My John Deere 38 STX lawn tractor has started and issue in the last month of "stalling out"! Each time, I was able to start it again and it would run. I changed the ignition module a few months back and it ran really good for a long time. This "stalling thing" is just recently. After it stalled the first few times, I replaced the fuel filter and again, it seemed to run fine after that. Then it stalled again. I noticed "bubbles" in the fuel filter, and I opened the gas tank and then it was like the fuel started to flow in the filter and the bubbles went away. Today, it started to stall again so with the engine running, I lifted the hood and opened the gas tank and the engine came out of the stall. It tried a few times after that to stall, this time as I tried to climb a hill with the tractor. Is the new fuel filter to restrictive? I need some help here. If anyone has an idea what it might be, I would really appreciate your advice. Thanks.

 

I have heard of problems with restrictive fuel filters on kohler engines, but I'm not sure I've run into it myself. If your gas cap vent is clogged, it will cause this problem.

 

I am working on my neighbors STX 38 as we speak and his has an intermittent ignition module for which I wait a new part.

Another reason for your problem is the vent hole in the gas cap and from what you describe, it does seem as if this is your problem. Take a paper clip and clear it out and you may be back in business.