Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): LawnBoy 4503 starting problem, kawasaki engine, jet filter

Question
Hi Ben,

I have an old Lawn Boy model 4503, circa 1982.
I replaced the plug, cleaned and rebuilt the carb,
replaced the main jet filter while I was in the carb.
I've also cleaned out the tank and filter, and gave it some fresh fuel at 32:1 mix.
I also checked compression. It's hitting about 70-80 PSI after about 5 pulls on the rope.

When I pull the start rope, it fires up for about 3 seconds and dies immediately, but will not keep running.

Any insight or assistance would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris

Answer
Chris
These old lawn boys are pretty simple engines they run a lot better when you use lawn Boy Oil Mix for some reason, anyway Is this mower silver with a kawasaki engine? If it is it could be the ignition chip also. I think its called a rectifier or transistor. On the older models its separate from the coil.That would cause it to start then shut down allot of times the coils get hot when they start to break down then will only fire for a little bit then shut down. Also make sure that the fuel switch is turned on,just trying to let you know.also check to see if the choke is stuck,common prob on these.