Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Poulan Pro Tractor Hesitating, air fuel mixture, gas filter

Question
I have a Poulan Pro tractor model number PRK17H42ST.  Has a Kohler 17hp engine model number CV490S spec # 27507. The  problem first occurred a couple of weeks ago when I had stopped the engine and it would not turn back on.  I could get it to turn on at half throttle, but the engine would continuously hesitate as the fuel air ratio was automatically adjusted.  I came to the conclusion that it was the gas solenoid, which was running extremely hot at touch.  I'm not sure if it supposed to, but it seemed unusual.  After replacement of the gas solenoid, there was no problem whatsoever.  The tractor was not used until the following week in which there was no problem (my father used  it at I believe full throttle, but low ground speed).  However today when I began mowing the lawn, about 15-20 minutes into it, the tractor began to hesitate, but I just assumed that the fuel air ratio was being adjusted.  It started to lose more power about 5 minutes later so I decided to pack it in. I was running it at full throttle and  medium ground speed.  I put the throttle on the lowest setting to turn off the tractor and the engine turned off - which was unusual because its not supposed to do that..usually just slows the engine down.  In any case, my first thought was to check the  newly replaced gas solenoid, again which was extremely hot.  I've checked the electrical lead coming out of the solenoid which looks good (new), the spark plug, gas, gas filter, oil, oil filter, and battery which are all good as well.  I know that there is something going wrong with the air fuel mixture, but i'm not sure what it could be.  I am also not sure if the gas solenoid is supposed to be as hot as it is running.   I have a feeling that when the gas solenoid is cold or cooler, the tractor runs fine, but as soon as it heats up I am having issues.  Any idea what could be causing the solenoid to heat up.  The first gas solenoid went in 6 years and the 2nd one in less than a month.  (Tractor is 6 yrs old) Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Answer
Hello Raumil:

The Carburetor Solenoid is an Anti-Diesel Solenoid. It is Designed to Stop the Gas Flow through the Jet when the Engine is Turned Off so the Engine will Not Back Fire. Usually if the Solenoid is Getting Hot and it is the Single Lead Solenoid, the Engine Ground is Bad/Poor. The Solenoid is Heating Up Due to Dirt and Oil Being between the Engine Mounts and the Frame and Not Allowing a Good Ground for the Engine Components. Try Attaching a Ground Wire from the Engine to the Frame or to the Battery Ground Wire. It is Possible you May have Purchased a Bad Solenoid. This Happens from Time to Time. Using the Amount of Time as an Indicator, you May Also have a Bad Ign Coil/Ign Module. A Bad/Poor Engine Ground will Also Cause the Ign Coil/Ign Module to Heat up and Cause the Problem you Described. 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. 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