Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John deere riding mower, john deere stx38, carburetor jets

Question
I have a john deere STX38 Hydro.  I started it the other afternoon and began mowing, it ran great for about 20 mins and then just stopped.  Electrically everything is fine it will "crank" just not turn over.  I cleaned the carbon off of the plug (just to be sure I had spark) checked fuel flow after the fuel filter (fuel spills out of the line) just no turn over.  So I gave up and began to push/pull/curse the mower back in to the shed to try repairs later.  After pulling and pushing for approx. 20 feet I tried to start it again (just for the heck of it)and it started fine.  After finishing the mowing it sat for about a half hour and of course no start....So I finished pushing/pulling it in the shed another 20 foot run and then it started.  I'm really confused, don't know if I have a fuel flow problem or what.  The motor is a Kohler Command 13 Family # SKH398U1G2  Model# CV135 Spec. 21509#. Thanks for any advice and help you can give.

Answer
Hello David:

Electrical Problems are the Hardest to Diagnose. With this Problem you will need to Check the Wires to the Carburetor Shut Off Solenoid First. You Said the Plug is Firing when this Happens, so Use the Mower and When this Happens Again, Pour a Small Amount of Gas (1oz) Into the Carburetor Throat and Try to Start the Engine. If it Starts and Quits, then the Carburetor Solenoid is Heating Up and Shutting Off the Gas to the Carburetor Jets. I Make this Suggestion because the Plug is Firing and that Eliminate the Safety Switches, Relay, Circuit Breaker and Coil/Ign Module. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Find. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model Numbers. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John