Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Briggs/Stratton engine, briggs stratton engine, briggs stratton

Question
Hi Paul,
I am a fellow expert volunteer. I volunteer in the Home Improvement and Water Quality sections.
I have a Cub Cadet riding mower with a B/S engine.  It won't start.  I changed the fuel filter and also the fuel pump and cleaned out the line from the tank thru the fuel filter-fuel pump and to carburetor.  I can start it for a few seconds by spraying a starting fluid into the carburetor but then it dies immediately.  For some reason it appears gas is not getting to the carburetor.  Can you offer some suggestions?  I really appreciate your time and help!
Thanks Paul,
Steve

Answer
hi steve

does this engine has a carb solenoid ?

if it does it may not be getting 12 volts to open up the main jet  / fuel flow from bowl
compression and spark must be ok if fires but wont run anything past couple of seconds
test by  applying 12 volt to carb solenoid  you should hear / feel it click
it should also  click open when key is turned on to start and run positions

if you take fuel line off at carb and crank engine  over is the fuel flow  good ?

if so  problem is in carb  as you have rulled out  spark and compression
try checking carb for debris / obsruction in main jets / air bleeds  etc  

be sure to check valve clearance as well  if its a ohv  intek  
clearance should be  0.003" inlet  and 0.005" exhaust @ 1/4 past tdc on power stroke

have a look and let me know


cheers  hope it helps


paul