Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Murray ride on stalls when hot, engine crankcase, gas cap

Question
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Followup To
Question -
I have a murray rider with a B&S 17hp IC engine. It runs great for about 15 mins from cold then it stalls. If I leave it a few minutes it will run for another minute or so before it stalls again. I've rebuilt the carb. Replaced the coil. Replaced the fuel filter. Removed the gas cap. If I pull the choke when it's dying it will run a few seconds more. It's like it has no fuel, but I can't see why.
Answer -
Does the carb have a fuel pump?
Did you replace the spark plug?

Let me know.
Eric

It has a fuel pump on the body of the carb. I wondered about the hose that comes from the base of the engine to drive it. I have no idea how that works.

I did not change the spark plugs, but it does have 2 plugs, so I was assuming that they wouldn't both go bad.

thanks
john


Answer
The hose coming from the engine crankcase serves as a vacuum to operate the fuel pump.  Make sure the hose end are not getting soft and leaking when the engine is hot.

Plugs frequently fail as compared to coils...we always install new plugs to rule them out.

After replacing the plugs, run the engine until it dies.  As soon as it dies, remove the air filter cover and try using some starting fluid to get it started.

Let me know what happpens.
Eric