After mowing about half my one acre lot my Craftsman 42" model 917.271131 suddenly stopped running, as if I had shut off the ignition. I changed the spark plug, air filter, oil and oil filter and fuel filter just to be safe, but this thing will start right up after sitting for about 3 minutes; run for three minutes and then stall. I let it sit for a few minutes and the same thing happens-starts up, runs for 2 -3 min. and dies. I'm thinking electrical but what?? I'm from the era of points and condenser, so I'm pretty well lost at trouble shooting this thing! Anybody have any ideas? TIA Art Lee

Art Lee, May 2005

bad condenser

jim rez, June 2005

Remove the gas cap and start the engine. If the engine does not stall with the cap removed, the vent in the cap is clogged with dirt. Wash the cap in soap and water, look for a vent hole and probe the hole with a small wire.

Walter, May 2005