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New to forum. Have a Scotts by John Deere 17 hp Briggs and Stratton engine, 42-inch cut riding mower. Started off mowing yesterday fine, worked 1/2 hour, then engine seems like it's straining and then shuts off. Wants to start back up but runs only 1 or 2 seconds. Let it sit for 2 to 5 minutes and will start and run for about 10 minutes then shuts off. Repeats the process now. I've replaced fuel filter, checked wire connections, checked vent holes in gas cap to make sure they're clog-free, checked spark plug wire. Is there a relay or switch that could be bad? Something to do with safety switch somewhere or mower engagement? Thanks for any assistance anyone can give.

I have a JD 135 and I'm having the same problem. Fuel filter, fuel pump and air filter has been changed but I still have the same problem. The mower will run about 45 minutes and then just shuts off. I wait about 30 minutes before it will start. What's my problem?

To both of you, the next time it stops immediately check for spark. No spark means time to replace the coil.

135 is a twin cylinder not likely both coils **** out at the same time......gas cap is prolly plugged, the other on 17 hp is a single cylinder if I'm not mistaken that's prolly the coil...

There is a common kill wire which could be shorting out both coils. Have seen this more than once.

I've seen that happen too, just saying its not very common. If that diode burns out on the 100 series deere riders it does the same thing too

pile81 said:

I've seen that happen too, just saying its not very common. If that diode burns out on the 100 series deere riders it does the same thing too

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Thanks to all that replied.

hitechgarb said:

Thanks to all that replied.

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i have very similar problem on my lx178..Cranks good runs short time and cuts off. Where is the diode your talking about? If i replace coil and a wire is shorting them both will not the short be ther on the new coils? I have new fuel pump and clean new gas..

Unless you have a battery ignition system, which I doubt, the diode which is in the charging system has no effect on the ignition system. Have you checked for spark when the engine quits, as I posted earlier?

Yeah that diode is on the 100 series duno if its on the scotts and it causes a no run.....not run and shut down.....

i replaced spark plugs and verified spark just after it cut off on re start. It still cuts off after a couple of minutes running. cuts off with and without blade engaged.
I think no diode on this model. Battery seems to maintain charge as it turns engine well after cut off.


Any other ideas?

Try pulling the fuel line off at the fuel pump on the outlet side when it dies and crank, see if fuel is coming out....

Post all engine model, type and code numbers so we can see what you are talking about.

engine stops.. pulled output of fuel pump and gas squirts out ample supply.. what about carburator? should i pull it?

ample out put from fuel pump.. removed base of carb and all ok in there.

when it cuts off , i can immediately restart another two min.

with feathering choke i can keep it in a rough running after cut off.. like it runs with choke but not with choke.

hwr said:

i replaced spark plugs and verified spark just after it cut off on re start. It still cuts off after a couple of minutes running. cuts off with and without blade engaged.
I think no diode on this model. Battery seems to maintain charge as it turns engine well after cut off.


Any other ideas?

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All - I replaced the gas cap and got a new battery. Still the same result, run 10 minutes while the blades were in gear and then shut off. I had a local small engine mechanic look at my mower. For my problem it was the fuel solinoid into which my gas line flows before the gas reaches the carb. It was sticking. So far it's back up and running.

Her, have the carb ultrasonically cleaned and rebuild with a new float needle and seat.

not eoough gas getting in carb.. bowel would fill;crank and run for few min. Then become gas starved as the input to the carb was partially blocked.
Carb and flot valve must be very carefully handled and reassembled. works fine now.

i have seen a youtube that someone had the same problem with the 2 coil system. it was a kohler engine, but the part # would cross over to a briggs #. both the youtube and the part # are some where around my shop. they have a new wire setup the had the diode's built into it for the 2 coil system. jacks small engine does carry it for about $12. we replaced the old one with the new wires on a snapper that had the same problem, and it started working right, funny thing about it, it even sounded like a smoother running engine.

Just joined the Forum this morning and looking for help--I have a 1989 John Deere 240 Lawn Tractor that my Dad bought before his death so it has extremely high sentimental value. Always garaged--well maintained and waxed (I said it had extremely high sentimental value) so it looks almost new. Problem is just like other owners in this thread describe--it will run 45 mins or so, begin to lose power when the mower is engaged and/or going up an incline and finally just die. I can let it sit for 20-30 mins and it fires back up but repeats the cycle in somewhat less time. This only happens in warmer weather; I can run it all day in the fall and early spring with no problems. I have had it to two John Deere dealers and they have run out of ideas. We've replaced filters, carb, spark plug, Kawasaki module (17 hp Kawasaki engine), coil, removed and checked/cleaned the fuel cap,fuel tank and blown out the fuel lines. This is the third summer that I've been chasing this gremlin so I'm really grasping at straws. The only thing that hasn't been replaced according to the JD service managers is the fuel pump but they don't believe that's the problem. The owner who replaced the fuel solenoid and it corrected his problem makes me wonder if that could solve my issue. I just keep pumping money into this lawn tractor but since it's one of the few tangible memories of my Dad, I just need to keep looking. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

hitechgarb said:

All - I replaced the gas cap and got a new battery. Still the same result, run 10 minutes while the blades were in gear and then shut off. I had a local small engine mechanic look at my mower. For my problem it was the fuel solinoid into which my gas line flows before the gas reaches the carb. It was sticking. So far it's back up and running.

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New member here. Just picked up my first rider (Scotts John Deere 1742). Same issue here, stalls after a few minutes of mowing. So it might be the fuel soleniod? Is it hard to replace?

mge_1 said:

New member here. Just picked up my first rider (Scotts John Deere 1742). Same issue here, stalls after a few minutes of mowing. So it might be the fuel soleniod? Is it hard to replace?

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All is well. Replaced spark plug and it runs awesome now.