Question...Don't need another project

[kudzu3 323]

Looking at a charger 12, don't know what year, very clean, straight, garage kept condition with nice, clean mower deck. It's one of the nicest, original condition wh's I've ever seen (according to picture). Here's the problem...Owner says the engine runs for about thirty minutes and shuts off, and I just can't start another, time consuming project right now, such as an engine rebuild. Anybody have any thoughts on what would make it stop running, and what would it take to fix it? He's asking $500.00

[WHX?? 51,803]

Possibly a bad ignition coil, they have been known to heat up after running awhile then quit.

[daveoman1966 3,841]

If it has one,  replace the condenser....about a $5 item.  Sometime they fail when the engine reaches normal oper temp.

Its the little thingy bolted to the side terminal of the coil

[Don1977 605]

Could be the fuel pump as that one has the gas tank under the hood.

[Wheel-N-It 2,976]

Could be any of the above or the vent in the fuel tank is plugged, or it could be a loose wire. Could be any number of things but chances are good its only a small thing.

[Ed Kennell 42,076]

                                                                                                             

I agree, If it runs strong and doesn't smoke, It is probably an easy fix.    I would definitely check the hydro before buying it though.  It could be a bigger problem than the engine. 

The $500 isn't a bad price if everything is perfect, but the engine problem  is a good bargaining chip to get it much cheaper. 

[Wheel-N-It 2,976]

4 hours ago, Ed Kennell said:

                                                                                                             

I agree, If it runs strong and doesn't smoke, It is probably an easy fix.    I would definitely check the hydro before buying it though.  It could be a bigger problem than the engine. 

The $500 isn't a bad price if everything is perfect, but the engine problem  is a good bargaining chip to get it much cheaper. 

All of the above Kudzu, And we NEED some pics 

[kudzu3 323]

Thanks all for the good advise. It is a craigslist tractor, so I haven't actually seen it, other than pics. Supposedly, everything is good except for the engine shutting off problem. It appears to have been well cared for, even has the original seat, in great condition. I'm probably about a hundred miles away, so will have to bargain from a distance

[Tuneup 1,452]

I'd beat you to it if I knew my wife wouldn't leave me for obsessing over another Wheel Horse so you are a lucky dog! Go get it. If she runs for 30 minutes, there can't be anything too serious with the engine. Ellijay - lovely place.

[953 nut 60,133]

As others have said, fuel cap vent if it was replaced with wrong type cap, condenser, ignition coil in that order. Also, if ethanol fuel has been used the fuel line could be collapsing internally causing a cessation of fuel flow. All of these are merely deferred maintenance issues.