Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman KOHLER 15.5 OHV model # CV15S, carburetor problems, gas filter

Question
its cranks but wont start...i prime the carb and it will run till that gas is gone then it quits

Answer
Do you have a gas filter? If so is it clear? If not, replace it.

6. Is the gas flowing in to the carburetor?  If not you could have a piece of trash in the needle & seat.  The needle & seat controls the gas flow that starts & stops the gas. You will have to clean or replace. It’s best to replace.

7. The float controls the gas level in the carburetor.  If any of these signs occur, the carburetor is overflowing out of your air filter or out of your primer.  If you have gas in your oil, you have carburetor problems.  NOTE:  Drain the oil if there is gas in it, if you don’t it can be dangerous.  You need to check the needle & seat to see if it has trash or is bad.  Is your float bad?  To check the float pull the pin that holds your float in place, shake the float and if there is fluid inside of the float, replace it.  Don’t forget to set the float level.

8. Carburetors with primers represent a large majority of lawnmower and small engines today.  They have primers to push or force air in the carburetor and in turn force gas through the center jet to make starting easier. Then look to see if the primer is pumping gas in to the engine.

9. Things to check for if the primer is not working. This applies to several different types of engines. Check for holes or tears if you have a carburetor that has a diaphragm.  (A diaphragm is a gas pump located in carburetors that have the gas tank and carburetors assembled together.)  Replace the diaphragm if the diaphragm has a hole or has hardened or slightly slid over to one side, or if the engine will not run correctly and is skipping, not priming, or will not run at all.  If you have a float type carburetor, the bowl gasket Will not be sealed properly and air will leak past the bowl gasket and will not prime.  If you have a air assembly primer box where the air filter box is connected to carburetor, your gasket Will not be sealing correctly.  If there is a tear or a hole in the gasket, air will leak past it and will not force air in the carburetor which will not force gas through the center jet.  Also your air assembly box Will have a crack and will be warped because it was over tightened.  If so, replace it.