Engine shuts down during operation, cutting the lawn

Cindy, try running with gas cap off , if it runs OK then the caps vent hole is plugged, either try and clean vent hole or replace cap. It could also be a dirty carburetor which would need torn down and cleaned/rebuilt. Check the attached links,instruction and guides, Good luck
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Why Your Mower Won Start Mower Reviews Consumer Reports
Lawn Mower That Starts then Stalls
Lawn Mower Starts Then Stalls
Engine starts and then shuts down

follow this steps and fix it. God bless you

Carburetor

If the lawn mower engine stops after a few seconds, the carburetor might be clogged or have bad fuel in the float bowl. If old fuel was left in the lawn mower for a long time some of the volatile ingredients may have evaporated, leaving a thicker, stickier product that is more like varnish or shellac. This sticky fuel can clog up the small jets and ports in the carburetor and it can be difficult to burn allowing the engine to only run for a few seconds. The only solution is to drain the old fuel from the float bowl and thoroughly clean the carburetor with carburetor cleaner. If that isn't effective, replace the entire carburetor.

Carburetor Kit

If the engine stops after a few seconds it may not be getting enough fuel. The engine needs air, fuel and spark to maintain operation. The carburetor has two inputs, fuel from the gas tank and air through the air filter. The carburetor is designed to mix the air and fuel in a consistent ratio so that the engine can run continuously. If the carburetor is not getting enough air or fuel, or if the fuel is blocked inside the carburetor the engine stops after a few seconds. Rebuild the carburetor with this carburetor kit.

Gas Cap

If the lawn mower engine stops after a few seconds and then stops running, the gas cap might be defective. All gas caps have a small vent to allow air back into the tank when the engine is running - otherwise as gas is drawn from the tank it would create a vacuum. The vent can be difficult to see and there are many different types of vent. If loosening the gas cap a little allows the engine to stay running, replace the gas cap. It's sometimes possible to clean the vent, but on most newer engines the vent cannot be cleaned, it should be replaced.

Gas Cap with Gauge

If the lawn mower engine stops after a few seconds and then stops running, the gas cap with gauge might be defective. All gas caps have a small vent to allow air back into the tank when the engine is running - otherwise as gas is drawn from the tank it would create a vacuum. The vent can be difficult to see and there are many different types of vent. If loosening the gas cap a little allows the engine to stay running, replace the gas cap. It's sometimes possible to clean the vent, but on most newer engines the vent cannot be cleaned, it has to be replaced.

Old or Bad Gasoline

If the lawn mower stops after a few seconds, the carburetor might be clogged or have old or bad fuel in the float bowl. If old fuel was left in the lawn mower for a long time some of the volatile ingredients may have evaporated, leaving a thicker, stickier product that is more like varnish or shellac. This old or bad fuel can clog up the small jets and ports in the carburetor and it can be difficult to burn allowing the engine to only run for a few seconds. The only solution is to drain the old or bad fuel from the float bowl and thoroughly clean the carburetor with carburetor cleaner. If that isn't effective, replace the entire carburetor.

Spark Plug

If the lawn mower engine stops after a few seconds the spark plug might be defective. All small engines have an ignition coil. The coil is the device that provides spark for the spark plug(s). If the coil is bad there won't be spark to the plug(s). The coil is essentially a small, induction generator. It is mounted next to the flywheel. The flywheel has one or more strong, embedded magnets. As the flywheel spins, the magnet(s) zip past the induction coil, this action of a magnet passing past a coil induces a voltage. Depending on the design of the coil and the strength of the magnets, a stronger or weaker spark can be created and delivered to the spark plug(s). Each time the flywheel spins around a spark is generated. The best way to test a spark plug is to use a spark plug tester. The spark plug should have a strong, visible spark between the electrodes when the engine is cranking. If it doesn't, replace it.

Hi charlie
Hi
When your mower quits after it gets hot, you either have a problem with gas flow being restricted into the engine or with the spark. This is a common occurrence on older-model mowers. By replacing your spark plugs and keeping your gas lines clear you can reduce the chances of this problem recurring.
Possible Vapor Lock:
Vapor lock happens when excessive heat and vapors build up in the gas tank and aren't vented properly. Check for this problem the next time your saw dies when it's hot. Unscrew the gas cap, vent the gasses and try to restart your saw. If it starts you have vapor lock, and will need to carefully inspect the fuel tank's vent hole to see if it is plugged or damaged. Clean this hole with a brush and rag.

Possible Ignition Problems:
A common problem is an old or dirty spark plug. When the plug gets covered in black carbon the spark will have difficulty firing, especially when hot. You may also have a problem in the ignition module or the coil in the module. Again, run the mower until it quits and then squirt a little starter fluid into the open choke valve,
If it starts up you likely have a fuel system problem, but if it doesn't start, your ignition module or coil is likely almost finished.
Fuel Supply:
At certain times when the engine gets hot, the flow of fuel to the carburetor can get restricted. This can occur with a dirty fuel filter on the end of your main hose. The hose itself, when hot, can also lose its proper seal to the carburetor, restricting the flow. Replace your fuel filter and hoses on a regular basis, usually once a season. Try adjusting your carburetor's screws to see if you can richen the fuel mixture in the carburetor.
Other Problems:
A dirty or worn-out carburetor can also cause similar problems when hot. You should get your carburetor cleaned and serviced. Try installing a carb kit to older carburetors to help with the flow of fuel. A fuel pump inside the carburetor can also start failing and any warping in the diaphragms will also cause similar problems. You can check for a dirty carburetor by squirting a shot of carb cleaner into the open choke hole just after starting the engine. If you see a lot of thick, dark smoke pouring out the muffler, your carburetor is dirty.
Please take time to rate me
Bud

Hi
When your leaf blower quits after it gets hot, you either have a problem with gas flow being restricted into the engine or with the spark. This is a common occurrence on older-model leafblowers. By replacing your spark plugs and keeping your gas lines clear you can reduce the chances of this problem recurring.
Possible Vapor Lock:
Vapor lock happens when excessive heat and vapors build up in the gas tank and aren't vented properly. Check for this problem the next time your saw dies when it's hot. Unscrew the gas cap, vent the gasses and try to restart your blower. If it starts you have vapor lock, and will need to carefully inspect the fuel tank's vent hole to see if it is plugged or damaged. Clean this hole with a brush and rag.

Possible Ignition Problems:
A common problem is an old or dirty spark plug. When the plug gets covered in black carbon the spark will have difficulty firing, especially when hot. You may also have a problem in the ignition module or the coil in the module. Again, run the blower until it quits and then squirt a little starter fluid into the open choke valve, underneath the air filter. If it starts up you likely have a fuel system problem, but if it doesn't start, your ignition module or coil is likely almost finished.
Fuel Supply:
At certain times when the engine gets hot, the flow of fuel to the carburetor can get restricted. This can occur with a dirty fuel filter on the end of your main hose. The hose itself, when hot, can also lose its proper seal to the carburetor, restricting the flow. Replace your fuel filter and hoses on a regular basis, usually once a season. Try adjusting your carburetor's screws to see if you can richen the fuel mixture in the carburetor.
Other Problems:
A dirty or worn-out carburetor can also cause similar problems when hot. You should get your carburetor cleaned and serviced. Try installing a carb kit to older carburetors to help with the flow of fuel. A fuel pump inside the carburetor can also start failing and any warping in the diaphragms will also cause similar problems. You can check for a dirty carburetor by squirting a shot of carb cleaner into the open choke hole just after starting the engine. If you see a lot of thick, dark smoke pouring out the muffler, your carburetor is dirty.
Please take time to rate me
Bud

Hi,

It is probably electrical because it goes away when it cools down. First you should diagnose if it is a fuel or ignition fault. When the car is dead, see if you are getting fuel and spark to the cylinders: remove a spark plug, but leave it on the wire and rest the plug threads on a metal part on the engine, and have someone crank the engine - look for a spark. Do not hold the spark plug or you can get a shock.

If you are getting no spark, the problem is the ignition control module which is located under the distributor cap - the round plastic piece from which the spark plug wires run.

With the plug out, you can also smell the spark plug hole. There should be a fuel smell. If not, suspect the fuel pump relay.

Hello dalefan829:

>>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. 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)