boblloyd

I'm thinking you have an electrical problem if it bogs down at the same regular interval with two different loads.  Hard to imagine a fuel related problem doing that.   Perhaps there's an electrical overload sensor that can shut down the ignition when it detects an overload.  This sensor could be defective.  You did say the overload light comes on when you have the problem.  Alternatively the electronic ignition module could have an intermittant failure.  Is the symptom the same if you push the shutdown switch for a second or so?   -Bob

His "evidence" is just a collection of personal anecdotes mostly about racing engines and is in no way a scientific study.  Modern motors should not need much special handling during break-in but I'd follow manufacturer's recommendations not his advice.  He does not cite his professional qualifications or even his real name.   -Bob 

L100 series lawn tractors are made in the John Deere Power Products factory in Greeneville, TN.    However, I agree they are no better than comparable Husq, Craftsman, or Cub Cadets and  are considerably more expensive.  The L111 is new this year and my local Home Depot has a display model with a transparent hood.  Too bad they don't sell them that way. The clear hood is pretty cool.    -Bob

On Sunday I realized we had another snowstorm on the way but I was going to be far away on business all week.   I'm sure I could have gotten a neighbor to clear the driveway but my wife seemed to think she could handle the snowblower.    Except for the lawn tractor she has almost no experiance with OPE.  Even there she won't engage the mower.  

Anyway I gave her a quick course on operating the machine and had her clear a short path in the back yard as a final exam.  I gave her a C- and left on my trip still a little dubious.    

We ended up with a good 8" of heavy snow.   Well she reports the Briggs OHV pull started instantly.  She then took a little while to get the hang of it but got the driveway cleared fine even the dense EOD.  In fact she had a BALL and proceeded to clear the walk, the sidewalk in front of our house, and even the sidewalk of our neighbors who were away on vacation. I am impressed.      The bad news is that she wants to do it all the time now.      Anyone else have a story about training their spouse on OPE?   -Bob

Great job on the replacement motor.  It looks like a brand new machine.    Check out this link for Briggs & Stratton Numerical Designation System.  My interpretation is that the last 2 in 12B412 indicates rewind starter only without electric start or alternator. With these options it would be a 4.   If you need the headlight you might be able to retrofit an alternator winding or worst case put in a small 12V rechargeable battery - 5 amp hours would run one a couple hours.  Maybe that wire is a deadman control to cut the motor.  

Not sure about most ages here but a few seem MUCH more immature than 22.     -Bob