Hello all, been a while. I have my daughters Troy-Bilt push mower and it won’t run. Starts and mows for maybe a few passes then surges and then dies shortly after. Here is how I got it and what I have done to troubleshoot. Once I got it home to look at it . There was no possible way it was going to start. *water in last years fuel *way too much oil it the crankcase *fouled plug *clogged main jet in carb *blunt blade Here is what I did Drain fuel and oil. Put proper amount of oil in engine. After draining fuel I checked fuel filter, lines and tank, then filled with non-ethanol high test gas. Replaced with new NPG plug with .030 gap. Removed and cleaned carb then reinstalled. Sharpened blade. When I started it, it cranked but would not run. Gas cap not venting so I corrected that and it now starts and runs for 8 to 10 min then begins to surge and cuts off. It has to cool before it will start again. Same results. Is this a bad coil that is failing when it gets hot? I have since tried disconnecting the auto shutoff sensor to the coil/magneto and get same results. Runs smooth and sounds good for several minutes then starts hunting and stalls. I have gone online and ordered a new coil $15 and a replacement gas cap. Thanks for any consideration. Sevenal

Please help, save me a lot of money. My husband doesn't like to use the rider & I want to give it to my recently divorced daughter. It has set in the shed for the last 4 years with very little use. Now when you start it, oil is blowing out of the exhaust & will not continue to run. Any ideas? Thanks to all that help. Cricket54