It's my first time on here and I have read some other comments on lawn tractors shutting off after about 10 minutes of cutting. I have a LT 4200 lawn tractor that is running and cutting for about 10 minutes then just shuts off. After it shuts off I try cranking it again and after about three tries at cranking I can hear that start which to me sounds like it's not getting enough juice from the battery. The engine is a Powermore 420 cc. Does this particular engine run off the battery after it is cranked? I don't believe it does, but I am not good on small engine diagnostics.
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I would clean the carburetor first and see what happens.
Same problem.. Punched a hole in my gas cap. Problem solved.
If you have left gas in your engine after use this will cause a gunk build up in the engine and gas. It appears that the gunk has entered into your carburetor now. This needs to be cleaned. Your battery is draining because of trying to start this mower several times.
I had one do this too.
it turned out to be the switch under the seat, I just cleaned it and now it works fine.
Cleaning your mower carburetor and removing all gas from your tank/mower sound easy - right??
Well if, as you say, you may not be very good on small engine diagnostics then either of these tasks may not be very easy for you. Note: Huskee mowers are made by MTD for Tractor Supply so most likely you can call your local Sears Service Center for help or for any parts you need (at least as a comparison price).
Check the coil: may need replacing. When the coil cools off, it will start again, then when it is hot again, it will shut off. Spray carburetor cleaner in the carburetor.
Old or Bad Gasoline
The carburetor might be clogged. A clogged carburetor is most commonly caused by leaving fuel in the lawn mower for a long period of time. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. This sticky fuel can clog up the carburetor and cause the engine to stall. If the carburetor is clogged, try cleaning it with carburetor cleaner. If cleaning the carburetor isnt effective, rebuild or replace the entire carburetor. Check videos on youtube for repairing the carburetor for your mower (you will need a complete rebuild kit).
Old or Bad Gasoline
remove all fuel - easiest way is with a hand-powered siphon pump.Check videos on youtube for your mower.
Fuel Cap
As fuel is consumed by the engine, the level in the fuel tank lowers. To make up for this, the fuel cap uses a small vent to allow air to enter the tank. If the fuel cap vent is clogged, air wont be able to enter the tank and a vacuum or vapor lock will occur. This stops the flow of fuel to the carburetor causing the engine to stall. To determine if the fuel cap vent is clogged, try slightly loosening the cap and then starting the engine. If loosening the fuel cap allows the engine to stay running it is likely clogged and will need to be replaced.
Spark Plug
Inspect the spark plug for signs of wear or damage. If the porcelain insulator is cracked, an electrode is burned away or damaged, or there is heavy carbon buildup at the electrode, replace the spark plug. Unscrew the plug and see if there is carbon residue or debris around the electrode. If so, you can clean it with an old toothbrush. However, do know that most lawnmower manuals recommend replacing the spark plug every year.
Here are some links that might help you to get started.
www.searspartsdirect.com/
This is an interesting link to read sometime.
www.consumeraffairs.com/
Thanks for the links. So with the possible either bad gas or dirty carb, wouldn't it sputter to a stop? It sounded to me at first the safety switch on the seat was causing it. Didn't work, but it doesn't sputter to a stall it just suddenly shuts off.
Clean tank, new gas, new carburetor, new battery. Worked fine for 6 weeks, then it cut off after use. Starts back up after cooling down. Now it has cut off and nothing happens when I turn the key. Help please!
Huskee LT4200 model sometimes cut off the engine after 30 to 60 minutes of use. First I thought it was cutting off because the engine overheats, but after reviewing the wiring schematic diagrams, I discovered that there is no engine overheating sensing device and the ONLY thing that can cause the engine to cut off randomly and quickly, is the carburetor fuel line cut-off valve or high voltage coil shorting out.
So, check the connector on the small solenoid valve attached under the carburetor fuel bulb or reservoir. It has a pair of wires on a small white or black miniature connector attached to this valve. This valve is designed to cut-off the fuel line to avoid gumming up the carburetor if the tractor is not used for a long time. While the engine is running, you can also pull-out the connector and compare the engine cut-off characteristics to see if it is similar to what you are experiencing during the unexpected cut-offs when you are cutting grass. Also check the wires to this valve and see if the ground wire is secured to the engine body and they the other longer wire (generally gray color) is not touching any part of the engine.
Since the power is supplied to this solenoid through the ignition switch, you may have an intermittent (defective) switch which is listed at $19 on eBay (or the entire ignition console at $32)
If you are experiencing the engine cut-offs during very humid days only and other cold or clear days, the cut-offs become less frequent, then you may have a high voltage coil that is defective and moisture enters the high voltage windings and causes misfiring or engine cut-off. This high voltage defect is more rare than intermittent ignition switch (even for a brand new tractors) or the carburetor solenoid valve.
Note: if you think the solenoid valve is the problem, you can buy just the replacement solenoid valve about $10 from eBay, and replace only the solenoid part. You do not need to replace the entire carburetor (which you can buy on eBay from $18-$32).
Lt 4200 Huskee lawn tractor,runs good,and cuts off as if it's loosing fire,maybe be in the neutral switch
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