Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Lawnmower started but stoped, matt langford, electronic ignitions

Question
Hi,
This weekend I am going round to my brother's, house to repair his father inlaws mower, All i know of it is that the mower is about 2 yrs old, and a rotary 18", started fine after being in storage for the winter, but after approx, 30 mins use, it stopped working.

The spark is apparantly fine, as is the air filter, and there is fuel in the tank. O, and obviously there is compression. I was just wandering if you could give me a 'rough' idea of what could be the problem, thanks very much,

Matt Langford

Answer
OK Matt- first things first.
1- make SURE the oil level is good!
2- check the spark by removing the plug connecting it to the plug wire, clamping it the a fin (or hold it firmly) and spin the engine(remember electronic ignitions on these things require about a 250rpm spin to fire- so spin it good!)
3-if there is a fuel bowl, remove it and look at the contents (sounds like water is in the fuel system).
lemme know what you find