John Deere S240, KawasaK I eng, 23.5 hgr use, new plugs, new fuel filter, clean air filter, battery ok, fuel ok,,,,stopped when mowing (as though out of fuel),installed as above, motor spins ok, wont start, just noticed new filter only/ 1/2 full ?,,, suggestion s,,,,Dealer three weeks out

btw: started twice, died fast, 1st start--Thick white smoke,,,,2nd time short run, NO smoke.

fuel pump? fuel shut off valve? ... maybe got partially closed?

Thick white smoke? oil is usual blue-ish, and running rich is black.... that is sometimes indication of water/moisture in the fuel... drain some fuel out of the line into clear jar, let it sit for about 5 minutes and look for phase separation. Oil level OK?
see if you can remove the air filter, and keep it running on brake parts cleaner/carb cleaner or starting fluid through the intake.

I see you posted over on the lawn world forum too, very good helpful folks on there, especially Rivets, StarTech and Ilengine.

There is a fuel shut off solenoid under the bowl of the carb, check to make sure it is plugged in. Doubt it is your solution but need to rule it out. Do you have spark?

Also note, fuel filter half full is normal.

Note: Removed (both plugs) tested against tthe eng housing, no spark when cranking!!!

either a bad interlock or a fuse perhaps?

Probably a sensor somewhere. I have an Exmark and it has 3 different sensors, when mine shuts down for no reason that's what it's always been.

Unplug the kill wires from each coil, check for spark. If you have spark without the kill wires hooked up, either a bad safety or kilk wire shorted to ground... If no spark with the kill wires unplugged, coil(s) bad... Also check to be sure there is NO voltage on the kill wire with the key On,Off and in start.

Also, remove the fuel line from the tank. Stand it toward the sky, and fill er up with fuel. Had to do the same thing last week on my Deere with Kawasaki engine

I’m guessing an interlock as well. Either low oil, seat safety, or blades engaged.

THANKS GUYS, GREAT ADVICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Think its beyond my back yard skills, JD cant pick up for about two more weeks then 2 weeks to, repair, thank God I have an older unit that works.

I’m guessing carb

Run a hot wire to bypass the ignition switch and see if you have spark.If you have spark then see if it will run.That will tell you if it's fuel or safety switches.

He has no spark

Several small items,,,,,running

Thanks all

Ooops. Then I change my vote.

good deal.

So apparently, no spark from the carb! I've had that b4 !