Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): briggs and stratton dies after engine gets hot, briggs and stratton, proper manuals

Question
QUESTION: troy bilt 17hp 42" cut riding mower. starts fine and idles good until the engine gets hot. then the engine starts to idle erratically and eventually dies. it does this at different amounts of time. thanks for your help.
Juan
ANSWER:   Hello Juan:

 Does the Spark Plug have Fire when this Happens? Check the Gas Tank Cap and Ensure it is Venting the Tank Properly. Are you Working the Mower when this Happens? How Long Before the Engine will Restart? Check Under the Blower and Ensure the Area is Clear for Air to Circulate and Cool the Engine. Send me the Make and Model Numbers Off the Mower and the Engine, Please. With these Numbers I can Locate the Proper Manuals and Better Assist you. Thanks.

 Respectfully

 John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: after the engine dies it will start back up right after but within 5 minutes it will do it all over again. yes i am working the mower. gas cap is good. blower is clean. i did notice something yesterday, the muffler got red hot. i took it off and it did not seem to be clogged. should i try running the mower without the muffler. the model# is 311777 and the type is 0148e1 these are for the Briggs and Stratton engine the model# for the mower is troy bilt 17hp 42" cut. that is all info i have for the mower

Answer
 Hello Juan:

 If you are Sure the Muffler is Clear, then Remove the Valve Cover and Check the Valve Clearance. Take a Blade Feeler Gauge and Set the Engine to Top Dead Center. The Clearances are Intake Set to .003in to .005in and the Exhaust Set to .008in - .010in. From you Description it Sounds like the Valve Adjustment or a Burnt Valve is Causing this Problem. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Addy http://shop.briggsandstratton.com/BShopProductListingPage.asp?rsvp=0&PARENTID=0& and Enter the Model Numbers 311777 and the Type Numbers 0148 and Click Search. Now Select View PDF. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John

 Hello Juan:

 No Worries. It happens to us All. Ask as Many Questions as you Feel you need to to Resolve the Problem. Thats what Im Here for. Thanks for Using The All Experts Service.

 Respectfully

 John