Craftsman Rider Mower Won't Stay Running When the Choke Is Pushed In

Operating the Mower in Temperatures of 50 Degrees or Higher

• Even when operating the mower in warm weather, it is important to use the choke properly and to follow the correct starting procedure. Press the clutch/brake pedal down and set the parking brake. Move the gear shift lever to the neutral setting and the attachment clutch to the disengaged position, then slide the throttle control to the choke setting. Turn the key and let the engine crank. Don't allow the engine to crank for more than 15 seconds to avoid flooding the engine was gasoline. If the engine doesn't start, move the throttle lever to the fast setting for a few minutes, then try starting it again. If repeated attempts fail, move the throttle back to the choke setting and try again. Move the throttle control to "Fast" as soon as the engine starts. If the engine stalls after engaging the attachments and ground drive, restart the engine but leave the throttle lever at the choke setting and let it idle for one minute, then move the lever back to "Fast."

Operating the Mower in Temperatures of Between 32 and 50 Degrees

• The preliminary steps necessary before attempting to start the engine in cold weather are the same as when starting the engine in warm weather, but you must use the choke differently in temperatures between 32 and 50 degrees. Instead of moving the throttle control to the fast setting as soon as the engine starts, leave the throttle control in the choke position until the engine warms up. When the engine begins idling unevenly, move the throttle control to the fast setting. Note that the amount of time it takes the engine to warm up depends on the air temperature. Generally, the colder the temperature the more time it takes for the engine to warm.

Gasoline-Related Problems

• Because the choke adjusts the engine’s air/fuel mixture upon startup, you should make sure that the correct type of fuel is used and that the fuel is fresh. Use only unleaded gasoline rated at a minimum of 87 octane, and do not mix the gasoline with oil. Even if the correct fuel is used, old fuel can cause an erratic idle and engine stalling. Do not use gasoline that is more than 30 days old. If you intend to use the mower in cold weather, use only a winter-grade gasoline.

Other Potential Causes

• When the choke is engaged, the engine’s air supply is reduced. If the engine’s air filter is dirty, there might not be enough air for the engine to idle with the choke engaged. Replace the air cleaner after every 25 hours of operation. A clogged fuel filter can also result in engine stalling. Replace the fuel filter each year. With the proper amount of air and fuel reaching the engine, the spark plug is responsible for igniting the air/fuel mixture. The mower’s spark plug does have a finite lifespan. Replace it after every 100 hours of operation or every year, whichever occurs first.