breakdown for this Mower, the Engine is a Kohler Model CV492-27506. 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. Select the "Command Single" Thumbnail. Now Enter your Engine Model in the Search Box at the Right of the Page and Click Search. Now Select the Service Manual Name TP-2339-D. 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. Thanks.

Respectfully

John