I have a Craftsman 917.272751 18 hp rider elec start since AUG OF 03 and all has been great till now!It run it for 10 to 15 min then it starts sputtering and runs a little more and sputters again then quits. The service tec told me go to a difference type of gas as the ethanol from one station to the next is the problem----the carbaratour does not like ethanol and it starves the engine for gas when the carb gets hot (ethanol turns to vapor)----thus the sputtering etc.-----Well after 60.00 worth of gas in my gas can and 3 station later my mower still does not work right. (note: new plug-air cleaner-fuel line filter)
I have callled again for a service tec appointment... Do I need to purchase a new carb/this is got to be happening to other owners/Please-Please advive ASAP

Before you buy a carb try running the mower with the gas cap off. Does it run longer? You can try using stuff like this Amazon.com: Fuel Medics 37366 Ethanol Medic Fuel Treatment and Stabilizer for Gasoline Engines, 32-Ounce: Patio, Lawn & Garden but it is true that ethanol is tough on mowers, allows rust to build in the carb. 10% ethanol is pretty much all I can get in the Chicago area but when I reach the Iowa border even BP sells straight gas, I stock up for my mowers there. Although ethanol can cause the problem it does not necessarily go away just because you stop using it, I'd clean the carb nowl with SeaFoam or other good carb cleaner