Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Engine shuts off after 30 minutes or so, briggs stratton, hp briggs

Question
Eric,
Riding mower has 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

Thanks for your time --

Ron  

Answer
What brand of spark plugs are you using?  Try a different brand of plugs, preferably NGK.

Have you removed the top engine shroud and made sure the flywheel cooling fan fins are clean?  Is there any debris lodged around the cylinder fins preventing proper cooling?

Do you have an inline spark tester.  I would recommed trying NGK plugs first.  If the problem persists it could be a defective ignition coil...an inline spark tester will help determine if the coil is failing when the engine gets hot.

Try new NGK plugs and let me know what happens.
Eric