Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): lawnmower wont keep running

Question
I have a troy-bilt tuff cut 230.  I have to prime it several times before I attempt to start it. But it shuts off immediately after it fires up. (like 1 second) Is this a carb. problem or a fuel pump problem (do these have a fuel pump?)

Answer
Classic dirty carburetor problem.  No fuel pump, gravity fed fuel system.

You can try removing the float bowl nut located on the bottom of the carb to drain the carb gas.  Make sure the float bowl nut holes are clean.

There are 2 springs on you carb.  1 is connected to the governor arm, the larger spring.  The 2nd spring is the choke spring, a smaller spring...DO NOT loose the smaller spring as they tend to disappear when taking the carb off.

Try the float bowl nut tip before removing the carburetor.

Eric