We have a 2 year old 149cc Craftsman mower which has been reliable up until two weeks ago when it started stopping suddenly while mowing. It would usually start up just fine after a few minutes. The stopping was so sudden, that I initially thought it had to be an electrical problem, but after digging into it, I found that there is fuel filter inside the fuel tube at the bottom of the fuel tank which was clogged with a very fine black powder. Not sure where that powder originated, but suspect the black plastic tank might be breaking down. Some of that fine powder made it to the bottom of the carb bowl as well, and I gave that, the float needle valve, and the orifice units a good cleaning.
Also noted that all the bolts in the mower were surprisingly loose. At any rate, if your Craftsman mower starts stopping intermittently, give that fuel filter a look.
Also noted that all the bolts in the mower were surprisingly loose. At any rate, if your Craftsman mower starts stopping intermittently, give that fuel filter a look.