Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): carb, carb old gas

Question
my john Deere L120 will crank over and start with a squirt of starting fluid but will not continue to run what is the best way to fix problem. this mower only has twenty five hours i pulled covers off and it appears to have easy access to spray cleaner in the ports thought id ask before i really do any damage.gas is pumping although it may be year or so old please help  thanks- David

Answer
To really do a good job, you need to pull the carburetor and completely disassemble it then soak it for an hour or more in carb cleaner.  Then rebuild it with a new carb kit.  That year old gas has gummed things up and you should do everything you can to remove it.  Spray cleaner doesn't reach into the tiny air circuits so if there's anything clogging them up, soaking or ultrasonic cleaning is the way to go.  Let me know if you have any questions.  Thanks, PK.