Riding lawnmower problem...

[tbeaun]

My riding lawn mower will start fine, run for about 100-200 feet & die. I have leave it sit for a while to restart & it will do the same thing. Checked the fuel filter & it's fine. The fuel is somewhat old so I added some stabil to it. Any ideas as to what may be the cause of the problem?

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: Riding lawnmower problem...

Float is sticking, fuel tank vent is plugged, intake manifold leaks??

 

[rwise]

Re: Riding lawnmower problem...

maybe water in the gas? change the fuel and clean the carb. At least mine will run if it starts!

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Riding lawnmower problem...

Brand, size, model? I have no idea what you're dealing with here, but if so-equipped I may suspect that a safety shut-off switch is malfunctioning. Also a bad coil and/or spark plug wire(s) is possible. <br /><br />When it dies, does it have spark? At least this will tell you whether it's fuel or ignition related.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Riding lawnmower problem...

Does it have a low oil switch?

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: Riding lawnmower problem...

Does it have a cut-off switch under the seat?

 

[deputydawg]

Re: Riding lawnmower problem...

most likely a plugged up carb. It will run until the dirt gets sucked into the port, probably float bowl. When it sits the dirt settles back down.<br /><br />Or depending on mak and model, could have a coil or electronic ignition module giving you fits.

 

[tbeaun]

Re: Riding lawnmower problem...

It is an MTD 8-hp, 6-speed, 30in. cut rider sold by Mastercraft, no model name. All the safety switches are connected as they should be (yes, there is a cut-off switch under the seat), don't know about the low oil switch but I just added oil before this happened. Will check for spark after it dies again & go completely through fuel system.

 

[jims plan b]

Re: Riding lawnmower problem...

my bet would be a fuel starvation problem ...float bowl fills up it will run untill dry then you have to wait for the bowl to fill again

 

[Wimperdink]

Re: Riding lawnmower problem...

Water in the bowl or what luckyjim said

 

[tbeaun]

Re: Riding lawnmower problem...

Thanx for the advice guys, very much appreciated!

 

[Solittle]

Re: Riding lawnmower problem...

When it dies check to see if the vent in the gas cap is open. Next check for spark. It should be bright blue and snap. If no or weak spark, change points & condenser if that type of ignition - if an electronic ignition pull the coil & take it to a lawnmower shop to be checked.

 

[BassMan283]

Re: Riding lawnmower problem...

For Stabil to do any good you have to add it to fresh gas. It won't restore old gas.