QuestionDear Mr. Kirkland,
Sorry it took so long to get back to you. I had to dig up some tools for proper removal of the flywheel. Unfortunately, I don't think this lawn mower has points- there were none under the flywheel and the spark plug appears to be ignited by a magneto. After removing the spark plug, it looked to be in very good condition and firing well. Also, the gas cap is not clogged. Do you think it could be the magneto causing the problem after it heats up? One other aspect of the problem that I forgot to mention is that after the machine stalls, when I try to restart it, it starts well but then shuts down after about 5 seconds. Also, if I remove the air cleaner, it will run, but as soon as I try to put the air cleaner back on it stalls- like the air cleaner is blocked, but it isn't.
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Followup To
Question -
I have a Lawn Chief lawn mower with a Briggs and Stratton 3 1/2 HP motor. It usually starts good when cold but after running it for about an hour, it stalls for no apparent reason and won't start for another hour. Yes, the gas tank is full and I've cleaned the air cleaner. Thanks in advance!
Answer -
Hi Brian
OK- couple things-
1- Make sure your gas cap is not clogged, it has to vent to repvent a vacuum from forming in the tank.
2- You didn't mention, but the spark plug needs to be in good shape (I'd replace it if it were questionable)
3- Finally, if its an older mower with points, that is most likely your problem. Unfortunately, the flywheel must come off to replace these.
Over and over I see ignition problems on older machines that don't become apparnet until it's ran a while. Invariably its the ignition system.
lemme know what you find here ok?
AnswerHi again Brian!
One more test.
Put some gas into a small squirt bottle. Keep it handy, run the mower until it quits, then squirt some gas into the carb. If she fires back up- your problem is in the carburator. Likely you need a new fuel pump membrane.
Let me know how this test goes.
