4 stroke engine runs then fades, runs then fades- cylcing

I couldn't with any certainty tell you there are no reed valves in the engine of your mower but reed valves tend to be fitted almost exclusively to high performance 2-stroke engines. Compressors have them and it could be argued diaphragm type carburettors have them (with a stretch of imagination).

Most ordinary duty 2-stroke engines use piston controlled ports while virtually all 4-stroke engines made in the last century use poppet valves and I strongly suspect that applies to your mower.

Riding Mower Dies When Put in Gear ' ThriftyFun

www.thriftyfun.com/Riding-Mower-Dies-When-Put-in-Gear.html

It starts fine, but when I put it in gear to go forward or reverse it dies. It also dies ... The engine on my riding mower will start and run while the clutch is pushed in.

Starts and Runs but Dies When put in gear - YSR 50 ' South Bay Riders

www.southbayriders.com > ... > Community > Maintenance and Repair

Aug 25, 2010 - 15 posts - ‎4 authors
The bike will start and run perfectly fine. However, the moment I put it into gear it dies. ----------------- How we got to this point:...

Engine dies in gear, runs in neutral - Hot Rod Forum : Hotrodders ...

www.hotrodders.com > Tech Help > Engine

Jan 4, 2010 - 12 posts - ‎10 authors
But if I drop it into any gear besides neutral or park, the engine will ... In this case, it shifts fine, and on time, however acceleration is ... start. the engine idling rough and wanting to stall when put in gear is the indicator to me.

Craftsman Garden Tractor 917.28746 Engine shuts off when ...

www.shopyourway.com > Manage My Life > Questions

Craftsman Garden Tractor 917.28746 Engine shuts off when engaging mower deck. 917.28746 ... Then start the tractor and pull the pto button out. If the engine ...

Why does my engine die when the blade is engaged ... - iFixit

https://www.ifixit.com/.../Why+does+my+engine+die+when+the+bl...

iFixitI have an older Murray riding lawn mower, whenever I engage the mower the engine dies, otherwise it runs .... My dr feild brush mower ... cuts off when I engage theblades. ... My Huskee only shut off once I put it in drive with the blade engage.

Riding Lawn Mower Problem - Dies when PTO engaged - GardenWeb

forums2.gardenweb.com > Garden Forums > Tractors

Apr 28, 2008 - When I pull the switch to engage the PTO, the engine bogs down real ...off I can keep the engine running with the mower engaged then it is fine ... Riding mower cuts out
May 18, 2010
mower dies when I let off the clutch
Sep 19, 2008
pto on Cub Cadet will not stay engaged...
Apr 6, 2008
Craftsman Mower deck (clutch) Won't engage
Jul 1, 2006
More results from forums2.gardenweb.com

Carbon build up in engine or fouled sparkplug

If you are cutting to much grass this can happen or if the throttle control is not in fast speed (rabbit). If it is in slow speed (turtle) it will tend to die down in tall grass or wet grass. Good Luck...

not if is a 4 stroke engine not being bothered to include engine make , model year etc makes answering accurately.
you could even say the color of the smoke
so here is a generic answer ( 4 stroke )
it indicates that there is a problem in the needle and seat and there is no fuel flow control in the carby
if it is a 2 stroke with a carby --same problem
ordinary engine oil (20w-40) for 4 stroke sump) and special 2 stroke for 2 stroke engine

Check the fuel filter, air cleaner and muffler for plugging. Was the carburetor disassembled when soaked and did you use compressed air to blow out all passages? If the carburetor jet screws have been moved, preset them as follows: Turn both H and L screws CW to stops (lightly), then back out CCW each screw 1-1/2 turns. Start the engine and allow to warm up. Pull the throttle full on and adjust H CW until the engine speeds up somewhat but 4-stroking. Proper adjustment is when the engine 4-strokes, but immediately 2-strokes when cutting. Allow to idle and adjust L CW until the engine runs fairly well, but still allows the engine to 'follow the throttle'. Adjust idle speed screw so that chain stops turning, but the engine continues to run. Hope this helps!

check your gas tank cap, it is vented, if it gets clogged up fuel will not flow properly and engine dies of fuel starvation. By waiting a few minutes you have allowed the pressure to equalize in the tank enough to get enough fuel for engine to run.

How old is your mower ? Sounds like points and condensor if older model ,or ignition module if its newer , points tend to stick together when they get old causing no spark at plug when they cool they come appart allowing it to spark again , module is sort of the same except you have no way of replacing points you have to replace module .

if its a 2 stroke (gas oil mix) there is an air leak in the crank case. a new gaskit is in order