Engine quits when running uphill
I have a similar issue with my Deere L111 -- but with a twist; it got progressively worse, over a three minute interval this morning:
Phase I:
When heading up even a slight incline (with cutting blades engaged), the engine sputters, slows down, and then dies, unless I turn the machine around and head downhill in time, in which case it recovers nicely.
The tractor starts up right away once I'm back on level ground.
Phase II:
The effect was reduced when I disengaged the blades, but then started occurring even with the load off the engine.
Phase III:
The tractor showed the same symptoms even when on _level_ ground; it starts up fine, but does not continue running.
Background
- Before I started mowing this morning I changed the sparkplugs and replaced the fuel line filter with a Briggs&Stratton OEM filter
- The Carb has given me many problems in the past, but I soaked it and cleaned all the elements earlier in the season.
- Outside temperature is about 75 F
Could these symptoms be caused by the fuel pump? Do B&S fuel pumps get "weak," or do they operate fine until one day they quit completely.
Thank you!