I have a craftsman 17.5 hp ohv 42 cut riding mower that will run for about 10 minutes while cutting and then just die but will start again in about 5 minutes or so. any idea why?

SOURCE: Craftsman 17.5 HP 42 in mower stops after approx 1/2 hour of use

Hello jon3208:

>>The Following is a Basic Instruction File I made for this. Any Input is Appreciated. I Usually Suggest you Check the Following in this Order for a Problem like yours. **CHANGE ANY SPRING STYLE HOSE CLAMPS TO THE SCREW STYLE HOSE CLAMPS*** 1- Check the Gas Tank Cap and Ensure it is Venting the Tank. A Vacuum Builds in the Tank and the Gas Flow Stops or Slows (15 to 45 Minutes and if the Small Grainular Sand is in the Tank it can Take Several Days of Constant Running to Bring All the Sand Particales to the Tank Outlet Port) to a Point it Shuts Off the Engine. 2- Operate the Equipment Until it Quits (15min to 1hr). Then Immediately Check for Fire from the Plug. If the Plug is Firing, then 3- Check the Carburetor Solenoid. If the Carburetor Shut Off Solenoid has Current, then Remove the Carburetor Solenoid and Go to the Hardware Store. Purchase a Bolt of the Same Diameter and Threads. It Needs to be 3/4" Long. Put this Bolt in Place of the Solenoid. If this Corrects the Engine Problem, then Replace the Solenoid. ***NOTE: THIS IS FOR CHECKING THE SOLENOID ONLY I NEVER SUGGEST YOU OPERATE THE ENGINE WITH THE SOLENOID OUT OF THE CARBURETOR EXCEPT FOR TESTING PURPOSES*** Sometimes the Plunger is Moving, Just Not Far Enough to Allow the Gas to Enter the Jets. 4- Depending on the Model Mower, it can Also be the Pickup Tube in the Gas Tank. If No Fire, then Remove the Shut Off Wire from the Coil and Check for Fire. If Still No Fire, then the Ign Module or Coil is Bad. **Even if the Coil is New of Fairly New, it can Still be Bad.** On JD Mowers; Remove the Igniter/Module and the Coil and have the Local JD Dealer Test them.
Please, Do Not Hesitate, If I Missed Something or you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance.
Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Be Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

jbridger (John)

SOURCE: 42'' cut LX2000 Craftsman riding mower

CLICK HERE to go to Sears' parts website
You will need the MODEL number to retrieve the parts list and manual.

If you need help - post the exact model # and I will give you direct links to the belt and manual.

Thanks for using FixYA - a 4 THUMBS rating is appreciated for answering your FREE question.

SOURCE: Craftsman 19.5hp 42 drive belt shredded

most likely the belt was put on the wrong side of the belt retainer clips on one of the two pullys. I've done the same thing more than once. Make sure on next belt there are no sharp edges touching anywhere and while engaged or not.

SOURCE: We need the electrical diagram for a 17 HP

this is as close as i can find.. take a look and see if you can use this diagram...good luck. go to page numbers 34 and 35
http://www.hammerwall.com/Download_Manual/18200/

SOURCE: I have a Craftsman Riding mower 17 HP, 42

same prob easy fix switch hoses long hose from tank to filter move it to carb side and put short side on tank buy new filter hard if they have it the soft filter is geting hot and colapsing in the hose. The filter to close to oil filter and geting to hot that was my prob anyway just took 4 ever to figuer it out