[ejd]

I have a Woods ZTR mower with an M12 in it. It is an older model. I was mowing the other day and it was 95 degrees with high humidity. I would be going fine for about 45-60 minutes and then it would start to sputter and idle way down. When I turned the pto off it would idle back up and run fine, for a while. If I let if idle for a minute or so I could go back to mowing for about 15 min. before it would start acting up again. After letting it sit for about 15 minute with the engine off, I started it back up and mowed for about 15 minutes before it acted up again.
This just had a tune up at the dealer, and I checked the gas, and the oil and the air filter and everything else and it all seemed fine to me. The only thing that I noticed was the muffler looks to be added on sometime ago and a makeshift heat sheild has been welded directly onto the muffler.
I called the dealer and they said it was too hot to be mowing and I should take more breaks. While this sounded like a good idea, it won't get my mowing done any faster.
I was wondering if I replaced the muffler would that cool things down a little, or is this even an overheating problem?
I would appreciate any help or suggestions
Thanks
E

 

[Springfieldm141972]

While the engine was in for tune-up, Did the repairguy change the gas tank cap or put other gasket in it? I have had the same trouble you are describing and it was nothing more than the gas tank developing a slight vacuum. I know that sounds to simple but try to run the unit with the gas cap loose on the tank and see if it still does the same thing. Just be careful not to loose the cap during testing...Don't ask me how I know.

Regards,
Everett R

 

[Fcubman]

Could it be overheating? Are the cooling fins free of debris, and the blower fins clean?

 

[ejd]

Everett,
I never thought of that! Thanks I will try it.

Fcubman,
The cooling fins are free of debris.

Thanks for responding, I will try it and see if this helps.
E