My 97 Poulan lawn tractor starts and runs for a few min. then acts like it's running out of gas and dies out. I changed the gas, plug and fuel filter to no aval. The air cleaner looks good as does the spark plug wire I'm out of thought any help!

Try replacing the plug.could also be a spark problem from the coil .you can purchase a spark tester which you can fit between the plug and lead .pull start mower and watch if spark is good.if ok then get a can of carby clean start mower and spray carby clean spareingly while running and if it keeps going the fuel is the problem

Check the breather in the fuel cap, run it with the cap loose and see if it is any better.

check for spark when it dies you could have a bad coil

a bad coil will shut it off for a while then restart when it cools down check for spark when it dies

It sounds like you have some debris or water in the carberator. You can drain the bowl easily depending on the style of carb. Most newer units take a 7/16 or 1/2 inch opened end wrench and just loosen the bowl bolt or valve whichever it might be until you get fuel or fluid flow. If there is water or other debris I recommend dumping the tank and flushing the fuel system with a good carb cleaner.

If you have already changed your fuel filter and spark plug, look at your fuel tank cap. The breathing holes may be clogged with dirt or debris preventing good fuel flow. I happened to spend $150 bucks for this $5 fix. Hope this helps.

The plugged vent gets my vote. Loosen the fuel cap when it starts to starve.

All Poulan IPLs (exploded parts list) are here:
Poulan.com
http://www.ordertree.com/modelinfo/POULAN-WEED-EATER/75.59.html
Find your model, what little fuel system detail there is can be found on it. HTH
Lou

It sounds like the carburetor is running out of fuel.First make sure the tank is full then loosen or remove the gas cap when it starts sputtering to see if that corrects the problem. Then with engine off remove the fuel line that goes from the tank to the fuel pump,hold it low and see if any fuel flows out of it,if not lightly blow air backwards to the tank,(with fuel cap off),then see if the line is plugged. Next remove the fuel line that goes to carburetor from the fuel pump,crank the engine and see if any fuel flows,if so the carburetor should be cleaned by removing it and disassembling it.

Try cleaning your gas cap vent. It sounds like it may be partially plugged. If it is plugged, the engine will eventually stall.
Regards!, --W/D--

Normal maintenance been applied to this rider ? Filters, lube, cleanings ? This sounds like an electrical issue (component hot), or a vacuum in the fuel tank. Next time it 'stops' open the fuel tank up and listen to any air 'whooshing' in.