I am a homeowner with a 12 year old Scag Turf Tiger with a 25 hp Koehler engine. My problem started a couple of weeks ago. The mower starts and runs find for about a half hour then it acts like it is running out of gas. I can restart right away but it dies after a few minutes. If I let it cool for about an hour I can start it up and it will run for about twenty minutes before cutting out. This has been going on for a couple of weeks know with the same exact results.
Anyone with a remedy?
Maybe it actually is "running out of gas" and possibly the vent in the fuel tank cap is plugged. A simple way to verify this condition is to unscrew the tank cap a turn or so and try starting the engine. If the problem goes away then you know the cap vent is plugged, if the problem still exists then you need to keep looking. I have some more areas for you to check but lets start by you telling us a little more like what are the engine numbers and what have you already checked/verified/replaced to remedy the issue?
We start by eliminating either fuel or spark.
To do this you need a can or starter fluid and a spark tester and if it is a twin, lash out , spend the exrea $ 4.00 & buy 2 inline plug testers.
Fit the testers so you can easily see them then go mow.
The instant it stops check for spark and run the engine while you wach the plug testers.
If they contine to glow after the engine stops going bang then you have a fuel supply problem.
Verfy this with the starting fluid. Afeter it stops give the engine some short shots of starter fluid.
If you can keep it running longer than it normally would on it's second breath, then fuel is confirmed.
If they go out simultaneously with the engine shutting down, you have an electricial problem.
Considering the age of the mower, check fuel delivery from the fuel tank outlet all he way to the carb.
Try Jerry rigging up an alternate fuel tank above ( higher ) than your engine.
Oer time a lot of crud gets into the tank & forms a plug at the outlet.
Fairly common on older mowers.
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