Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): lx176 stalling problems, john deere lx176, ohv engine

Question
Dear Tom

I have an early 90's john deere lx176 w/ 14 hp Kawasaki ohv engine. just recently It started running for 10-15 min. then shuts off then back fires. usually it won't restart for an couple of hours. sometimes if it just turns over but doesn't kick over and won't start either. John deere says it might be the regulator, maybe the coil. I bought the regulator but as it turns out there is a place for it but no regulator to replace. Does the regulator make sense? does the lx 176 have one located in front of the dip stick? and if it does and it isn't located there where would it be?

Answer
Ok Randy, first off I am not a parts changer. Some guys just start changing parts hoping, and praying to hit gold along the way. I diagnose a engine, and change only parts needed. Lets do this without costing you a arm and a leg in parts. We must attack this when the problem is present. Run the mower till it quits, then check for a good blue spark, by removing the plug grounding the threaded end to the block, then cranking it over, is a strong blue spark present? If so, we can walk away from any ignition problems. When it quits and you pulling the plug to check for spark is the perfect time to see if the plug is wet with fuel, or too much fuel. If a bright blue spark is present, then give it a quick shot of starting fluid in the air filter, enough to know it reaches the cylinder, does it fire then?.......We have to start here and get a baseline.......Tom

Randy, I did give you an idea where to go. I told you what to do, I can't sit here and totally diagnose your problem without going through certain steps, these steps I gave you are so that I can determine your problem. I told you this was a starting point, I need established before I know which direction to proceed in. You have given me no updates as to  the results I asked you to test for so we know which way to go. I would appreciate you rethinking your ratings based on this and revise them, along with doing the tests I recommended for us to successfully diagnosis this problem. My email is:    smallengine@woh.rr.com