Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Engine stops running after 30 minutes or so, briggs stratton, grass clippings

Question
Tom,
I have a riding mower with a 23 hp Briggs & Stratton Intek V-Twin engine. Runs for 30 minutes to an hour then abruptly hesitates/sputters and stops. Might be able to restart after a minute or two.  Then, might run short time and shut down again or engine will cycle/hunt a few times then shut down. After an hour when engine has cooled, it restarts and will run for another 30 minutes or so with no problem but then shuts down again.  Seems that it is overheating, causing it to shut down. Any thoughts on what the problem could be. New air filter, pre-cleaner, plugs, and fuel filter in May.

B&S Intek V-Twin Engine Model:  445577,  Type: 0755E1, Code 061205Y-G

Thank you for your time.
Ron  

Answer
Sounds like your right about the over heating issue. Have you checked all your cooling fins for trapped grass clippings and such, as well as under the shroud and all? Is there an over abundance of oil caked on the sides, making it hold too much heat? I would also check the ignition integrity when it shuts down right away. Is spark present, is it weak? Some coils will act up when hot. Could also be a faulty safety switch. Is fuel present when it shuts down? You see Ron there are a multitude of reasons for this to occur, with out a proper trouble shooting procedure your shooting in the dark. You have to isolate the system involved, fuel, ignition, or compression. This is done right when it shuts down. This is the difference in a good mechanic and his counter part, the so called "parts changer" The overheating itself isn't shutting down the mower, the over heating is effecting one of the 3 systems previously mentioned. It could even be a clogged gas cap vent hole, causing a fuel lock. A gas line can be too close to the block causing a vapor lock. The list can go on forever almost. next time it shuts down, be prepared to check each system and let me know the out come, then we can go further in to it to isolate the problem.  Pull the plug, ground the base of the plug with the wire on check for a good blue spark. Pull the fuel line just before the Carburetor, is a good supply of fuel present? If not pull the line after the fuel filter just before the tank, good fuel flow from the tank? When you pull the plug to check for spark, check the tip of the plug,  is it wet with fuel, or dry lacking fuel?.........Tom