John Smith wrote:
I have a Scotts Turf Vac3 mower. A while ago, I noticed that
occasionally it wouldn't start when hot. Now, the problem is very
severe. When I start the engine the first time (when the engine is
cold), no problems. But the engine would run for only a couple of
minutes. Then, it'd quit. Once it quits, I can't start it again. I
need to wait for an hour before it'd start again. But once it
starts, it'd run for a couple of minutes and quit. And the waiting
game begins.

I changed the filter and the spark plug to no avail. I tried
running the engine with the gas tank cap off. No use. I cleaned
the carburetor. Nothing changed.

What could be the problem? Thanks.

Cheap check. Does it run okay with the gas cap removed?

As the gas is consumed, more is required. If the gas cap does not have an
adequent vent, the resulting vacuum prevents additional gas from being
consumed.

Or it could be a malevolent foreign god.