Craftsman mower starts and functions fine, then after approx 4 or 5 minutes it dies then will not start, has fuel and full of oil

SOURCE: Craftsman 17.5 HP 42 in mower stops after approx 1/2 hour of use

Hello jon3208:

>>The Following is a Basic Instruction File I made for this. Any Input is Appreciated. I Usually Suggest you Check the Following in this Order for a Problem like yours. **CHANGE ANY SPRING STYLE HOSE CLAMPS TO THE SCREW STYLE HOSE CLAMPS*** 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 (15 to 45 Minutes and if the Small Grainular Sand is in the Tank it can Take Several Days of Constant Running to Bring All the Sand Particales to the Tank Outlet Port) to a Point it Shuts Off the Engine. 2- Operate the Equipment Until it Quits (15min to 1hr). 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- Depending on the Model Mower, it can Also be the Pickup Tube in the Gas Tank. If No Fire, then Remove the Shut Off Wire from the Coil and Check for Fire. If Still No Fire, then the Ign Module or Coil is Bad. **Even if the Coil is New of Fairly New, it can Still be Bad.** On JD Mowers; Remove the Igniter/Module and the Coil and have the Local JD Dealer Test them.
Please, Do Not Hesitate, If I Missed Something or 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. Be Safe and Be Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

jbridger (John)

SOURCE: chainsaw starts and runs fine for a few minutes

Try fresh fuel making sure oil and gas mixture is correct. Carb might need cleaning and adjustment.

woobie dog

• 1273 Answers
• Posted on Jul 30, 2009

SOURCE: My LawnBoy mower 195 cc 4 cycle that starts fine.

It sounds as though it is starved for fuel. Check the pinhole vent in the fuel filler cap. if it is plugged, the engine will still draw fuel, until a vacuum is pulled on the tank, resulting in no fuel. If this doesn't fix you. check for adequate fuel at the carb, and wirk either forward or backwards from that point, depending on what you find. I'm betting on the vent!
Try it; it may be just the thing!
Best regards, --W/D-- please feel free to rate this solution! Thanx!

SOURCE: Honda HR 17 lawn mower dies after it starts

01 Fuel tank cap? Loosen it to see if it is plugged.
02 Possible fuel line obstruction? Disconnect at carb to make sure there is adequate fuel flow.

SOURCE: My mower starts fine and then it idles up and down

First thing to check would be the base governor setting.This should be done by someone with small engine expertise.Can be fatal to engine and do bodily harm if not done right.Other things to check would be air leaks where carb manifold attaches to heads.Remove air cleaner assembly to gain access to carb linkage and manifold.You will need a can of carb cleaner to perform this check.Start engine and hold throttle at just above idle speed and carefully spray area where manifold attaches to head,do this on both ends of manfold and at carb base,area where carb mounts to manifold,if leak is present the engine will either die or their will be a change in rpm,s.If no leaks are found in these areas have carb cleaned,it is very likely there is dirt in the carb.You can do the same as above,start engine and hold throttle just above idle and spray carb cleaner into carb,engine will try to stall when doing this,only spray carb cleaner in carb while engine is running.If this doesn't help have carb cleaned and adjusted.Info from small engine tech with forty plus years experience.