Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Sears LT 2000 tractor will stop after 30 min, washington dc area, lt 2000

Question
Sears LT2000 Lawn Tractor (2.5yrs old) [model CV490S 17.5HP, Kohler engine]

I changed the Oil, Filter, Spark Plug, and Gas Filter. The air filter looks ok. The tractor will run for 30 min and will stop. Then if I let it stop for 30 min then it will start and run. I also live in Washington DC area.

What do you think is the problem and what can I do to fix the problem?

Answer
Hello Asghar:

I Usually Suggest you Check the Following in this Order for a Problem like yours. 1- Check the Gas Tank Cap and Ensure it is Venting the Tank. A Vacuum Builds in the Tank and the Gas Flow Stops or Slows to a Point it Shuts Off the Engine if the Cap is Not Venting the Tank. 2- Operate the Equipment Until it Quits (15 to 20min). Then Immediately Check for Fire from the Plug. If the Plug is Firing, then 3- Check the Carburetor Solenoid. If the Carburetor Shut Off Solenoid has Current, then Remove the Carburetor Solenoid and Go to the Hardware Store. Purchase a Bolt of the Same Diameter and Threads. It Needs to be 3/4" Long. Put this Bolt in Place of the Solenoid. If this Corrects the Engine Problem, then Replace the Solenoid. ***NOTE: THIS IS FOR CHECKING THE SOLENOID ONLY I NEVER SUGGEST YOU OPERATE THE ENGINE WITH THE SOLENOID OUT OF THE CARBURETOR EXCEPT FOR TESTING PURPOSES*** Sometimes the Plunger is Moving, Just Not Far Enough to Allow the Gas to Enter the Jets. 4- If the Plug is Not Firing, then the Ign Module/Coil is Bad and Requires Replacing. An Ign Module or Ign Coil will Heat Up and then the Internal Circuit of the Ign Module/Coil Opens Up and the Ign Module/Coil Stops Firing the Plug. Once Cool the Circuit Closes and the Plug Fires Again. This will Happen Over and Over Until the Ign Module/Coil Completely Stops Firing the Plug and the Engine Will Not Start and Run At All. Usually this can Take Up to a Year of Daily Use Before the Ign Module/Coil Breaks Down Completely. 5- Depending on the Model Mower, it can Also be the Pickup Tube in the Gas Tank. To View a Breakdown of this Unit Go to this Site Addy, http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Search. From this Page you can View Diagrams or Parts Lists for you Equipment. You can View a Breakdown of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.kohlerplus.com/login.asp and Select Enter as Guest. Now Select the Thumbnail of the Catalog you Wish to View. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John