Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 17 HP Craftsman lawn tractor, craftsman lawn tractor, briggs stratton

Question
Michael,

1998 17 HP Craftsman, Briggs & Stratton, hydrostatic, 42 in. cut.  OK, starts up fine, but after it runs about 3-5 minutes, begins to sputter and finally dies.  Will start back up, but same results.  Replaced gas, air filter, plug, and took to shop and had carb. cleaned out.  No help. Hope you can be the one to tell me what is wrong.  Thanks

Answer
Hi Gerald,

Check the gas cap to see if it is not venting and not allowing air to enter. Try loosening it a bit.  If okay, try squirting fuel or starting fluid into the carbs intake to check for a lack of fuel flow.  See if you can keep it running by adding the fuel

Let me know what you find.
Michael