Model # 917.273150...

There is a solenoid looking thing right under the carb. It has a red wire coming to it. It is maybe a couple if inches long, cylinder shaped mounted vertically. I think it is some kind of shut off solenoid, and I think it is bad.

Here's what happens: Mower cranks and runs great for 10-15 minutes, then just shuts off. Will not crank back up immediately, but after it sits a while will crank and run fine again.

I paid a shop to clean the carb and check the fuel delivery. They claim my model does not have a fuel pump, so that could not be it. They basically gave up.

I am basically making guesses at this point.. I could find another shop, but I am real suspicious of this little solenoid thingie. It could be going bad and triggering a shutdown.

Any thoughts?

That should be a Kohler engine and the part in questions shuts off the fuel to prevent backfiring. I doubt its your problem since it does actually heat up or anything while the engine is running. Can you get it started, wait for the failure, and then try to restart while testing for spark at the removed plug? This will tell us a great deal more, be sure the plug remains grounded againist the block

I will try to test for spark when it's in the 'non-cranking' mode.

This engine does not have a fuel pump, correct?

Thanks for the response!

As far as I can see its gravity fed. http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/part-model/Craftsman-Parts/Riding-mower-tractor-Parts/Model-917273150/0247/1509200/P0303045/00005?blt=06&prst=0&shdMod=917273150

Usually the solenoid on the bottom of the carb either works or it doesn't. It gets stuck in one position.

I would also suspect the coil is getting hot and losing spark. The other thing we have found that happens is that the gas cap vent hole gets clogged and restricts the flow of gas. It build up too much suction and cuts off the flow of gas. Once it sits for a while the suction in the tank leaks off and it will start again.

Check out these two things and see what you find.

I had the same problem w/ my Craftsman (same engine p/n). After over a year's worth of frustration, I discovered the part number for the fuel filter in the owner's manual is a typo. My manual lists the in-line fuel filter as part # 25-050-03-S. It should read 25-050-21-S (Sears p/n 33940). I haven't had that problem since I replaced it w/ the corrected p/n. So if the original fuel filter on yours has ever been replaced using the manual as a reference for the p/n, check the manual to see if the same typo is present. Try the 21-S filter & good luck.