I have a second hand JD 170. It ran fine most of the summer. Now when I engage the PTO to mow after 2 minutes (cold) the engine will begin to chug like it is choking out till it dies. Restart and re-engage and you can get another 45 seconds..each time it gets shorter and shorter...I have changed the oil, the fuel, the fuel filter. spark plug. air filter, checked for sediment in the carb bowl. Engine will idle fine for hours without pto engaged. There was an inline fuse on on the red wire coming from the shingarden regulator that was extremely hot. but not blown. Dont have alot of experience nor do I have any specialty tools...
any ideas short of the dealer (ouch)