[I] have a 23 hp 48" cut scotts lawn tractor that runs rough to begin with but when I go to release the clutch it wants to die.

It wants to die, but does it actually die?

Ballenger1 may have a point if its on its last leg.

Anyhow if it's running ruff the motor lost its torque capabilities. So the clutch being disengaged will cause your problem of the tractor stalling.
If the air fuel mixture is incorrect and or if the plugs are bad or the pistons rings are shot any one of the fore mentioned needs checked out and will create the problem here.

Start with plugs and carb/fuel pump


Signed 21 Boat

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Hi,
It dies because the drive belt is out of its position. This I gather a John Deere, though it could be a Noma, ssame HP. Try giving the model numbers for more efficient help.
Peace,
Clarke

runs rough to begin with but when I go to release the clutch it wants to die.


Mowerman. I went with runs ruff as the poster stated.

Ballanger1 posted It wants to die, but does it actually die?

crigby thinks It dies because the drive belt is out of its position.

I went with, any motor that runs to ruff and has a load put on it could die period, Safety switch's or not. So, the motor running ruff could be a problem if it wants to die, Also the safety switch could be a safety switch.. problem.

Ive messed with safety switches in vehicles and mowers too and I also had the some of the same problems with boat motors. I assumed the poster added the motor runs ruff that could possibly cause it to stall.

Ballanger has a good point here to help clarify what it actually does or doesn't do in his satire way of asking a good question.

Poster "it wants to die." He didn't say it just shuts off which would be a better indicator of a kill on spark./ ignition shut down.

So please explain how my answer is so out of place here and you are 100% and not be off base too?

So mowerman you think could be the safety switch on the clutch-not is also a guess too?

So do we give out a disagree on a could be? ? Its all a guess and all plausible here unless the poster gives better details.