Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engines - Tiller won't stay running after hot

:( I bought a rear-tine tiller off a guy. He said he inherited it and never used it. He noticed the previous owner had over filled the oil.

The tiller starts and runs great...until after it's been running for a while. Then it won't start well or stay running. If it's a fuel issue, then why is it only an issue when it's hot?

PLEASE ADVISE!

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

May not be heat related, but time related. If the gas cap vent is plugged, no air can get in the fuel tank and eventually the fuel pump (or gravity) won't be enough to pull fuel out of the tank as a vacuum is created. Try operating it with the gas cap loose.

I've read that on other related posts and should have explained that this variable was already eliminated. I've tried running it without the cap with no success.

Any other guesses? Perhaps just a fuel issue? The gas is fresh.

Thanks

Post the engine MFG, Model, Type, Code, etc. from the engine schroud and we can go from there. Have a good one. Geo

Ok, here's all the info...

Yard Machine/MTD rear tine tiller - Model 215-406-118 / Serial 2J144K0191

BG 5 HP engine - Model 135292 / Type 0254 01 / Code 9409212D

Any help is greatly appreciated. Go easy on me though...I consider myself a novice. Breaking down a carb would be a first for me.

Thanks

Since this is a diaphragm type carburetor we can rule out vapor-lock. I'd say you need to check ignition strength at the moment it exibits trouble using an in-line spark tester.

The guy I bought it from replaced the spark plug and I've always wondered if it's the right size. Can you tell me which spark plug is correct for this model?

I seem to be having trouble locating information on this model.

Thanx.

Edit: I found it. 5062. I'm not 100% sure, but I think the number on mine is 5168??? They look about the same. I'll double check.

I noticed that a couple rubber elbows connecting incoming air from the filter to the engine are dry rotted and visibly cracked.

I had it out yesterday. It's soooo hard to get running again after it's hot. It simply won't fire. Once it finally fires, she'll start right up. I figure it's either not getting fuel or it's not getting a spark. If left alone, it would run all day. As soon as I engage the tines or put it in drive, it will die...again...once it's hot. The tines and drive will run fine for about the first 15 minutes.

This engine uses a Champion RJ19LM, spark plug. The rubber elbows are for the crankcase breather. While you should replace them, unlike your automobile, they will have no effect on the performance of the engine. I still say you will have a weak ignition system. Check ignition strength using the in-line tester the moment it exibits trouble.

How do I use an in-line tester? Where do I get one?

And, what do I do if the tests show weak ignition strength?

Thanks

You can probably find an inline tester at most automotive parts stores. If the spark shows to be weak, replace the coil.