Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere Riding Mower, john deere riding mower, bad trash

Question
Hi, John!
My brother has a MODEL GX75, Serial # X028024 which he has owned since 1994.  He starts it up, it runs well for 30 to 40 mi9nutes, then dies.  He lets it sit for about 45 minutes or so and then he can restart it.  It will then run for about 25 to 35 minutes, and then dies.  He was told to check the gas cap for vacuum problems but his cap states it is a non-vented cap.  He did remove the gas cap anyway and tried it without a cap, using a rag as his cap.  No change in operation noted.  Do you have any ideas for my little bro?

Answer
Hello John:

1- When the Engine Quits; Is the Spark Plug Firing? If No, then Depending on the Engine; the Igniter/Ign Module/Coil is Bad. Trash in the Gas Tank will Also cause this Problem. Over Time During Operation of the Engine; the Trash is Collected Around the Gas Outlet Port and Slowly Restricts the gas Flow to the Carburetor. When the Engine Quits or is Shut Off the Gas Back Flows Into the Tank and Clears the Outlet Port. 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 and Click Find. 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

Hello Again John:

I Just read your Post. Thanks for the Good Words. Here are the Instructions for Checking the Coil/Ign Module/Igniter. **Remove the Spark Plug. Wrap a Wire Around the Threads and Attach the Other End of the Wire to the Engine Block Turn the Engine and See if the Plug Fires. If No, then Disconnect the Shut Off Wire  at the Control Bracket First, Check for Fire at the Plug. If Still No Fire at the Plug; Then Disconnect the Shut Off Wire at the Coil (usually requires removal of the blower housing) and Check for Fire at the Plug. If No Fire at the Plug , then the Coil/Ign Module is Bad. The Coil/Ign Module to Flywheel Gap is .020in. If the Plug Fires at Anytime During these 2 Checks, then a Safety Switch or Wire May be the Problem. Yes the Engine will Turn Even with a Bad Safety Switch. The Blade Safety is Usually the Cause of this. The Starter Turns and The Engine Doesn't Fire is an Indication of a Bad Coil/Ign Module or a Faulty Blade Safety Switch. The Clutch Safety Prevents the Starter from Engaging so the Mower Does Not Move when the Starter Turns the Engine. The Seat Safety is Designed to Stop the Engine if the Blades are Engaged or the Clutch Safety is Not Engaged when you Leave the Seat.**Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John