Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman Cutting Out, craftsman lawn tractor, adjustment screws

Question
I have a Craftsman Lawn Tractor model # 917.272242 with a 20 HP Kohler motor.  The engine starts and it runs fine.  When I start mowing it works fine for about 2-3 minutes than it starts to surge and sputter and it finally quits.  I can start it again, but it then surges and stops when I put a load on it.  If I let it cool down it mows again for 2-3 minutes.  It has fresh gas and I changed the spark plugs. Any suggestions with detailed repair info. would help.  I'm handy and can work on most things myself, but is this over my head. Should I take it into the shop.  Thanks  John.

Answer
Hello John:

From your Description, it Sounds like the Carburetor Jet is Restricted and Can Not Supply the Engine with the Proper Gas Flow when the Engine is Under a Load.  Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl, Float Pin, Float and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidental Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Parts if Required. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model Numbers. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. Ti View the Mower, Go to this Site Addy, http://www3.sears.com/ and Enter the Model Numbers in the Upper Left Search Box and Click Go. Then Visually Verify the Equipment and Click Continue. From this Page you can View Diagrams or Parts Lists for you Equipment. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, then I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John