Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere Sabre sputtering, manual model, hello john

Question
Hello John, I have a John Deere Sabre manual model approx 7 years old. I have not done a great job of servicing except replacing the battery 3 times. It is difficult to get it to a service center with pickup dropoff charges at $150 minimum. Lately it's being working for about 30 mins, half way thru my lawn and dying. It sputters and loses power gradually. If I let it sit for 10 - 15 minutes, it starts up again goes for a bit and dies. Any thing I can do by myself to service it?

Answer
Hello Barry:

Check the Pickup Tube in the Tank. If there is Trash in the Tank it is Slowly Sucked to the Inlet Port and Restricts the Gas Flow to the carburetor and Causes the Problem you Described. If the Pickup is Metal it can be Flaking on the Inside of the Tube (a common problem for the JD and Sabre Mowers). Send me the Model Numbers Off the Mower, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. If the Pickup is Good, then Operate the Mower Until it Quits. Immediately Check for Fire at the Plug. If No Fire, then Remove the Shut Off Wire from the Throttle Control Bracket and Check for Fire, If No Fire, then the Coil/Magneto/Igniter is Bad. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers (Sabre) and Click Find. Now Select your Model Mower. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. 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