Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Briggs 14hp, snapper lawn tractor, hp engine

Question
I was given a Snapper lawn tractor with a Briggs %26 Stratton 14 HP engine and it will only run as long as i squirt gas into the carb. Can you tell me what is wrong. Thanks.

Answer
It sounds as if you have either water or varnish in the carb, keeping it from delivering the fuel properly. Remove the carb and drain the fuel system. Clean out the carb and rebuild if necessary. Remember to replace the fuel filter if it has one. They also can retain water if it entered the system. This should get you up and going.