Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 9HP Kawasaki shuts down, gas tank, riding mower

Question
I have a John Deere RX75 rear engine small riding mower with 9HP Kawasaki. It runs fine in all gears for about 10-15 minutes, blade engaged or not engaged, then it shuts down. If I let it sit for a few minutes it will restart. Battery, starter appear fine. Oil was little low and dirty so I changed it. It runs no better with new oil. Is this a potential carb problem? If so, why would resting the engine help.

Answer
Hello Craig:

This is Usually a Sign of a Bad Ign Module/Coil (on JD the Igniter Heating up). The Igniter/Coil Heats up and Opens Up. This Causes the Plug to Stop Firing. Once the Igniter has Cooled, the Igniter Circuit Closes and the Igniter Fires the Plug Again. There are a Few Other Possible Causes Also. Here is the Instruction File for this Problem. 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- If the Plug is Not Firing, then the Igniter or the Coil is Bad. Usually the Igniter. **However, Some of the Questioners About this Problem, that have JD Mowers are Finding the Coil to be Bad and Not the Igniter.** This is Something that is Rare. I have Seen or Heard of Only 3 Coils Being Bad is 35 Years and 2 of those were from JD Owners here at All Experts. 5- Depending on the Model Mower, it can Also be the Pickup Tube in the Gas Tank Sucking Trash and Restricting the Gas Flow. 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 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. 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