My JD STX 38 just died!

[survriggs]

Lawn needs mowing...had a short amount of time to get it done...start the 8 or 10 year old STX 38 (black deck)...mow 2 minutes and it dies. Spark is OK, took off air cleaner and cranked to see if gas present when choked and it was. When cranked it backfired through the carburetor with lots of noise and flame. I put the air cleaner back on and cranked again. It tried to start but never would get up any rpm's. I realize that analyzing what I've written is no substitute for an experienced hands-on repairman but the lawn still needs mown, It's coming up on the Labor Day weekend and I don't want to use the push-mower. If this is a recognizable symptom I'd appreciate any ideas........also,I've also got my eye on a new JD X300 or CC GT2542. I kinda have my fingers crossed that it's shot....it's easier to explain the new JD or CC to the wife.

I'm not a frequent poster but a frequent reader and I've gotten a lot of good info. at TBN, thanks.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Once I had a B&S that would start and die after a few minutes. I did a carburetor kit job and it cured it. It could also be something in the electrical that gets hot and quits. Did you check spark immediately when it stopped?

 

[survriggs]

it did have spark immediately after it stopped. I am in process of checking sheer pin on flywheel although I can't remember any incident where it would have sheered.

 

[maxtor1]

it did have spark immediately after it stopped. I am in process of checking sheer pin on flywheel although I can't remember any incident where it would have sheered.

A backfire can shear the flywheel key. I have seen it many times since i have repaired mowers for years.

 

[wushaw]

I would go with the sheered pin idea also.

 

[bontai_Joe]

Did you get 'er fixed? or buy a new one?