SAbre ridingb mower. Runs, backfires,almot die, still run. Backfire again,then dies and can not restart. PLEASE HELLP!!!!! PHIL Mpwer M#1438 Engime B&S M#287707 14.5hp, OHV

Sounds like your fuel pump might be giving you a hard time I would start there on testing

back first to tail pipe end, not air cleaner, right.

back fire to tail
is caused by 2 reaons.
engine runs rich as a pig, and air leaks to the exhuaust.
fuel + air and flame + bam.

sounds to me you lost cam timing
i cant help you more , as you never stated what engine is in the car.
called ENGINE OPTIONS< day 1.

and the story is lacking
start backup and .does....... what/???? runs prefectly???? or ????

change the coil wire . it sounds like it wasn't manufactured properly

bad need of a tuneup? like new spark plugs, ?
172 , is 02 rich/ lean warning. this one is low oxy for rich.
this code can just be a victim. for sure , with misfire.
means 02 sensor stuck at rich,
what is water temp in engine coolant, at failure? less than 150F?
could be lots of things.
leaking injectors, bad fuel.
injector sticking> causing misfire.
id use a scan tool and watch all sensor when it fails.
too high fuel pressure.
misfires cold, but only luke warm cold starts not fully cold.

just one DTC, no P0300 or 30x misfire codes, not even P0300 pendings?

You need to run a series of tests on this, first is a scan of the computer fro fault codes, next monitor the fuel pressure while you drive it. These tests or best left to the dealer as it takes special equipment to run them

have the fuel pressure checked,the fuel pump may be going out.

check cam & crank sensor had problem on cirrus

It sounds like to me you are having problems with your fuel injectors.  In situations like these there are soooooo many different variables and possible problems, but the fact that the car is backfiring makes me believe that you are getting too much fuel in because that is what makes are car backfire.  When fuel makes it to the cat converter or muffler it will burn there and cause the backfire.  My suggestion would be to start the process of elimination with a good fuel injector cleaner.  The only one that recommend is called Greased Lightening and can be purchased at Napa and O'Reilley auto parts.  If you don't have one of these near you I would go with Techron.  Let me know if I can help you with anything else.  Thanks for letting me help you with your problem and I would appreciate an honest rating on the help that I gave you.  Thanks for using FixYa!

check harmonic balancer for slop back and forth,,,,these 3.8's have a crank posision sensor behind the balancer,that run off of the balancer,,,gthe rubber wears out and they start to flop around and timing gets messed up.../they cost around 100 bucks for a aftermarket,and if thats the problem,do yourself a favor and replace CPS while tour at it....good luck...Lee

sounds like the ignition module but it could be a fuel problem