Craftsman Intek

I have a Craftsman lawn tractor, LT2000, 18hp OHV Intek, Briggs & Stratton, model# 917.273752. Just recently the tractor shuts down for no apparent reason while in use. It can be restarted immediately and will run for another 15-20 minutes, sometimes longer, and then just shuts down again. The engine runs smooth when in use. No missing or backfires. No loss of power while blades are engaged.

Replaced fuel filter, oil filter, oil, air filter and spark plug. Engine is clean.

It seems this started right after a run-in with 2-3 inches of cottonwood tree seeds (summer snow). I had to keep stopping to clean the screen above the cooling fins. It was after that, that I again changed out all of the filters.

Appreciate any help... Thanks!

 

have you checked that the fuel cap venting is open

 

Thanks for the reply 38racing. Yes, the gas cap was one of the first things I checked. Also the first couple of times out this season I had no problems, so the tractor has been through a couple of tanks of fresh gas too. Still stumped...

 

Have you checked the cooling fins of the engine under the shroud. If plugged it could still be getting hot.
Kinda hard to chase a goblin unless it hangs around long enough to be found.
If it does stop for any amount of time I would verify you have spark first.

 

BFHFixit, Thanks for the comeback. I did remove the shroud and screen, inspected the cooling fins and the engine fins. They were clean except for light dust that I blew clean with an air hose. As for spark, the plug is new and like I first mentioned, the tractor starts right back up without hesitation. I'm guessing it's a fuel delivery problem. Just haven't figured out where.

Thanks again!