Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): mower wont stay runnung, wd 40, spray cleaners

Question
HI, I have a Murray power propelled push-mower #226538. It has a tecumseh 3.5 TVS90. Initially, It would not run unless I put gas directly into the carb through the air intake.It would die as soon as the gas ran out. I replaced the fuel line, pulled the carb off, pulled the metal bowl off the bottom of the carb and found the pin was sticking that was attached to the floater. I pulled all of that apart, cleaned everything out with wd-40, including the tiny hole in the bolt that holds the bowl on, and when I re-assembeled it, the mower ran great for about 20 minutes. then It started dying on me. At first it would run for a minute or two then progressively got to the point where it would only start then immediately die again. Any suggestions on what could be going on now? Thanks.

Answer
You have a stopped up carburetor.  WD-40 is great for displacing water, but using it to clean a carburetor may have worsened the problem.  You need to use a solvent to clean carburetors.  The spray cleaners are good for what they are, but to really get the carb clean, you need to either soak it or have it cleaned ultra-sonically.  Then you need to replace the needle and seat and all gaskets.  Be sure that when you reinstall the float, it sits level with the base of carb when the carb is turned upside down.

What's clogging things up is the wax left behind by evaporating fuel.  You have to get that out of there, then you should be okay.  Thanks, PK.