I didn't look up your model number but I assume the mower has a gas shut off valve, it so, try shutting the gas off 30 seconds before you stop the engine then see it will restart in the time interval it is failing now. MIGHT be the float valve is leaking and flooding the engine (air cleaner) when it sits for a period then evaporates if set a long time. Walt Conner

***" I got it to start but it seemed like it was flooded."*** The operative word here is "flooded". So lets discuss "flooded". When the engine is hot and does not want to restart.......Do you see any BLACK SMOKE out of the exhaust as the engine regains operation??? Or are you seeing "no smoke" in the exhaust, but the engine sort of "stumbles and falters" as it gathers RPM???? Black smoke out the exhaust, after an rather long period of cranking, is the keynote symptom of a hot, flooded engine. A rather long period of cranking that produces no smoke when the engine finally gathers RPM could be a symptom of "vapor lock" in the fuel lines and fuel pump. One way to determine if vapor lock is the culprit is to pour about a quart of cold water on the fuel pump, fuel lines, and carburetor before you try starting it when hot. Keep the water away from the spark plugs or you could "ground them out" (which would render the test "useless"). ...................................... In regard to ***"a small solenoid at the bottom. I can hear it click when I turn on the key. I am not sure what it is supposed to do."*** That is the fuel cutoff solenoid valve. Its purpose is to prevent "afterfire" (sometimes erroneously called "backfire") out the exhaust during engine shutdown. By design intent, you should turn off the "ignition switch" while the engine is turning about "medium RPM' when shutting down engines that feature a "fuel solenoid". This action does not actually stop the "ignition sparking" of the plugs. Instead, it interrupts the 12 volt current to the fuel solenoid. This causes the solenoid valve to close, shutting off the fuel to the carburetor MAIN JET. With the MAIN JET deprived of fuel, the engine begins to lose RPM, but the ignition system continues to "fire", consuming the last dregs of fuel in the engine AND purging the exhaust and muffler of any unburned fuel or hot combustible gasses (remember, the throttle is still open, so the intake is gulping air, but only air....no fuel). This prevents the loud "BANG" out of the muffler, (so annoying to the neighbors) and makes the machine an EPA Poster Child by venting no unburned fuel vapors to the environment (unlike stopping a hot engine by "killing the spark", as once was the norm).

EGR valve, idle air control, or maybe the mass air flow sensor comes to my mind. Hopefully someone with more recent experience than mine will chime in. Bottom line is it could be a number of things. The only thing to do get someone with some diagnostic capabilties to have a look at it. There's a chance that that symptom indicates a particular thing a high percentage of the time on that particular car, but I wouldn't bet on it. Good luck.

Irina, It is such fun to talk about the Russian and Uk AVs as they are exciting, recent developments. They are a unique breed. They are rugged and can withstand cooler temps. I would love to know what genetic material the Russian and Uk ladies use to create their extravagant "novelties." The breakthroughs they made look like a new species in the world of AVs. It is worth it to pay a few dollars more for such exotic, giant beauties. It is a dynamic, changing market. So if you find a Russ or Uk variety that is a good performer, it is a good idea to have a back-up. Before it vanishes. The Russ and Uk are into new market developments. Not into creating a vintage legacy.* If a person wants to have only 2 or 3 AVs, these offer great choices. In general, they are happy, fun, easy-going. I find the solid colors remain true and do not sport. The blooms are showy, long-lasting. The colors are true. They have achieved break-throughs in colors that Americans have not yet achieved. They brought AVs to a whole new level of horticulture. They also do not seem to need a lot of grooming, making them great gifts. The stories of how the Russian and Uk markets were first opened are fascinating. I believe it started when an exuberant, prominent Russian businessman first came to the U.S.A. AVSA national convention one year when it was held in Philadelphia. He met Paul Sorano of Lyndon Lyon's and began a long business friendship over several years. He went to many conventions, bought a lot of Lyon's plant material, and consulted with Paul Sorano. He was very successful in starting and developing businesses. When he became fascinated with AVs, he and immediately forged a lasting business and personal relationship. He gathered a group of business people and horticulturists and invited Paul Sorano to visit them and teach them everything. Paul Sorano went to Russia and the Ukraine countries and introducing AV plant material and cultivation where it had never been. Therefore, Russian AVs all started with Lyon's stock. But somewhere along the line, they discovered some secret ingredients, like Jack and the Beanstalk magical beans, to create amazing, intricate botanical wonders. Dating back in history, the Lyon's family include the very earliest hybridizers and are strong mentors of many others. They helped create the original AV industry we enjoy today. As a result of what Paul Sorano helped them achieve, the Russian government reveres Paul Sorano as a dignitary and has honored him in many ways for this significant horticultural development. In later years, Kent and Joyce Stork visited those countries and generously shared their horticultural knowledge and plant materials. The Russian reds probably have some of the red genetic material that both the Lyon's and Stork's labored so hard to develop. It seems that thanks to the businessman's excellent development of this market, AVs in those countries are enjoying wide-spread contemporary popularity among all, including the young. They are sold in retail stores dedicated to AVs. The conventions are enormous. They developed a quality product that captured popular national attention. For anyone who has not tried them, spread the joy. Include a few Russians or Uk's in your collections. *We U.S. American and perhaps Canadian collectors can still perserve our vintage AV legacy. However, we are also now able to share the fun of new and exciting developments. Joanne