Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): lawn tractor, briggs and stratton, model craftsman

Question
Hi, i was just givin an older model Craftsman 11hp lawn tractor model #045960411 it has a 400cc briggs and stratton engine. just tryin to figure out if its worth fixin up, i got it for free. the machine was said to be "running fine about 3 months before i received it. When you go to start it, it fires right up and sounds strong for about 3 seconds then immediately dies out. if you put it to choke, then right back to "rabbit speed" it'll give you another quick burst of power then die again.I checked the plug it seems ok...i drained the fuel and replaced it wehn i first got it...i also took the fuel filter off and checked it, it had a bunch of gunk in it that i banged out and it seems clean(i can see through it) any help you can offer would be awesome...thanks again

Kevin.

Answer
Is there a digit or two missing in the model number?  The number looks odd and could not find the model in the parts list.

First place to start is to remove the carburetor, dis-assemble and clean with compressed air from an air compressor and carb cleaner.

Since it starts, odds are the ignition, compression and timing are all good.

Eric