Craftsman Riding Mower 12.5hp B & S 917.25580

It will run great for 10 minutes, sometimes 20, sometimes 30. Sounds great when it is running. After replacing a slew of parts, it still dies like it is running out of gas. I can wait two minutes and it will start right up and run again for undisclosed amt of time. If I hear it dying, I can disengage the mower deck, and then set the throttle to choke and it will stay running (loping) for a long time. However I cannot mow when it is in choke or drive. Can anyone please help me, this is frustrating. I have read countless forums before asking. I want to just buy a newer tractor but just isn't in the wallet! Thanks for any Ideas.

Tony

I have replaced

Fuel filter
Fuel lines
Spark plug
Checked the gas cap
Cleaned the tank
New ignition coil
New needle
Soaked carb
Replaced gasket between carb and motor

Hi,
Does machine really only have an 8 digit number? Most have been 9 since the 1950's-60's. Got and engine number?
Peace,
Clarke

#1
Unread Today, 05:31 AM

Craftsman Riding Mower won't stay running.
Craftsman Riding Mower 18hp B & S 917.274391

It will run great for 10 minutes, sometimes 20, sometimes 30. Sounds great when it is running. After replacing a slew of parts, it still dies like it is running out of gas. I can wait two minutes and it will start right up and run again for undisclosed amt of time. If I hear it dying, I can disengage the mower deck, and then set the throttle to choke and it will stay running (loping) for a long time. However I cannot mow when it is in choke or drive. Can anyone please help me, this is frustrating. I have read countless forums before asking. I want to just buy a newer tractor but just isn't in the wallet! Thanks for any Ideas

I have replaced

Fuel filter
Fuel lines
Spark plug
Checked the gas cap
Cleaned the tank
New ignition coil
New needle
Soaked carb
Replaced gasket between carb and motor


Curt

:confused:
Craftsman Riding Mower 18hp B & S model #917.274391

It will run great for 10 minutes, sometimes 20, sometimes 30. Sounds great when it is running. After replacing a slew of parts, it still dies like it is running out of gas. I can wait two minutes and it will start right up and run again for undisclosed amt of time. If I hear it dying, I can disengage the mower deck, and then set the throttle to choke and it will stay running (loping) for a long time. However I cannot mow when it is in choke or drive. Can anyone please help me, this is frustrating. I have read countless forums before asking. I want to just buy a newer tractor but just isn't in the wallet! Thanks for any Ideas

I have replaced

Fuel filter
Fuel lines
Spark plug
Checked the gas cap
Cleaned the tank



Curt:confused:

Sorry Clarke the number is 917.255580 I forgot a 5 in the middle :) Also this ridding mower has a simple gravity fed carb (walbro), nothing electric.

Hi,
@3ll that time span difference is confusing. Two things come to mind. First is a blockage in the fuel inlet above the needle and the second is ignition. The newer they are, the more other circuitry that has to be built into the ignitions to pass the EPA regulations.
Peace,
Clarke

Craftsman Riding Mower 12.5hp B & S 917.255580

It will run great for 10 minutes, sometimes 20, sometimes 30. Sounds great when it is running. After replacing a slew of parts, it still dies like it is running out of gas. I can wait two minutes and it will start right up and run again for undisclosed amt of time. If I hear it dying, I can disengage the mower deck, and then set the throttle to choke and it will stay running (loping) for a long time. However I cannot mow when it is in choke or drive. Can anyone please help me, this is frustrating. Thanks for any Ideas.