Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman Riding Mower, craftsman riding mower, tank fuel

Question
John
I have a craftsman riding lawn tractor model no. 917.273750. It's an automatic transmission. I'm having a problem with it stalling. I use it for about ten minutes and then it begins to sputter and then stalls out. I let it sit for about a minute and start it up and it runs for another ten minutes before sputtering then stalling. I checked the gas line and there is gas in the filter and the gas cap is venting. The oil and filter was just replaced. The gas tank, fuel line and filter are new and I cleaned the air filter. Any ideas on what to do next.

Answer
Hello Matt:

From you Description, it Sounds like the Fuel Shut Off Solenoid May be Heating Up and Shutting of the Flow of Gas to the Jets or the Coil May be Heating Up and Stopping the Plug. 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. Operate the Mower and when it Quits, Check for Fire at the Plug. If No Fire, then the Coil is the Cause. If there is Fire to the Plug, then the Solenoid May be the Problem. If you Run the Engine in Test Mode for the Carburetor Shut Off Solenoid and the Engine Still Shuts Off, then the Valves May Need to be Reset. 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. For the Electrical Diagram, 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. 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 you Question at or Just After 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John