Craftsman Lawn tractor. Runs for about 20 minutes and then stops running. After it cool for 20 minutes it starts again. I have changed oil, spark lug, fuel

It's probably the safety cut off solenoid located on the bottom of the fuel bowl(if it has one) the coil heats up then fails, after it cools off it starts and will run again until it heats up again..... You can take it off and cut off the plunger, then re-install it(may get a backfire when you shut off mower) but it will run like the wind

My 2004 Craftsman LT2000 kept overheating and shutting off repeatedly. The time it would last got shorter and shorter. There were so many possible solutions on the Internet. I finally bought a new carburetor with fuel solenoid at the Sears Outlet store for $95. I changed it in less than an hour and it runs like brand new! I'm not sure which of the two parts was the problem, but they come as one unit.

I agree with Tony. Before I cut off the piston Unsrewed the Solenoid - and turned ignition key. The piston went in and out a couple times but then it stopped working so I knew there was an issue with the solenoid. I cut it! Runs like Tony said!

I'm sorry that you are having some difficulties with your Craftsman Lawn Tractor. I did a little research for you at Managemylife.com and found an expert answer to a similar question that may help until your expert can respond to your specific question. The link is attached below. If you decide to schedule service and have a qualified technician help you, I have also attached a link to Searshomeservices.com. I hope the links will help you resolve the problem yourself.

Thank you for your question.

I can understand your concern when the tractor dies after about 20 minutes.

The vapor lock they are referring is the vent in the gas cap is plugged.

If you replace the gas cap, that should cure your problem.

The part number for the gas cap is: 425162 and you can purchase it from:

Sears Parts Direct

.

To verify this is the problem when the tractor is about to die open the gas cap and see if it will keep running or will restart right away.

I hope this suggestion will resolve you problem.

Thank you for using Manage My Life.

I removed the gas cap and started the mower and let it run for about 5 minutes. I then left off the cap and ran it for about another 20 minutes and the same issue started with the " poping and over reving". In as much as I ran it without a cap, would that influence the issue?

Thanks.

Pat,
If the engine still has a problem with the fuel cap removed I recommend choking the engine a little when it starts to run rough. If it runs better choked the engine has a fuel system problem. This could be cause by dirt in the carburetor or a plugged filter. If you do not think fuel is not the problem, you have to determine if the engine has spark. To check the engine for spark remove the spark plug wire and insert a screwdriver into the boot. Make sure to hold the handle of the screwdriver and position the exposed metal portion of the screwdriver close to something metal on the engine. A bolt head will work well. Then try to start the engine. You should see a spark from the screwdriver to the bolt head. This mean the coil is good. If you do not see a spark most likely the coil need to be replaced. If you see a spark the problem is most likely fuel related. I hope this is helpful. If you need further assistance, please submit more details.

I have a Craftsman Model 917.274752 and experience a similar problem:
Yesterday I cut my lawn and logged the following.
The tractor started strong on a fresh tank of fuel and ran for 18 minutes then sputtered and died. I tried restarting, it would start for a second but act like it was running out of fuel. I allowed it to cool for about 20 minutes and it would restart but sounded like it was about to install until I engaged the mower deck and then it reved up to operating speed.
The tractor ran for about ten minutes and then died. I waited about 20 minutes and it would restart.
The tractor ran for seven minutes and then died...this continues until you get about three minutes of run time and then I left the tractor to cool for about an hour and the whole process started over again.
The tractor has the following:
- new oil filter and oil
- new air filter
- new fuel filter
- new spark plug
- new fuel cap
- all wiring has been thoroughly checked, no issues
- Coil tests okay
- Blinker fluid level okay (just kidding)

Tractor has been to Crumps who had it for three weeks, they said they ran it for an hour cutting grass and were unable to reproduce the symptoms described above.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

i have an old mtd garden tractor loaded with issues. reading these comments because i had a similar issue with my rider. i took the advice and pulled my fuel lines . the one leading to the gas tank had an elbow fitting and a down tube going into the gas tank. i found bugs and rust and i cleaned out the elbow and the down tube. if air can`t get through it neither will gas. i replaced the fuel line because it`s hard to get at and it was the original. if you have to run with the choke on a bit it`s probably something like this .the bugs move back and forth until they seat and cut off the fuel supply .then back pressure lets enough gas back in to run again. no way i would have found this problem without tracing the fuel lines because it was intermittent . the worst kind of bug a boos! hope this helps someone. also i switched over to straight gas because my old rider was gumming up and i had to clean the main jet on the carb ethanol turns into varnish and ruins many carbs with small ports and channels. it also ruins gaskets and seals. use straight gas you will pay more per gallon but you`ll save on repairs to your gas powered lawn stuff.good luck j.a.dianna

Is this forum and this specific question regarding riding mowers that stall out after operating for 20 minutes or so still being followed or discussed? Last entry looks about 3 years old. I am having this problem with my Craftsman 42" riding mower. New carb installed and mechanic wanting to replace coil. Anybody figure out a good answer to this problem?

Is this forum and this specific question regarding riding mowers that stall out after operating for 20 minutes or so still being followed or discussed? Last entry looks about 3 years old. I am having this problem with my Craftsman 42" riding mower. New carb installed and mechanic wanting to replace coil. Anybody figure out a good answer to this problem?