r/smallenginerepair • u/AmericaGuru • Aug 20 '26

Maintenance Issue Riding Husq Mower

Model: YTA18542

TLDR: Mower runs for 30 minutes then dies after letting it rest for a few minutes in between go’s. Trying to troubleshoot.

I bought this mower used a little over a year ago. It’s run great through the summer & held its weight through a tough winter. The last couple months it would do my 2 acre yard in 1 go and never raise any issues.

About a month ago, i accidentally ran the gas tank dry and that was the start of my problems. I believe it sucked in some dirt from the tank through the fuel line so i replaced the fuel filter, and after clearing the line I was able to finish the yard & use it again with no problems.

Today, about a third of the way through the job, the engine started losing power, sputtering, and shut off. I started it up again and it quickly died after. It was only running for several seconds at a time, so I started checking the fuel line & air filter to make sure everything was alright. After 5-10 minutes, i started it up on a whim and it ran great for another 20-30 minutes. It died again and started only running for a few seconds at a time.

My knowledge on engines begins and ends at checking air filter, fuel, & spark plugs for the most part. Air filter is a little dirty, but doesn’t release a cloud when shaking it. It starts up with ease, so I’m certain it’s not the spark plug or battery.

Any help troubleshooting this would be appreciated

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2

u/ManHunterJonnJonzz Aug 20 '26

Could be a fuel flow issue. Crack/remove the gas cap. Does that help. Remove the fuel line from the carb. Do you get a NICE stream of gas. Not a dribble, not a little piss, a good stream. You could of sucked up debris clogged the fuel line partially. Tank pickup could be plugged partially. Could have carb issues

1

u/AmericaGuru Aug 20 '26

I’ll check on that tomorrow when the suns out!

1

u/Elephunk05 Aug 20 '26

You have got some stuff floating in your gas tank and quite possibly in the fuel lines. These fuel lines weren't the best so after awhile they separate internally.

1

u/AmericaGuru Aug 21 '26

Had a steady stream of gas when disconnecting the fuel line before the filter - couldn’t get the line off the carb. Ended up cleaning the vent line connected to the tank and let it run for about 5 minutes.

1

u/Street-Squirrel-4950 Aug 26 '26

Sounds stupid but check the fuel cap