Got a 6.5hp Craftsman self propelled roatary mower. Starts easy. Thing runs great---when it runs. What happens is it goes along fine, mowing away, and suddenly, with no warning, quits. Let it sit a few minutes and it'll start right up again. It will do this repeatedly.
I'm thinking gas tank vent cap. However, I pulled it and took a look. The outside appears to have no vent hole anywhere on it. But, there is some kind of flapper valve thingee inside the gas cap.
Ideas, thoughts, suggestions ???
Got a 6.5hp Craftsman self propelled rotary mower. Starts easy. Thing runs great---when it runs. What happens is it goes along fine, mowing away, and suddenly, with no warning, quits. Let it sit a few minutes and it'll start right up again. It will do this repeatedly.
I'm thinking gas tank vent cap. However, I pulled it and took a look. The outside appears to have no vent hole anywhere on it. But, there is some kind of flapper valve thingee inside the gas cap.
Ideas, thoughts, suggestions ???
Loosen the gas cap and see if it still cuts off. That should tell you if you're on the right or wrong track. It does sound like a fuel starvation problem.
Exactly what my neighbor's lawn mower was doing. BTW, it is also a craftsman. He took it apart and found the magneto coil assy - supposed to be gapped very close to the spinning flywheel, but not touching - making contact with the flywheel. The mower would run while cold, and as soon as it warmed up it would quit. He'd let it set for 15-20 min and it would start right again up for a repeat performance. Apparently as the metal warmed and expanded this part would touch spinning flywheel and ground out. Used a piece of milk carton to set the gap, and it has been running ok since...Sounds like you too may have a thermal related issue going on with your mower. I would also try loosening the gas cap while running as suggested to eliminate a vacuum lock at the gas tank....
RB wrote:
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Ask the community — no account required