My John Deere LX178 with the Kawasaki engine runs well for about 20-30 minutes, then acts like it runs out of gas. It will restart if I hold the choke for a couple minutes, but rough. If I let the mower cool off, it will restart and run good for 20 minutes or so. I noticed the fuel pump weep hole was leaking gas, so I put in a new pump. I removed the carburetor bowl to insure that it's clean. I also removed the gas tank and drained and clean it too. All fuel lines are new. Not sure what else to check. Do you have suggestions?

I'm no mechanic but sounds like the starter isn't engaging, Does it have a solenoid? If so you should be able to bypass it, Can you turn the key to the on position and jump start it at the starter? Are you sure the motor isn't locked up, check the oil, Hope some of these suggestions help.

You need just a bit of clarification on using that charger. If all you have for setting options (amp ratings) is 2, 4, & 6 AMP, you SHOULD NOT engage the starter while the charger is connected to the battery! Small chargers like this don't always have good "overcurrent" protection (internal circuit breaker) and the load of the starter being applied to the charger could be the death of the charger. UNLESS a charger features a selection for "Boost Start" or something like that, never engage the starter without disconnecting the charger first. If the battery is very much discharged (weak) you will need to leave the charger connected for around 24 hours at 6 amp before the battery will gain enough capacity to function in cranking duties. (amount of charge in battery determines the exact amount of time at a specific amp rate to reach full charge). Having the battery tested by a competent shop could reveal whether the battery is shot or not. Another issue to cover in "no start" situations is whether corrosion has developed in the large cable circuits that serve the starter system. Both battery post connections, both large posts on the starter solenoid, the starter cable on the starter case, as well as the frame/engine connection fastener for the battery ground cable, MUST ALL BE TIGHT & CLEAN. You can't always determine if those connections are clean & tight just by looking at them! You have to take them loose, inspect the cable end and the place it connects to, to eliminate corrosion as a problem. Always disconnect the battery negative cable before setting out to loosen/clean/tighten any connections of any of the big cables.

21 Inch John Deer self propelled push mower with blade clutch. I cannot pull the cord to start. Very difficult, and you sort of hear a grinding noise when you can pull it. I just put a bungee cord on the blade engage lever and I can now turn the engine with the pull cord. I assume the blade is turning too. I haven't tried starting it this way because the mower is in the garage and it's raining outside. Anyway, what is likely the problem? I've read some about replacing the blade clutch. How do I know if this is the issue? Also, there are different parts of the clutch. How do I know which ones to replace. I don't see much buildup of grass underneath that could be messing things up. Thanks!