Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): JD L118, dealer maintenance, special test

Question
I have a JD L118 that is about 2 years old and has had annual dealer-maintenance. This spring it has been stopping once it gets hot, after about an hour of mowing. It acts like it has run out of gas, but it hasn't. I had the mower in to the dealer, spent $300, was told it still had a "slight hesitation," but in actuality, it is exactly the same as it was before. When it is running, it runs great. But when it gets hot, it stops. Sometimes it will go ahead and start up after it cools down, but sometimes it won't. I am very reluctant to take it back to the dealer after I already spent so much $$. Can you give some ideas? Could it be vapor lock?

Answer
Hello Jennifer:

This is Problem is Usually Caused by Igniter or the Coil. I Could Not Locate an Igniter for this Engine, so the Coil is an Ign Coil (Solid State Ign Coil). This Coil or the Igniter (if Equipped) is Heating Up and Causing this Problem. I Suggest you Contact your Local Dealer that Performed the Maintenance and Ask them to Clarify if this Engine has an Igniter or Just the Ign Coil. If the Engine has Both the Igniter and a Standard Coil, then the Coi and Igniter Must be Removed and Tested. This Takes Special Test Equipment. If this Engine has the Ign Coil, then you can Us the Breakdown at the Site Addy I Provide and Follow the Instruction File to Replace the Ign Coil and be Running Properly Again with a Couple of Hours. A Mechanic can Replace the Ign Coil in 45 Minutes. A Home Owner Usually Takes 2 Hours Maximum. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine and Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers (L118) and Click Find. Then Select your Model from the Search Results Area. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. The Following is an Instruction File I Made to Replace the Ign Coil. **Using the Provided Site Addy, Locate the Breakdown for the Engine to Assist you in Doing this Repair if you Require it. Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover). Under this you will See the Ign Coil (has the Lead to the Plug Attached to it. Unplug and Unbolt the Ign Coil and Remove the Coil. Use a Section of a Soft Drink Carton (example: a Mt Dew 24 pk Side Panel Cut to 3" x 6". Turn the Flywheel so the Magnet is Facing the Ign Coil and Place the Cardboard Section Between the Ign Coil and the Magnet. Let the Magnet Pull the Ign Coil to the Flywheel and then Tighten the Ign Coil Mounting Bolts. Turn the Flywheel and Pull the Cardboard Panel at the Same Time and Remove the Panel from between the Flywheel and the Ign Coil. Connect the Wire/s to the Ign Coil. Replace the Blower Housing and Any Other Hardware you Removed to Remove the Blower Housing. Attach the Plug Lead to the Spark Plug. Now Start the Engine.** 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