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My LA150 stops running after about 30 minutes. The engine starts fine, runs fine (for 30 or so minutes) and then it just dies down, picks back up a little bit, dies down a little more, picks back up a little bit, then dies down (wash rinse repeat for about 2 minutes until it quits for good). i can play with the choke a little bit to get an extra 2 minutes of life as i race back to the shed. i have replaced the fuel filter, air filter and spark plugs. one thing i did notice today, now that my fuel filter is clear again, it is dry inside............ I have followed the fuel line but can't find any noticeable leaks. help? please? anyone?

To me that sounds just like the vent hole in the gas cap is plugged. As gas is removed from the tank, and slight vacuum is pulled if that vent is not open. I can see it taking 30 minutes or so for that to happen.....not to mention you said you can use the choke to get it to run a little longer and your fuel filter is dry. Next time it starts acting up, quickly loosen or remove the gas cap to see if the engine smooths out. I would not suggest doing this with a full tank of gas, but rather less than 1/2 full.

mullins87 said:

To me that sounds just like the vent hole in the gas cap is plugged. As gas is removed from the tank, and slight vacuum is pulled if that vent is not open. I can see it taking 30 minutes or so for that to happen.....not to mention you said you can use the choke to get it to run a little longer and your fuel filter is dry. Next time it starts acting up, quickly loosen or remove the gas cap to see if the engine smooths out. I would not suggest doing this with a full tank of gas, but rather less than 1/2 full.

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you my friend, may be a genius. i just went outside and checked the cap. low and behold it had mud plug. so unscrewed it and woosh.... in went the air. then it fired right up. unfortunately my neighbors may be a bit disappointed (to put it nicely) if i decide to mow my lawn for half an hour at 10pm to see if it is indeed the whole problem. BUT i will be mowing tomorrow and will report back. i am going to go with your answer is correct though. thank you VERY much in advance!!!

Don't for a moment think I had the original idea of the plugged vent hole, that idea came to me years ago from some very knowledgable mechanics for locally and on sites like this one. However, if you want to continue to think of me as a genius, then go right ahead!!

you can credit who you want. i just ran through a complete tank of gas and it is running like a dream. so i am giving the credit to you!! thank you very much!!

Glad I could help.:biggrin:

I have a JD 135 with this problem. Can someone please tell me where the vent hole is located so I can check it?

I have a JD 135 with this problem. Can someone please tell me where the vent hole is located so I can check it?

there is a little hole the size of a pen point in the top of the gas cap.

darlin said:

I have a JD 135 with this problem. Can someone please tell me where the vent hole is located so I can check it?

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In the center of the fuel cap. As gas leaves the tank it has to allow air to come inside the tank to fill the void.

It's like one of those new gas cans that everybody hates with no vent...

Biltzzkreeg said:

there is a little hole the size of a pen point in the top of the gas cap.

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Thanks, I hope this solves my problem.

BBO said:

In the center of the fuel cap. As gas leaves the tank it has to allow air to come inside the tank to fill the void.

It's like one of those new gas cans that everybody hates with no vent...

Click to expand...

Thanks, hope this solves my problem.