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Repair information and troubleshooting for Craftsman-brand riding lawnmowers.

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Why is mower overheating?

The mower overheats and then shuts off. I take the engine cover off and it runs like a champ. I already changed out the air filter. Something else is not getting enough clean air but can't figure it out.

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I have a T260 50 inch craftsman 23 Hp mower kholer KT 730-3046 serial 5022502643

I bought this Brand new at Lowe’s my problem it overheats the Gas in the carburetor bowl 261 degrees not enough cool air flow WHY looks to me I removed my Hood covering NOT ENGINE cowling outside temp approximately 100 air temp it runs great when MTD installed this engine Kohler put a plastic intake GREAT FAILER possible Vacume leak I’ve checked spark both coils perfect changed out the champions to NGK gaped at 0.30 my intake is the o ring type a leaker waiting to happen lean mixture I’ve tried 3 carbs had the intake off bunch of times like I say it runs hot . I have a 20 hp KOHLER it’s 23 years old no none problem just normal maintenance. It doesn’t overheat BECAUSE they have cut air cooling slots for the carburetor. Any help is appreciated my opinion new intake and ADD a Radiator cooling fan the exhaust pipes need to be heat shields

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Check the vent on your gas cap. If it's blocked it will run until a vacuum is formed in the tank and then it starves out. After sitting awhile air will seep in and equalize the pressure. It might look like it is a heating issue.

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Thank you thank you!! This is exactly what was wrong with my lawnmower! Never even heard of that before! But I loosened the gas cap and bam. Working no problem!

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Mayer. THANKYOU FOR THE VENT CAP SOLUTION!

I serviced my perfectly working mower, Craftsman 42"/ B&S 31P777, all the usual changes, then test cut, when after 10 mins it cut out as though overheating. I couldnt understand why. Left it 2 hours, it started and I drove it up to my workshop, checked everything, then it did the same, same result. Next day I found your post- re the vent cap, checked it and sorted problem in 2 mins! Thank you again! Roy

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Roy glad I could help solve your problem ;-)

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what makes the engine get hot is it the coil or wireing it runs like a champ then starts to stalling an shuts down a vented gas cap wont make the engine hot willll it? the flow valve swith wont make it get will it? it dont skip or back fire runs great motor gets untouchable hot before shutdown ocures help???!.

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on pictures of crafman lawnmowers there a plastic guard on the top of the screen mine dont have one this was given to me it may of had one an trownaway before i got it it runs good till it overheats an shuts off.

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I have doubts that the engine is overheating. They don't last long after repeated overheating.

If there is a restriction in the engine intake air filter, the engine won't overheat. Actually it will run colder because the increased vacuum at the carburetor will draw more fuel than the engine can use, causing a rich mixture (too much fuel, not enough air). Black smoke will be a symptom here.

Cooling air, on the other hand is drawn in by the fan at the top of the engine, and blown down through the metal shroud across the cylinder head(s), which is where most of the heat is generated.

When you say you take the engine cover off and it runs like a champ, which cover do you mean? If it's the hood you raise up to add fuel, that's one thing, if it's the metal shroud on the engine, that's something else again.

A lean carburetor mixture (too much air and not enough fuel) can cause an engine to overheat even with plenty of cooling air. Backfiring under load will be a symptom in this case, caused by a plugged fuel filter of pickup screen in the fuel tank.

If the engine is actually overheating, it will not crank right after it dies. It will act like the battery is dead. If it does crank, you are looking for something else.

As far as cooling air, that system is pretty reliable. As long as the screen that spins at the top of the engine is clean, all should be good. You should be able to feel air blowing at the bottom of the engine when it's running.

Something else to check, is low oil shut down. Some engines have it some don't. A broken or loose wire here will kill the engine. There are also lots of safety switches on newer mowers. The seat, blade clutch, brake switch, all need to be functioning properly. Closely examine all wiring where it gets close to anything that may rub through the insulation.

Good luck

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I have a Troy Bilt (MTD) mini rider. It seems to overheat after about 45 minutes on a cold day and about 15 to 20 on a hot day. I have checked the fuel tank for debris. The cap that it breaths. Changed the spark plug. Changed the oil with the recommended oil from the manual. Replaced the battery. All I can think of that is left is the ignition coil and the solenoid. Reading your comment above that if it were truly overheating then the engine would not turnover after it stops. It turns over fine but it won't start till I let it sit for about 20 minutes. Any ideas?

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Had the same problem, mine has a Briggs motor 16.5 hp with over head valves and found that the valve cover was loose. Tighten it and now it stays running . I tried the same fixes before I found the problem

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Mike will be eternally grateful.
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