mower dies when put load on motor

I have a Craftsman rider with a 15hpOHV Kohler engine in it. I was mowing the yard and it was running fine. Then it just decided to die. It started back up just fine and it idles fine but when I go to put it in gear, it dies. It can be in gear and it will run as long as I have the clutch pushed in but the second I start to let the clutch out it dies. When in neutral and I try to engage the blades it just dies then too. What is going on here?

Correction: It will only stay started as long as I have the clutch engaged. Even in neutral it will only stay running as long as I have the clutch pushed in.

 

Your primary jet is plugged or the carb is not getting fuel to it. It could be in the filter or lines going to the carb. If it is in the carb = pull it apart and clean it.

On a partial blockage Sea Foam will do a lot of good, but it sounds like you're beyond that.

 

To me it sounds like the safety switch under the seat... It thinks you're not sitting on the seat... I don't know how to bypass them as I usually try to keep all the safety stuff working.... I'm sure the others will verify this for you.... Roger

 

I agree with Rodger the mower will not run without the clutch put in if you are not on the seat. Either the switch button is not being pushed down when you sit or it is bad.

 

Push the seat switch connector on tighter. It may need to be strapped on tighter. There is a switch down in the connector that will not work if it is no pulled tight, and it causes your problem.

 

I know what button under the seat your talking about. I don't know what your talking about when you say:

"There is a switch down in the connector that will not work if it is no pulled tight"

What connector and what switch?

 

As Cheese said in the connector for the seat safety switch there is another switch inside the connector to prevent it from starting if you disconnect the connector & jump it... Kinda a safety switch for the safety switch.... you may need to wire tie the switch & connecter together to depress this other switch... Roger

 

I removed the button from the bottom of the seat and unpluged it from the outlet. I then started it and let off the clutch and it died (as expected). I then plugged the button back in and put it back in place, started it and the let out on the clutch, it stayed started. What the heck just happened? I am glad but what the heck? Is the button got a short in it or is it just going bad?

 

It's the switch in the connector we've been telling you about. Look at it...you will see. Strap it to the switch so it stays tight. I don't know if you don't believe us or?....

 

Call me dumb or what ever you will but I am not sure of the switch/connector that your talking about. Where is it and how do I find it. Are you talking about the button that connects to the bottom of the seat?

 

It's the little thing connected to the bottom of the seat.

Those safety switches in the seat are little plunger jobs that separate contacts that ground the module to kill the engine. When they get messed up the plunger isn't separating them like it should from pressure of the rider in the seat.

If you take the plunger portion and strap it tight down into the connection for the wires, it'll separate the contacts and you're good to go/mow. You can use a plastic wire strap for it.

 

The switch under the seat has wires that come out to a plug. INside that plug is ANOTHER switch that senses if you pulled the safety switch off and acts as a back up to the seat switch, killing the motor. THAT"S the second switch they are talking about. The suggestion was be SURE that the plug is connected tight to keep the back up switch inside activated.

 

OK...I think I understand now. I know my cars but mowers is something that I am just now figuring out. I appreciate all of your help. Beer 4U2 Have one on me.

 

Try just cleaning the safety switch under the seat, that has worked for me in the past.