Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Lawnmower Runs Only Briefly

Question
Hi--

I have a Lawn Boy self-propelled lawnmower (model #10522) which I always let run out of gas after its last use in the fall.

I recently had the blade sharpened, put on a new air filter, checked the spark plug, put in oil and newly purchased gas and tried running it.  It ran for several seconds, then stopped.  I primed it again, pulled the string; it ran for a few seconds, then stopped.  Over and over, the same thing.  

Do you have an idea what the problem might be and how to resolve it?

Thanks.

Answer
This is very common.  It is usually a dirty carburetor. You can try removing the carburetor float bowl nut on the bottom of the carburetor and making sure the holes in the float bowl nut are clean.  Removing the nut will also drain the gas out of the carburetor so be sure to a rag hand and/or drain the fuel.

Let me know if removing and cleaning the float bowl nut fixes the problem.
Eric