I have a 5 year old Craftsmen 5 hp 4 cycle lawnmower that has a new
stalling problem. I mowed my ~2 acre yard all in one push a few weeks
back, and after ~2 hours of continuous mowing the thing quit on me.
It seemed awefully hot, so I let it sit for ~30 minutes and then tried
to start it again. It would start, run for a few minutes, and then
die. Every time I would restart it, it would run for a little less
each time, until it basically wouldn't run at all. I gave up and let
it sit for 2 weeks, cleaned the air filter, put fresh gas and carb
cleaner in it and tried to start it this morning. If you prime it
with the little bulb, it will run for ~5 seconds and then die (it
won't turn over at all unless you prime it each time). I checked the
oil and it is well above the MAX line, which I know is bad for 4 cycle
engines, but the oil was not this high before the problems started.
Is is possible that fuel or water got in the oil forcing it above the
MAX line and causing my problems?