Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Honda HRA215SXA lawn Mower wont stay running, mower dies

Question
My mower fires right away when choked, but will only run for about 5 seconds then quits. gas is new and full. It has run well until this problem. plug looks good. If you suggest fuel filter, please let me know where to find on my mower. is it in the gas tank?
Thanks, JIM

Answer
Your problem is one of the most common complaints that we see nowadays.  The ethanol-blended fuels cause a lot of problem with deposits and varnishing of the carbs.  What needs to be done is to disassemble the carb and soak in cleaner for an hour or more.  Chase all the holes with a fine wire, rinse with distilled water and blow dry with compressed air.  Then reassemble with a new carb kit.  I also replace the fuel lines and clean the tank out.  If yours has a shut-off with a sediment trap, that should be cleaned as well.

For the past year or so, this sort of complaint has become the far and away most common complaint we see in the shop.  Let me know if you have any questions.  Thanks, PK.