Question : I have a Craftsman riding mower model number XXX.XXXXXX. I bought this tractor in 1996 and it has been trouble free until this year. Last week when my wife was mowing and today when I was mowing, after mowing with the tractor for about half an hour, it stops running. Also, just in the last month since the weather has been hot, I have noticed difficulty starting the tractor when the engine is warm. It has no problem starting when cold. Any idea on what the problem is? Thank You!

Answer : It sounds very much like an ignition problem. The next time this happens I want you to remove the spark plug and lay the threaded portion against some bare metal of the engine. Have a helper sit on the seat, PTO off, and clutch in and turn the engine over. Watch the spark plug, you should see a bright blue spark. I am going to bet you don’t or it will be very light. Check the engine when it is cold so that you know the difference. The ignition coils on these units can go bad only when they get hot, once they cool down they go back to working normal.

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$17 : I have a Craftsman riding mower model number XXX.XXXXXX. I