Export thread

This engine is on a 48" Craftsman GT5000 garden tractor. While mowing, it will lower the RPMs and lose a little power for about 5 seconds, then ramp right back up to full throttle. The mower still cuts and drives when it does this, but it is a nuisance. It does it about every 5 minutes or so while mowing, and it does not matter if it is going up a slope, down a slope, or on level terrain. The engine has been completely serviced, new spark plugs, oil, oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter. It also had an accelerator pump gasket/diaphragm replaced in the carburetor, and at that time the carb was completely cleaned. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I am wondering if you are loosing spark on one cylinder for short periods of time.

ILENGINE said:

I am wondering if you are loosing spark on one cylinder for short periods of time.

Click to expand...

Ah, I hadn't thought of that. I wonder how I could check it the instant it acts up?

It is called "inline Spark Tester.

That's probably something I need to invest in...

I would probably be thinking when did I last change the spark plugs, fuel and air filter.

mcdonell said:

I would probably be thinking when did I last change the spark plugs, fuel and air filter.

Click to expand...

2 months ago, right before the season began

jakesmurray said:

2 months ago, right before the season began

Click to expand...

Sorry I missed that in your original post.

It does sound like a fuel issue to me. I might see what a little Seafoam in the fuel would do. Also I might check the fuel cap vent.

I have a 4 yr old 48" Craftsman so I am interested to see what you find out.

Good luck.

No problem, I'll update this thread with what I find... :thumbsup:

Does it do it right away or after motor warms up?

Once it warms up. We haven't been using this machine lately, as we had a couple deck pulleys go out. We will get it back together and see how she runs then. :thumbsup:

ILENGINE said:

I am wondering if you are loosing spark on one cylinder for short periods of time.

Click to expand...

You hit the nail on the head. We pulled the left coil wire off and ran it only on the right cylinder. The engine died in about 5 minutes. Then we put the coil wire back on the left side and pulled the right one. It ran fine and never died. Put a new coil on the right side yesterday and now the engine runs perfectly. :thumbsup:

Thanks Jake for letting us know that you got it repaired, and what the problem was.