I have a Scag turf tiger that’s 21yrs old with almost 1400 hours. I lost my husband 13yrs ago and I’ve managed my big yard just fine until now. It will start up just fine and after about 30 minutes it will just stop. I don’t want another mower I just want to see if I can see what I can do to see what is wrong
Scag turf tiger
- Thread starter Robheg
- Start date
It will start up if I jump it off and run for a little while then stop again
Battery is all good
Choke, No choke? When you choke it after running does it stall out?
Jump it off?
Take the Fuel Cap off and blow it out, sounds like, what I would call, a Fuel Vent problem.
When was the last time the Fuel Filter and Spark Plugs were changed?
This is the easiest thing to check. When it dies, loosen the fuel cap. If it runs fine with the cap loose, the vent is plugged.
When you say "jump it off", do you mean you jump start it with a jump pack or other vehicle?
dnewton3
Staff member
Certainly try to assure the inexpensive things first; those suggestions above are a good start.
The Scag (and many other brands as well) have integrated safety systems which came into place 20+ years ago. There are seat switches, drive control switches, electric clutch switches, control integration modules, etc. It's possible that one of the switches is dropping out, or the module itself is going bad (age/heat); this failure mode is not unheard of in older units. These issues are more difficult to diagnose and likely you'd need to take it to a service shop if the skills are outside your bailiwick.
The Scag (and many other brands as well) have integrated safety systems which came into place 20+ years ago. There are seat switches, drive control switches, electric clutch switches, control integration modules, etc. It's possible that one of the switches is dropping out, or the module itself is going bad (age/heat); this failure mode is not unheard of in older units. These issues are more difficult to diagnose and likely you'd need to take it to a service shop if the skills are outside your bailiwick.
Heat related problem. I'm assuming you have not cleaned the cooling fins around the cylinders and heads for at least 13 years? Probably a Kawasaki engine?
Valves are out adjustment OR you have the dreaded Kawasaki exhaust valve seat issue.
Tom NJ
$100 Site Donor 2026
Lots of possibilities as noted above. It requires a methodical process of elimination starting with the easiest approaches. I had a similar problem which turned out to be a short in the clutch, but in my case the short blew a fuse every time. Zeroed in on it and had the clutch replaced. Your problem sounds like it is heat related.
BTW, I also have an older Scag Turf Tiger, 23 years old, 993 hours and 61" cut (and lost my wife 10 years ago.) This machine is worth fixing as the frame will last forever and a new one costs about $19k.
BTW, I also have an older Scag Turf Tiger, 23 years old, 993 hours and 61" cut (and lost my wife 10 years ago.) This machine is worth fixing as the frame will last forever and a new one costs about $19k.
Good suggestions & I'll throw in that a lot of times when one switch is not working properly it will not allow the starter to engage. OP could let us know if the engine will turn over immediately after shut down & w/o "Jumping it off" if we take that as jump starting it. That may help us get a better idea if it may or may not be safety switch related.
Great advice above. I and others here always teach the basic diagnostic scenario: an engine has 4 needs/components to run: Fuel/air mixture, spark(fire), compression, and timing. Start with the obvious/easiest DIY possibilities before you resort getting a mechanic.
Fuel/air: gas filter, hoses, tank cap vent, carburetor............. there are simple DIY methods, i.e. the tank cap test above, or remove the spark plug and pour a tiny bit of gas into the cylinder, install plug and attempt start. If it fires, then that is a start to figuring out the fuel/air problem.
Spark: Spark plug, plug wire, wiring, safety cutoffs, ground wire, ...............
Compression: not beyond DIY, but the cylinder rings and valves affect this.
Timing: All of the above has to happen in correct time/moment, especially the spark/compression/fuel. This takes a bit more diagnostic skill. A broken flywheel key ($3) can cause this.
When my Exmark zero turn did your symptoms, I learned that the fuel filter got a "glug" of material that starved the engine of fuel. Sit for awhile, start up a bit, then stall. A simple $10 fix.
Best of luck! And welcome to this great forum.
Fuel/air: gas filter, hoses, tank cap vent, carburetor............. there are simple DIY methods, i.e. the tank cap test above, or remove the spark plug and pour a tiny bit of gas into the cylinder, install plug and attempt start. If it fires, then that is a start to figuring out the fuel/air problem.
Spark: Spark plug, plug wire, wiring, safety cutoffs, ground wire, ...............
Compression: not beyond DIY, but the cylinder rings and valves affect this.
Timing: All of the above has to happen in correct time/moment, especially the spark/compression/fuel. This takes a bit more diagnostic skill. A broken flywheel key ($3) can cause this.
When my Exmark zero turn did your symptoms, I learned that the fuel filter got a "glug" of material that starved the engine of fuel. Sit for awhile, start up a bit, then stall. A simple $10 fix.
Best of luck! And welcome to this great forum.
When you say run for a little while, how long are we talking?
Does it start, run for a few seconds and dies almost immediately, or can you mow for a few minutes before it shuts off? These can be very different failures depending on how long it runs before turning off.
I have quite a bit of experience with Scags, and most of the time it is fuel related (carburetor) if it runs for a few minutes then shuts off. If a safety switch is failing, the mower usually won't start at all or will die as soon as you attempt to engage the blades.
Which engine does it have? Do you have a model number of the mower? Usually there is a tag under the seat on the mower frame.
