Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 1997 Cub Cadet, hp kohler, jd dealer

Question
My Cub cadet, 18 hp Kohler V-Twin, has 340 hours on it. For the past 2 months, the engine will cut out after I have been mowing for 20 to 25 minutes. If I turn the PTO off, it will just run rough. If I leave the PTO on, it dies. I have to let it cool off for 2 hours and do it again. Is it the voltage regulator? Is it an easy fix or for an expert?

Answer
Hello Brian:

From your Description it Sounds like the Ign Module/Coil is Heating Up or the Gas Tank cap is Not Venting the Tank Properly.The Key to Locating this Problem is the Time the Engine Runs (20 to 30 minutes) before the Problem Occurs. The Following is a Basic Instruction File I made for this. Any Input is Appreciated. I Usually Suggest you Check the Following in this Order for a Problem like yours. 1- Check the Gas Tank Cap and Ensure it is Venting the Tank. A Vacuum Builds in the Tank and the Gas Flow Stops or Slows to a Point it Shuts Off the Engine. 2- Operate the Equipment Until it Quits (15 to 20min). Then Immediately Check for Fire from the Plug. If the Plug is Firing, then 3- Check the Carburetor Solenoid. If the Carburetor Shut Off Solenoid has Current, then Remove the Carburetor Solenoid and Go to the Hardware Store. Purchase a Bolt of the Same Diameter and Threads. It Needs to be 3/4" Long. Put this Bolt in Place of the Solenoid. If this Corrects the Engine Problem, then Replace the Solenoid. ***NOTE: THIS IS FOR CHECKING THE SOLENOID ONLY I NEVER SUGGEST YOU OPERATE THE ENGINE WITH THE SOLENOID OUT OF THE CARBURETOR EXCEPT FOR TESTING PURPOSES*** Sometimes the Plunger is Moving, Just Not Far Enough to Allow the Gas to Enter the Jets. 4- Depending on the Model Mower, it can Also be the Pickup Tube in the Gas Tank. If No Fire, then Remove the Shut Off Wire from the Coil and Check for Fire. If Still No Fire, then the Ign Module or Coil is Bad. On JD Mowers; Remove the Igniter/Module and the Coil and have the Local JD Dealer Test them. Usually if the Stator/Charger/Voltage Regulator is the Problem, the Unit will Act Up as Soon as the PTO is Engaged. Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine or the Mower Model Numbers, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. The Engine Model Numbers May be Stamped Into the Blower Housing (metal engine cover) Above the Spark Plug. 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