Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere L 110, kelly atkins, lincolnton nc

Question
Pardon the ignorance but how do I check for fire at the plug.  I disconnected the wire and looked for good connection.  When you say overhaul the carb, do you mean rebuild the carb.  Kelly
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Followup To

Question -
Three years old and 230 hours.  Mower has recently been serviced.  Cranked up today big puff of white smoke, ran fine for 25 minutes and it acted like it ran out of gas it just quit.  Waited 20 minutes and took off air filter and breather and it cranked (very rough idle) then I engaged the blade and it quit again but this time no restart.  Any suggestions is appreciated.  I took the mower in for this exact problem three times and each time they do "something and $$ due"  see ya later and it happens again.  
Thanks John.  Kelly Atkins, Lincolnton NC

Answer -
 Hello Kelly:

 There are Several Possible causes for this Problem. I will Help You do a Diagnostic and find the Cause. 1- When the Mower Stops Running, is There Fire at the Spark Plug? If no the Ignition Module is Heating up and Grounding. This Shuts off the Engine. Once the Ignition Module has Cooled, it will Fire the Plug again until it Heats up then the same again. The Ignition Module is in the Coil on Most Models now. 2- If the Engine has Fire when it Shuts Off, then Pour a Small of gas into the Carb Throat. Try to Start. If it Starts and Revs and Dies then the Carb needs to Be Properly Cleaned and Overhauled. 3- Check the Valves for Carbon Build up or Burnt Valve. Im Leaning towards the Ignition Module and the Carb Together. The Carb is not letting you Engage the Blades. Hope this Helps.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John

Answer
 Hello Kelly:

 No problem. Leave the Plug out to Perform this. Take a piece of Wire and Wrap Around the Spark Plug Threads. Take the Other End of the Wire and Attach to the Engine. Replace the Plug Lead on the top of the Plug and Turn the Engine. Is there Spark at the Plug Points. Yes Rebuild the Carb. Hope this Helps.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John