MrDavitron 0 #1 Posted July 20 This is my first wheel horse, bought it used a few years ago. It’s worked fine for the last two summers, but lately every time I use it it dies after about 15 minutes. I’ve changed out all the fuel hoses, the fuel filter, the fuel pump. I’ve cleaned the carburetor a few times. I’ve also cleaned the fuel cap vents. The spark plug is good and has good spark. I’ve taken off the engine shroud and made sure the whole thing is cleaned very well, no mouse nests or built up grass in there. Oil level is also good. At this point, I’m kind of at a loss, it starts up and mows great for about 15 minutes, then dies and won’t start again. I’ve read some comments about the coil possibly needing to be replaced, I could do that next, but I’m coming here for some advice. Thanks everyone in advance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 7,817 #2 Posted July 20 Have a new spark plug at the ready to check spark immediately after it shuts down. Just slip the spark plug wire on the new plug and ground the threaded end against a metal part of the engine, you should open the plug gap to about ten thousandths more than specification. Ignition modules and coils can become temperature sensitive and quit at high temperatures then return to normal after they cool a bit. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MrDavitron 0 #3 Posted July 20 Thanks! I’ll give that a try next time. It definitely sounds like a fuel issue. The way it does sounds like it’s running out of gas, and bringing the choke on a bit will keep it running for another 30 secs or so. Sure seems like it could be a vapor lock issue no? I tried to clear the vents in the cap, maybe I should order a new one to be safe? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 18,091 #4 Posted July 20 31 minutes ago, MrDavitron said: I tried to clear the vents in the cap, maybe I should order a new one to be safe? Try running it without the cap or the cap loose enough to vent the tank. That would verify if the cap vent is the issue. There could also be debris inside the tank which clogs the screen 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,482 #5 Posted July 21 Wonder if it could use a valve adjustment? A tight valve when heated up might not be closing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John c 93 #6 Posted July 23 There could also be debris inside the tank which clogs the screen I've had that very same thing happen to mine, and it did the same thing as yours is doing 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
