w position prior to emptying the grass containers. It also runs a little rough and backfires occasionally when moving the throttle from slow to the run position. I must lift the hood and move the tractor into the shade for 15-30 minutes before it will restart. The tractor has run well for years, this is a recent issue. I have changed the spark plug.

When the engine is first started (cold) started, I can move the throttle to the slow position and the engine will run normally.

Thanks for your help,

Larry
20 hp 42 in. Deck Lawn Tractor – CA Model

Experienced gardeners share their insights in answering this question :
It seems like the valves are not working too well, backfire indicates that the valve is not closing properly and the fuel is getting pushed past the the valve and igniting in the hot exahaust pipe. It is possible that this tracktor is overdue for an oil change, an oil change would prevent damage to the valves and help cool the engine. I think your problem could be due to low oil level either currently or in the recent past.

As you explained it runs normally on a cold start and then gives troubles as it gets hotter, I think it is overheating and new oil will help keep it cool and get it running smoothly. However it is possible that the valves are damaged slightly, this is confirmed if the tracktor is low on power.

I think it might also be possible that the carberator is a bit stuck/gummy. Clean out the carberator and airfilter.

Take care!
damnor01

How to Identify and Fix Common Gardening Problems ?

We provide a variety of viewpoints on how to identify and fix common gardening problems. Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced gardeners :

A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the lawn mower for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and cause the engine to stall.
Loose, Dirty or Disconnected Spark Plug in Your Lawn Mower: Check it out, clean off debris, re-connect and tighten. Dirty Air Filter: Clean or replace. Fuel Not Reaching the Engine: Tap the side of the carburetor to help the flow of gas. If this doesn`t work, you might need a new fuel filter.
Replace dirty or clogged fuel filter. Replace old gas with fresh gas (properly dispose of old gas). Check oil level and add if low. Adjust cutting height of mower before cutting tall grass.
You Lose Power in the Middle of Mowing:

Here`s why this happens and what you can do: Dirty Air Filter on Your Lawn Mower: Clean or replace. Dirty Spark Plug: Clean or replace. Build Up of Clippings & Debris: Clean underside of your lawn mower deck as noted above.

A full gas tank and oil reservoir are the essential first steps when checking why the lawn mower won`t stay running, but the problem could also be a dirty filter, clogged carburetor, improper fuel mixture, or a dirty spark plug.
As the fuel level drops, a vacuum begins to form in the fuel tank because air can get in to fill the space the consumed fuel occupied. After about 10 or 15 minutes, the vacuum will become strong enough that fuel will stop flowing to the carburetor and the lawnmower will die.
A Dirty Carburetor Can Cause a Lawnmower To Start Then Die

By far, the most common issue that causes a stalled motor is a dirty carburetor. The carburetor on your engine is the thing that draws in air and mixes it with the fuel. Contrary to what the movies might make you think, gasoline itself is not very flammable.

A Dirty Carburetor Can Cause a Lawnmower To Start Then Die

By far, the most common issue that causes a stalled motor is a dirty carburetor. The carburetor on your engine is the thing that draws in air and mixes it with the fuel. Contrary to what the movies might make you think, gasoline itself is not very flammable.

Discover Relevant Questions and Answers for Your Specific Issue

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

I have a Craftsman Model 917,272751,18 hp lawn tractor. Problem: the engine shuts down and will not restart when I move the throttle to the slow position prior to emptying the grass containers. It also runs a little rough and backfires occasionally when moving the throttle from slow to the run position. I must lift the hood and move the tractor into the shade for 15-30 minutes before it will restart. The tractor has run well for years, this is a recent issue. I have changed the spark plug.

When the engine is first started (cold) started, I can move the throttle to the slow position and the engine will run normally.

Thanks for your help,

Larry

ANSWER : It seems like the valves are not working too well, backfire indicates that the valve is not closing properly and the fuel is getting pushed past the the valve and igniting in the hot exahaust pipe. It is possible that this tracktor is overdue for an oil change, an oil change would prevent damage to the valves and help cool the engine. I think your problem could be due to low oil level either currently or in the recent past.

As you explained it runs normally on a cold start and then gives troubles as it gets hotter, I think it is overheating and new oil will help keep it cool and get it running smoothly. However it is possible that the valves are damaged slightly, this is confirmed if the tracktor is low on power.

I think it might also be possible that the carberator is a bit stuck/gummy. Clean out the carberator and airfilter.

Take care!
damnor01

I have a Crafstman Riding mower model #917.273643. That ran fine one second, I shut it off for five minutes. When I went to start it back up it wouldn’t start. Cranks fine, checked the wires, fuse, and spark plug. The plug was dirty so I cleaned it. But I am not getting any spark. I bought a new plug still no spark. I also checked the plug on another motor and I had spark so the plug wasn’t bad. Any suggestions on how to troubleshoot this or what may be wrong?
ANSWER : Sounds like your coil went bad

13.5 hp craftsman runs rough hard to start – Craftsman 17.5 hp 42 in. Deck Lawn Tractor – CA Model
ANSWER : Clean the carb jets

I have problem with pulles an my craftsman 17 hp 42in
ANSWER : YOU MUST USE SEARS BELTS ! THERE A ODD SIZE

How do i install a mulching plug on my craftsman lawn tractor?
ANSWER : It covers the hole on the deck

Mower runs for about 5 min, than dies won’t restart . When cool start up ( craftsman 42 in deck 19.5 hp lawn tractor )
ANSWER : Check for spark when it dies you could have a bad coil

Can’t get front wheel back on lawn tractor
ANSWER : Grease your shaft and make sure you have no dirt on it, even dust can hinder getting it on right.

My 42 in Craftsman Tractor will not start. It normally runs great. I went to start it the other day and it ran for about 5 seconds before shutting down. It felt like it was getting no fuel. Any Suggestions?
ANSWER : Try and run it with the gas cap loose the vent could be plugged also see if it cuts out while keeping you foot on the brake and its just a bad safety switch shutting it off