Two-year old, top-of-the-line Craftsman riding mower conks out with a half-tank left

[Anonymous]

First saw this symptom last Fall. Had it serviced this Spring. Serviceman could not hang around long enough to see it fail. I can't find any constriction in the fuel line. Is the engine over-heating, or what?

[Anonymous]

so once it gets to 1/2 tank.

after it cools down will it start and run. IE doe it need to have a full tank to run.

If it won't run after it gets to 1/2 a tank. even the next day I'd say you have a fuel pressure problem.

and at a full tank, there is enough fuel in the tank to help the fuel pump keep up with the engines demand. but once it gets below 1/2 its loosing the battle.

most riding mower have a fuel pump thats operated via the crank case pressure. looks like this https://www.amazon.com/CRAFTSMAN-RIDING-BRIGGS-STRATTON-REPLACEMENT/dp/B01I85TG9Y/ref=asc_df_B01I85TG9Y/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241885289460&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=398210105582602102&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1027027&hvtargid=pla-409610154873&psc=1

between that and the fuel filter would be my trouble shooting go to....

now if the mower will start and run just fine on 1/2 of a tank after its cooled down, but maybe you are getting some vapor lock from the heat of the engine..

[Anonymous]

Thank you. It does not start up again after it cools down; it is necessary for me to top it off and then give it a rest. I have to believe my problem is related to fuel pressure, as you suggest. My current work-around is to ride some, top it off with more fuel, use my push mower for edging until it runs completely out of gas, and then try the riding mower again. At the very least, next year when I have the rider serviced again I will sound more like I know something. However, I really want to fix it soon because Fall is right around the corner and I have in the past hooked a cart up to the rider and used the combination to move wood from my woodlot to my yard for splitting.

[Anonymous]

if you are the least bit mechanically inclined the fuel pump is usually only held on by hose clamps and a screw or two. Id bet money that you could find a generic pump at home depot or lowes for less that 15 bucks.

So on the fuel pump, there are three hoses. one hose runs from the pump to the engine crankcase. the other two hoses, one will go to the fuel tank and the other will go to the carburetor. if the pump is working, maybe the hose from the engine crankcase to the pump is leaking. or a loose hose clamp. being two years old, the hose is not likley to be dry rotted.

the worst part of the job is making sure the fuel in the tank doesn't drain out all over the place when you take the hoses off the pump. a golf tee works well. you'll get some spillage, but if you are quick with shoving the tee in the end of the hose, minimal mess.

[Anonymous]

Thank you again. No leak. No exterior wear and tear. I'll try to replace it on Saturday.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you again. No leak. No exterior wear and tear. I'll try to replace it on Saturday.

good luck

make sure you are parked over a concrete surface or have some towels and stuff around as you will likely spill some fuel, and you don't want to spill fuel in the dirt or on your lawn.