Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Snowthrower issue, sears craftsman, craftsman snowthrower

Question
Hi John, I have a 24" Craftsman snowthrower w/ a Briggs and Stratton 4 stroke engine. While doing my driveway yesterday it ran fine for an hour or so and then it almost stalled once but continued to run. 2 minutes later it just died. With or without the choke it refused to start. It did start for a second one time after I primed it. But that was it. It has has fresh gas and oil, and the spark plug it slightly rusty but not bad. I'm no expert but it sounds like it's not getting gas. But what I don't understand is why all of a sudden? Any help you can give us would be great! Thanks Diane

Answer
Hello Diane:

If you Remove the Breather and Pour a Small Amount of Gas Into the Carburetor Throat and the Engine Starts and Quits or you Use Starter Fluid and the Engine Starts and Quits, then the Carburetor Requires Soaking and Cleaning. The Carburetor Can Stop Operating in a Split Second. The Carburetor Passages and Jets are Minute and it Takes Nothing of Any Size to Restrict the Jet and Stop the Engine from Running. This is Rare, but it Does Happen. Send me the Model Numbers Off the Mower, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. The Sears/Craftsman (example: 123.123456) Model Numbers or the Engine Model Numbers are Required for me to Really Assist you. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John