Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Engine wont start when hot, hi john, lawn tractor

Question
Hi, John. I have a 12 HP B&S engine with electronic ignition in a Craftwman lawn tractor that's probably 15 years old, but hasn't had a lot of use. If it's just been sitting in the garage and the engine hasn't been cranked up, it starts just as soon as I turn the key. It runs fine. However, once it warms up and I turn it off, then when I try to restart it the engine just cranks and coughs. It makes a strange rasping sound and acts like it wants to start--i.e., it sounds like it almost will start. It won't. The next day, the same cycle is repeated. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Answer
 Hello Ed

 The problem you described is the Carb Fuel Float Needle isnt Seating Proper.  Have the Carb Rebuilt.  If you are going to try and Rebuild it yourself. Contact me when you have removed the carb from the Engine and we can start from there.  Most times I put a Cutoff Valve in the Fuel Line going to the Carb and just Turn it Off whenever I Shutdown the Mower. Fuel is leaking into the Carb Intake and is Flooding the Hot Engine.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John