AboutEric A. Jones Expertise Lawnmower Repair . Certified Master Service Technician from B&S. Have 13 years experience on B&S, Lawn Chief, Weed Eater, Echo, Peerless, Wheel Horse, Snapper, Atlas, MTD, McCulloch, Homelite and many other numerous brands. Specialize in electrical repair.
Experience Born and raised in the midwest. Started tinkering with engines when I was about 14 on my Suzuki RM-80. I began lawn mower repair at a small hardware store. I knew absolutely nothing. I read lots of repair manuals and met an older fellow who taught me many lessons. I continued working on small engines through high school and paid my way through college working on mowers at the same hardware store. Decided to get away from the midwest and mower repair so I joined the Air Force. I repaired air traffic control electronic equipment and ended up in Hawaii where I got a part time job at Small Engine Clinic. I gained a lot of experience from the Small Engine Clinic and had a blast repairing small engines. I then took the Briggs and Stratton Master Service Technician test and earned my MST. I then traveled to Wisconsin where I attended the factory update training seminar and received formal training. I received a scholarship from the Air Force and am currently pursuing another degree.
Question I just bought a used Sears Craftman 19hp, 42" cut mower. It is in very good condition and looks to be only a few years old, which is what the man said when I bought it. I tried to Email Sears to try to find out exactly how old it is by the Model/Serial Number, but they wanted to refer me to a local Sears for service, which I don't want. The problem I am having is this: I can cut for about 30 minutes and then the engine starts to act like it is running out of gas. Revving up and then almost stopping and then back to revving up. At some times it will actually cut off, but restarts when the key is turned. I went yesterday and got 2 new plugs and a new fuel filter, which the old ones did not look that bad, but haven't gotten to try it yet. The tank is full of gas and was almost full when I bought it. You think it could be water in the tank? I thought about that, but normally what I have found with water in the tank was that as the tank got almost empty, that's when it ran the worst. I'll inclosed the Model/Serial number just in case you have a way of telling how old it really is. Model # 917270781. Serial #021199D015141. I would very much appreciate your input on this and Thnx!
Answer Try the plugs first. Also, check the intake manifold bolts to see if they are loose. I'd also check the fuel pump line to the engine block. The ends may be swelling/expanding when the engine is warm preventing the fuel pump from working.
