Please don't yell. Are you saying that you have to jump it to run? 1) Do not remove the battery terminals of a running engine. 2) This engine likely has a solenoid below the carb that needs power to it in order to operate. 3)This thing has a charging system. Maybe the whole issue is that the hole in the fuel cap is plugged and is not venting. If you need further assistance, we will need model/ spec or type #s of the engine plus the 917 # from below the seat.

Clean the vent hole in the fuel tank cap.
Do not remove battery cables while the engine is running because the battery might explode. Also, do not ever remove the positive cable first, always remove the negative cable first, and reconnect it last. Messing around with the positive cable with metal tools while the negative cable is still connected is another way to make a big arc and explode a battery.

Sorry for yelling. MOD #917.272056. Ser # 082101D007407 Changed the solenoid, seat plunger, interlock switch, fuel cap and fuel filter - the tractor STILL dies while mowing after about 5 minutes. Went to the local Sears parts place to order the fuel solenoid (on the bottom of the carb). They gave me a part #692734 in a briggs and stratton bag. I told them that this machine has a Kohler engine and was told that the parts are interchangeable. Needless to say, it didnt fit. Called the Sears parts hotline and come to find out that it needs a whole carb rebuild kit to get the solenoid! #12-757-33-S. This is an expensive parts kit. Am I on the right path here (the carb solenoid) or is there something else I should be changing first? I tracd the wireing and found no visable shorts...There's not much else to change (exept the relays). This machine runs excellent until it dies. Got any ideas??

Several. How long until you can restart the Kohler? Immediately after the engine dies, can you check for spark? Is the carb bowl and plunger on the carb solenoid clean and free of debris? You can check these items by setting your parking brake (over riding the seat switch) and turning the key to run, and watch the action of the carb solenoid.
If no spark after the engine dies, the coil module is failing, and will need to be replaced.

Cleaned the blockage in the gas cover vent...ran fine after that.